So as today was nearing (Sunday), I asked about the inevitable: church. The DR is about 90% catholic, and 7% protestant/evangelical/jehovah’s witness. I assumed my Dona was catholic, but nope, she’s evangelical. I asked if I could attend church with her (while I’m not very religious, I thought it would be a great cultural experience). She was excited! So, we gussied ourselves up Sunday night and left for church at 5:30. Of course, we didn’t go directly to church but stopped at many people’s houses on the way to say our hellos. We got to church by 6pm and it was definitely not what I expected. Her evangelical church was on the second story of a building, and had about 20 pews and 6 fans (quite a few). There were only a handful of people there and a woman was already preaching (evangelical TV style of course) loudly on a microphone about Gloria a Dios y Halleluyah! However by 7pm the church was packed with people coming and going, children running around and various people preaching the word. We were there for a bit over two hours. I actually enjoyed myself. I met many community members (who quietly asked my Dona.. does she speak spanish?!) and there was great music! About half the service was composed of people singing and clapping to a band composed of guitar, drums and keyboard. As well, the fans felt like air conditioning. I actually had goosebumps from the circulated air—certainly the coolest I have been since entering the DR. While I couldn’t really if there was a central message to the service, I think I will be attending services weekly with the Dona.

Other Life Updates:
• Mosquitos here are fierce. Although I wear bugspray nonstop, I still manage to get bitten (and I have never actually seen a mosquito bite me—they are fast!) and the bites swell and hurt even if you don’t itch them. :(
• I stupidly left my chocolate M&Ms out on my bedroom table.. the ants got to them and subsequently I doused my room in bleach. Shucks.
• I went to the “colmado” (corner store) today by myself and got some laundry soap. The employees were able to understand me! Yes!
• I am the only white, American person in this neighborhood of 20,000 (besides 2 other PC workers nearby). Suffice it to say, I am receiving a lot of attention, especially from males and small children who want to practice English with me.