Hello all dedicated readers!
This blogpost comes very late-- I'm already back in the USA and officially done with Peace Corps! But of course, I would like to recap what my last month in the DR was like (it was so busy I never got a chance to update before leaving):
1. I mostly finished all my projects. This is to say that the fence at the school is not done, and neither is the cement bridge-thing in my community that we were fixing up. However, these projects have been completely funded and taken over by community members, so I have hope they will be completed soon! My youth/adult health promoters will hopefully continue with their projects. I also was able to obtain 2 boxes of last-minute books for the school. Speaking of the school..
2. Interestingly enough, this past month I converted into a highschool math teacher in the local school. The local math teacher went away suddenly, and the 120 highschool students were left without a math teacher! There were no math teachers available in the whole province, either. Of course, I volunteered and the next week I was teaching freshman-senior math (and freshman-sophmore english!). I was teaching at the school every day from 8am-1pm, and spending my afternoons lesson planning and grading. It was a great overall experience (although the kids were pretty bad!). I spent 3 full weeks at the school.
3. I finished up my time in the DR with my going-away ("despedida") and the aqueduct inauguration. We held activities my last Saturday and Sunday inviting the community and killing 2 pigs. I was presented with 4 different plaques (one from the school, and 1 from each of my 3 communities) and we took lots of pictures with water shooting out from the aqueduct. The celebrations were wonderful, with performances from my youth health promoters too!
4. I returned to the USA on October 28th with Rafelito. Of course, we had a tough time with immigration because he is a first-time immigrant and Homeland Security needed to process all his forms (of course, we had no clue about this process). We missed our connection in Miami due to this problem. However, we finally arrived in Boston at 1am to see my family! How wonderful. Now, Rafelito and I are adjusting to the US and eating lots of food! In a few weeks we will start to make some moves, but until then, you can find us on the couch/internet making up for the last two years we missed here.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Wow! I didn't realize I haven't published in almost a month!
Sorry folks!
Here are some good updates:
Firstly, the aqueduct is finished. The tubes have not yet been sold (I've haggled the Water Committee but nothing is happening). Also, I've been collecting all the fines from the community members who did not participate in the construction. We have collected over $30 in fines and expect about $60 more! This will go toward the food we eat at the inauguration. I've realized I could never be a Repoman/bounty hunter/debt collector. I do not like making people pay me money, especially angry old dominican men. However, the Water Committee has deemed me the bounty hunter because who can be mean to a skinny american girl (answer: lots of people)?
On another note, we have installed all but three water filters (the three left are all redoing kitchens and are not ready). Now, Rafelito and I have been visiting all 116 water filters again, doing mandatory checks (these are the last checks I will hopefully ever do of the water filters!). We have checked about 60 so far. Only 56 left to go!
In early September my Peace Corps class had our three day "Close of Service" conference in a nice hotel in the capital. We covered everything from finding jobs, to health insurance, to government non-competitive eligibility and life after Peace Corps. It was a bit depressing, but also very exciting! Our class entered the country with 51 volunteers and we are ending with 37 (can you believe 14 volunteers dropped out during service).
In this last month I am busy preparing my groups to be semi-sustainable (aka try to continue once I leave). I am trying to bolster my youth health promoters and my adult health promoters. I am also readying Rafelito for the big move! Lots of paperwork to prepare for the journey.
Some exciting things:
1. I bought an awesome Copenhagen tote bag in the Saturday market for $1.30! What a steal! The seller originally wanted me to pay $3 but the bag was stained, so she let it go for 50 pesos. Awesome.
2. The school fence project is FINALLY underway (just in time, right?). We had a PTA meeting and this Tuesday we will be building! Woohoo! I will let you know how it goes. They claim in can be done in a day with 25 workers. I highly doubt this fence can be put up in a day. We will see..
Everything is wrapping up. Summer is still here and it is dreadfully hot. I cannot wait to step into the chilly new england weather!
Talk to you all soon!
Sorry folks!
Here are some good updates:
Firstly, the aqueduct is finished. The tubes have not yet been sold (I've haggled the Water Committee but nothing is happening). Also, I've been collecting all the fines from the community members who did not participate in the construction. We have collected over $30 in fines and expect about $60 more! This will go toward the food we eat at the inauguration. I've realized I could never be a Repoman/bounty hunter/debt collector. I do not like making people pay me money, especially angry old dominican men. However, the Water Committee has deemed me the bounty hunter because who can be mean to a skinny american girl (answer: lots of people)?
On another note, we have installed all but three water filters (the three left are all redoing kitchens and are not ready). Now, Rafelito and I have been visiting all 116 water filters again, doing mandatory checks (these are the last checks I will hopefully ever do of the water filters!). We have checked about 60 so far. Only 56 left to go!
In early September my Peace Corps class had our three day "Close of Service" conference in a nice hotel in the capital. We covered everything from finding jobs, to health insurance, to government non-competitive eligibility and life after Peace Corps. It was a bit depressing, but also very exciting! Our class entered the country with 51 volunteers and we are ending with 37 (can you believe 14 volunteers dropped out during service).
In this last month I am busy preparing my groups to be semi-sustainable (aka try to continue once I leave). I am trying to bolster my youth health promoters and my adult health promoters. I am also readying Rafelito for the big move! Lots of paperwork to prepare for the journey.
Some exciting things:
1. I bought an awesome Copenhagen tote bag in the Saturday market for $1.30! What a steal! The seller originally wanted me to pay $3 but the bag was stained, so she let it go for 50 pesos. Awesome.
2. The school fence project is FINALLY underway (just in time, right?). We had a PTA meeting and this Tuesday we will be building! Woohoo! I will let you know how it goes. They claim in can be done in a day with 25 workers. I highly doubt this fence can be put up in a day. We will see..
Everything is wrapping up. Summer is still here and it is dreadfully hot. I cannot wait to step into the chilly new england weather!
Talk to you all soon!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hello!
Much to tell.
1) We have basically finished the aqueduct! Just a few touches here and there. We have a few community meetings left and then we will have an inauguration.
2) 1 shipment of books finally arrived! There were 116 primary school books inside. I brought them to the school. We will be thoroughly organizing the books next week once school gets into full swing.
3) Rafelito has already helped me install 25 of my 36 filters. Yipee!
4) Rafelito's visa comes tomorrow to El Guayabo via messenger. Pray it arrives.
5)We are finally starting the school fence project. We need to first order materials and plan out the design.. I will keep you updated.
6)My sex-ed youth promoters are expanding. We will be initiating new promoters this month!
Lots to finish in less than 2 months. Things are truly in full swing!
Much to tell.
1) We have basically finished the aqueduct! Just a few touches here and there. We have a few community meetings left and then we will have an inauguration.
2) 1 shipment of books finally arrived! There were 116 primary school books inside. I brought them to the school. We will be thoroughly organizing the books next week once school gets into full swing.
3) Rafelito has already helped me install 25 of my 36 filters. Yipee!
4) Rafelito's visa comes tomorrow to El Guayabo via messenger. Pray it arrives.
5)We are finally starting the school fence project. We need to first order materials and plan out the design.. I will keep you updated.
6)My sex-ed youth promoters are expanding. We will be initiating new promoters this month!
Lots to finish in less than 2 months. Things are truly in full swing!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
a stove we made for a woman in Los Ramones
I don't have an actual picture of the biosabdn water filters but here is a link to what they look like: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE9rLwEX0zKl9FSMDDK9K33RWXZv3uZHckiLE23Ryku6_usXGzXDB_xMepVsYWrUE4nw3xQP8qThIclPVHL0yzs8AO1yGN4WARTab38FuJ302rMsjlkVH8qDeZDdzhNuuTtJEeSC5ezk/
Hello readers!
I haven't updated in a bit because I was on vacation in the states from July 26th- August 10th. It was a wonderful respite and I was able to visit prospective grad schools in Baltimore, New York, Washington and Boston (while also seeing family and friends!). I also attended a friends wedding -- it was a lovely college reunion!
Since arriving back in the DR I've been swamped with catching up on things. I only have about 9 weeks left in the country, and the pressure is on to finish with many of my projects (I'm out October 28th!).
I've mainly been playing catchup with the aqueduct. Managing funds and attendance was not easy when I was away. Luckily, the community continued to work during my vacation. We have placed all the tubes in the forest, connected them with cement, and are currently digging the trenches they will lie in. I see about 5 weeks worth of work left. We are currently working 2 days/week in the mornings. This past week I sent out notices to the community members who are playing hooky -- hopefully they wont get too mad at me (because the notices come with fines!). People owe us anywhere from 5 dollars to 25 dollars for not participating.
Also, the water filters have come in! While I was away Rafelito had the opportunity to install the intial 40. I will pick up the remaining 40 on Monday and will spend the next 2 weeks installing.
My library books from abroad ordered in March still have not come in... urgg! No news about the fence I want to construct at the school either.
As well, I am just starting a reproductive health class with the community women of Jobo. We have to move quickly to finish it in time.
Other exciting personal news comes on the front of getting a visa for Rafael, my husband! We spent the past few days in the capital getting more forms legalized and finishing the medical checkup. We have our final interview next week. I will let you know how everything goes!
I will include a picture of a water filter and stove so you all can visualize them (Mom told me to).
Enjoy!
I haven't updated in a bit because I was on vacation in the states from July 26th- August 10th. It was a wonderful respite and I was able to visit prospective grad schools in Baltimore, New York, Washington and Boston (while also seeing family and friends!). I also attended a friends wedding -- it was a lovely college reunion!
Since arriving back in the DR I've been swamped with catching up on things. I only have about 9 weeks left in the country, and the pressure is on to finish with many of my projects (I'm out October 28th!).
I've mainly been playing catchup with the aqueduct. Managing funds and attendance was not easy when I was away. Luckily, the community continued to work during my vacation. We have placed all the tubes in the forest, connected them with cement, and are currently digging the trenches they will lie in. I see about 5 weeks worth of work left. We are currently working 2 days/week in the mornings. This past week I sent out notices to the community members who are playing hooky -- hopefully they wont get too mad at me (because the notices come with fines!). People owe us anywhere from 5 dollars to 25 dollars for not participating.
Also, the water filters have come in! While I was away Rafelito had the opportunity to install the intial 40. I will pick up the remaining 40 on Monday and will spend the next 2 weeks installing.
My library books from abroad ordered in March still have not come in... urgg! No news about the fence I want to construct at the school either.
As well, I am just starting a reproductive health class with the community women of Jobo. We have to move quickly to finish it in time.
Other exciting personal news comes on the front of getting a visa for Rafael, my husband! We spent the past few days in the capital getting more forms legalized and finishing the medical checkup. We have our final interview next week. I will let you know how everything goes!
I will include a picture of a water filter and stove so you all can visualize them (Mom told me to).
Enjoy!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
It has been way too long since my last blog. Sorry, life has been pretty busy!
Since mid- June, I have experienced many life-changing events, most importantly, getting married! On June 18th, I got married to my Dominican boyfriend (Rafelito) here in Santiago Rodriguez, Dominican Republic. We had a small community party at my house following the event. Lots of family, neighbors and peace corps friends were present. It was delightful.
Secondly, the aqueduct money finally arrived! Last week I trekked to the capital with the Water Committee’s treasurer to purchase the PVC tubes we need for the aqueduct. We purchased 300 tubes and I was able to get a 40% discounted price because of Peace Corps. Through this one purchased, we saved about $2,500 USD. Yeah! The rest of the aqueduct money (we have about $2,000 USD more to spend) will be in the purchase of cement, special connector tubes and some galvanized tubes to stretch through the hardest part of the ravine (where the aqueduct lies). We already had a community meeting with about 85% community attendance. Everyone at the meeting was enthusiastic and pledged their support to the project. This coming week we are expecting the tubes to arrive to the community and then next week we will start work on the aqueduct! We will be working about 2 days/week (with 20-30 men working each day). The phases of the aqueduct include connecting and transporting the tubes to the ravine, digging the trenches where we will bury the tubes and slowly dismantling the old aqueduct.
Meanwhile we are still working on the last 15 stoves….its been quite a journey and I have been working each day with the constructors to help get the stoves done faster. Hopefully we will be done in the next 3 weeks with the project, FOREVER! Woohoo! We will have built 80 stoves (each taking a good 6 hours to build. Do the math!). Whew.
Rafelito, having been inspired by my work in the community, has also become a community servant (not like he wasn’t before). In May he attended a Rotary International filter workshop and is also doing a community filter project in the nearby town of La Pastilla/Piedra Blanca. So together, in August, we are receiving 80 more filters to install in our communities. The work never stops!
Finally, I am still waiting for my 60 pounds of children’s books to arrive from two different organizations (International Book Project and Bookaid). Luckily, I have received confirmation that these books have already been shipped and I hope to pick them up from the capital in August! Just in time for the beginning of the school year!
Lastly, for the past year and a half, I have been trying to help the local school build a fence. They have many beautiful computers inside but no real security system. They have had the building materials in their possession for more than two years, but lack the cement necessary to actually build the fence. We have gone to city hall multiple times to receive help (because shouldn’t the government be helping this public school?) but have received nothing. So, after talking with the director, and my pledging support of ½ the cement necessary, in the next two weeks we should start construction on the school.
On top of all of this, Rafelito and I have started the visa process. We have already collected all the necessary documents and have had our first interview at the consulate. Within a month I should receive the round two forms, and possibly, by September, Rafelito will have his visa to come to the US with me (although he wouldn’t actually arrive until Christmas so he can finish another term at school).
Many exciting projects are finally happening, and to think, I only have 3.5 months left!
Ill be in the USA visiting friends, family and grad schools from July 26th-August 10th, so be sure to contact me (I’ll be in Baltimore, Washington, North Carolina, New York and Boston!).
Since mid- June, I have experienced many life-changing events, most importantly, getting married! On June 18th, I got married to my Dominican boyfriend (Rafelito) here in Santiago Rodriguez, Dominican Republic. We had a small community party at my house following the event. Lots of family, neighbors and peace corps friends were present. It was delightful.
Secondly, the aqueduct money finally arrived! Last week I trekked to the capital with the Water Committee’s treasurer to purchase the PVC tubes we need for the aqueduct. We purchased 300 tubes and I was able to get a 40% discounted price because of Peace Corps. Through this one purchased, we saved about $2,500 USD. Yeah! The rest of the aqueduct money (we have about $2,000 USD more to spend) will be in the purchase of cement, special connector tubes and some galvanized tubes to stretch through the hardest part of the ravine (where the aqueduct lies). We already had a community meeting with about 85% community attendance. Everyone at the meeting was enthusiastic and pledged their support to the project. This coming week we are expecting the tubes to arrive to the community and then next week we will start work on the aqueduct! We will be working about 2 days/week (with 20-30 men working each day). The phases of the aqueduct include connecting and transporting the tubes to the ravine, digging the trenches where we will bury the tubes and slowly dismantling the old aqueduct.
Meanwhile we are still working on the last 15 stoves….its been quite a journey and I have been working each day with the constructors to help get the stoves done faster. Hopefully we will be done in the next 3 weeks with the project, FOREVER! Woohoo! We will have built 80 stoves (each taking a good 6 hours to build. Do the math!). Whew.
Rafelito, having been inspired by my work in the community, has also become a community servant (not like he wasn’t before). In May he attended a Rotary International filter workshop and is also doing a community filter project in the nearby town of La Pastilla/Piedra Blanca. So together, in August, we are receiving 80 more filters to install in our communities. The work never stops!
Finally, I am still waiting for my 60 pounds of children’s books to arrive from two different organizations (International Book Project and Bookaid). Luckily, I have received confirmation that these books have already been shipped and I hope to pick them up from the capital in August! Just in time for the beginning of the school year!
Lastly, for the past year and a half, I have been trying to help the local school build a fence. They have many beautiful computers inside but no real security system. They have had the building materials in their possession for more than two years, but lack the cement necessary to actually build the fence. We have gone to city hall multiple times to receive help (because shouldn’t the government be helping this public school?) but have received nothing. So, after talking with the director, and my pledging support of ½ the cement necessary, in the next two weeks we should start construction on the school.
On top of all of this, Rafelito and I have started the visa process. We have already collected all the necessary documents and have had our first interview at the consulate. Within a month I should receive the round two forms, and possibly, by September, Rafelito will have his visa to come to the US with me (although he wouldn’t actually arrive until Christmas so he can finish another term at school).
Many exciting projects are finally happening, and to think, I only have 3.5 months left!
Ill be in the USA visiting friends, family and grad schools from July 26th-August 10th, so be sure to contact me (I’ll be in Baltimore, Washington, North Carolina, New York and Boston!).
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Hello all!
These past few weeks have been packed with work (and a little bit of leisure!).
So what am I up to? Firstly, it rained everyday in May so basically I couldn’t do anything from 2pm-10pm due to wind and rain. But, in the mornings I have been busy constructing stoves – we have finished 57 and are on our third round of ordering materials (we will construct 15-20 more). I have been doing much of the construction myself with the masons and my hands have the blisters to prove it!
Also, I have been busy having community meetings about filters. I am about to order 40 filters more. Rafelito has also become trained in the filter project and will be doing his own project of about 40 filters. All the beneficiaries must be educated in order to receive a filter – so lots of talks about sanitation, diarrhea and water purification.
Also, I have my nutrition class in Jobo once a week, and my women’s club meeting once a week. In my nutrition class we are cooking weekly (with a lecture) and in my women’s club we are generating funds through selling Vick’s Vapor Rub. Unfortunately, the costs of the materials to make the Vapor Rub have skyrocketed and no one wants to buy our product . We have 60 jars left to sell—75 cents each.. anyone want to buy?
The promised $2,000 dollars for my aqueduct from the community challenge fund has NOT come in. While I have received the money you all donated to my fund through Peace Corps, this other $2000 is lacking and we cannot start the aqueduct without it!! So basically I have been harassing the Peace Corps grant manager to see what the deal is. Very frustrating. The aqueduct construction will definitely be starting late.
Also, I am waiting for my 60 pounds of international books for the school to come. Will they ever arrive? Unknown.
Personally, as many of you know, I recently got engaged to Rafelito! So on top of all my work I have been busy with lots of visa forms, bachelorette party, marriage stuff. That has been the fun part. My health friends threw me a bachelorette party last weekend on the beach in Puerto Plata. Lots of dancing, sunburns and laughs. It was fantastic!
I recently sold my goat! I made a $70 profit. While it was very sad to sell him (I did cry a bit) it was worth the money.
Lots of random tidbits, but my life here is pretty random! I will be in the states in just 5 weeks for a visit! I can’t wait!!
These past few weeks have been packed with work (and a little bit of leisure!).
So what am I up to? Firstly, it rained everyday in May so basically I couldn’t do anything from 2pm-10pm due to wind and rain. But, in the mornings I have been busy constructing stoves – we have finished 57 and are on our third round of ordering materials (we will construct 15-20 more). I have been doing much of the construction myself with the masons and my hands have the blisters to prove it!
Also, I have been busy having community meetings about filters. I am about to order 40 filters more. Rafelito has also become trained in the filter project and will be doing his own project of about 40 filters. All the beneficiaries must be educated in order to receive a filter – so lots of talks about sanitation, diarrhea and water purification.
Also, I have my nutrition class in Jobo once a week, and my women’s club meeting once a week. In my nutrition class we are cooking weekly (with a lecture) and in my women’s club we are generating funds through selling Vick’s Vapor Rub. Unfortunately, the costs of the materials to make the Vapor Rub have skyrocketed and no one wants to buy our product . We have 60 jars left to sell—75 cents each.. anyone want to buy?
The promised $2,000 dollars for my aqueduct from the community challenge fund has NOT come in. While I have received the money you all donated to my fund through Peace Corps, this other $2000 is lacking and we cannot start the aqueduct without it!! So basically I have been harassing the Peace Corps grant manager to see what the deal is. Very frustrating. The aqueduct construction will definitely be starting late.
Also, I am waiting for my 60 pounds of international books for the school to come. Will they ever arrive? Unknown.
Personally, as many of you know, I recently got engaged to Rafelito! So on top of all my work I have been busy with lots of visa forms, bachelorette party, marriage stuff. That has been the fun part. My health friends threw me a bachelorette party last weekend on the beach in Puerto Plata. Lots of dancing, sunburns and laughs. It was fantastic!
I recently sold my goat! I made a $70 profit. While it was very sad to sell him (I did cry a bit) it was worth the money.
Lots of random tidbits, but my life here is pretty random! I will be in the states in just 5 weeks for a visit! I can’t wait!!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
a funny story about yesterday:
so, its been raining nonstop in my village and yesterday my 50 women health promoter workshop (which we spent 1,000$ usd) was terminated early due to gain force winds and rain. (but dont worry-- the workshop itself was flawless!) my boss ran out of the gazebo/outdoor conference terrace with a tablecloth over his head, jumped into his jeep and headed for the nearest city. he left us 50 women to fend for ourselves for the next hour as we huddled in a small closet with old chairs. then, we had to take an open-air truck to get back home, further soaking ourselves and our $60 health manuals. and then we couldnt ford the river to go back to the community because it was too high. so we piled out and waited at this random woman's house. then i went to use the letrine of this random woman and got attacked by wasps in the bathroom (she knew there was a nest there, just failed to tell me). i ended up running with my pants down out of the bathroom, escaping with a mere three bites. i couldnt get home for 2 hours and was soaked to the bone. of course, the electricity was out and the flying ants were all inside my house.
so, its been raining nonstop in my village and yesterday my 50 women health promoter workshop (which we spent 1,000$ usd) was terminated early due to gain force winds and rain. (but dont worry-- the workshop itself was flawless!) my boss ran out of the gazebo/outdoor conference terrace with a tablecloth over his head, jumped into his jeep and headed for the nearest city. he left us 50 women to fend for ourselves for the next hour as we huddled in a small closet with old chairs. then, we had to take an open-air truck to get back home, further soaking ourselves and our $60 health manuals. and then we couldnt ford the river to go back to the community because it was too high. so we piled out and waited at this random woman's house. then i went to use the letrine of this random woman and got attacked by wasps in the bathroom (she knew there was a nest there, just failed to tell me). i ended up running with my pants down out of the bathroom, escaping with a mere three bites. i couldnt get home for 2 hours and was soaked to the bone. of course, the electricity was out and the flying ants were all inside my house.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thanks to all of those who donated to the aqueduct! I've already received half the funds here in my account in country, and am told the rest of the money will be deposited this week! We will be up and working in June!
Also planned for this summer is the termination of the stove project (probably we will build another 40 before July), continuation of the filter project (hopefully 100+ filters!), and a book project at the local school. I've ordered 60 pounds of childrens books internationally; lets hope they make it here soon! Finally I've promised kids 8-12 in the community that we will start a kids club (basically arts and crafts and games 2x/week) which we will start over the summer.
Top this all off with applying to grad schools (I'm looking at dual programs for masters in public health/masters of social work) and looking for jobs!
Moral of the story: I'll be plenty busy this summer (but will still fit in a 10 day vacation to the states and a week long visit here with some vandy friends!)
Also planned for this summer is the termination of the stove project (probably we will build another 40 before July), continuation of the filter project (hopefully 100+ filters!), and a book project at the local school. I've ordered 60 pounds of childrens books internationally; lets hope they make it here soon! Finally I've promised kids 8-12 in the community that we will start a kids club (basically arts and crafts and games 2x/week) which we will start over the summer.
Top this all off with applying to grad schools (I'm looking at dual programs for masters in public health/masters of social work) and looking for jobs!
Moral of the story: I'll be plenty busy this summer (but will still fit in a 10 day vacation to the states and a week long visit here with some vandy friends!)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
The aqueduct fundraising has been such a success. In one week we have raised $1,200! Only 400 dollars remain to be raised. Awesome.
In other news, my chicken gave birth to 9 chicks! 4 black chicks and 5 yellow chicks. I have only named 3 so far (because they are hard to tell apart), who are: Geraldine, Black Sabbath and Goldie Hawn. I will raise the chicks to lay eggs/be eaten.
Last weekend, with many other volunteers, I hitchhiked the north coast of the Dominincan Republic (Santiago to Samana) we covered over 250 miles in 8 hours. It was a blast and we met many cool people, dominicans and americans alike.
I am currently also raising money/collecting book donations for our local school library. The school created a small library this past year in an unused closet, but unfortunately we have no books! Just some outdated history books (and dictionaries thanks to the congo church!). So, I have started collecting books in spanish for ages 5-18. I am looking for picture books and chapter books. I hope to have some workshops over the summer for teachers to learn reading strategies. Then, in September I hope to start a "Reading is Cool!" campaign in the school to motivate kids to use our new books! If you happen to have any books in Spanish lying around, save them for me when vacation in the US this august!
In other news, my chicken gave birth to 9 chicks! 4 black chicks and 5 yellow chicks. I have only named 3 so far (because they are hard to tell apart), who are: Geraldine, Black Sabbath and Goldie Hawn. I will raise the chicks to lay eggs/be eaten.
Last weekend, with many other volunteers, I hitchhiked the north coast of the Dominincan Republic (Santiago to Samana) we covered over 250 miles in 8 hours. It was a blast and we met many cool people, dominicans and americans alike.
I am currently also raising money/collecting book donations for our local school library. The school created a small library this past year in an unused closet, but unfortunately we have no books! Just some outdated history books (and dictionaries thanks to the congo church!). So, I have started collecting books in spanish for ages 5-18. I am looking for picture books and chapter books. I hope to have some workshops over the summer for teachers to learn reading strategies. Then, in September I hope to start a "Reading is Cool!" campaign in the school to motivate kids to use our new books! If you happen to have any books in Spanish lying around, save them for me when vacation in the US this august!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
I can sum up the past week in 1 word: INCREDIBLE!
My parents arrived last Wednesday to sunny skies and a flight 30 mins early. After the initial transportation deluge (taxi, bus, SUV), we got back to Guayabo and had a delicious dinner made by yours truly; pesto rigatoni with shrimp and a caprese salad (don’t forget the white wine!). Clearly not a common dinner for me, but definitely worth it. We made the introductions with the host family and got to bed early.
The next day we visited the school in the morning, stopping to take pictures for the Dartmouth Congo Church (they had donated dictionaries to the school!). We then stopped for coffee and juice at many neighbors’ homes. Of course, the water in Guayabo had gone out (which is why we need a new aqueduct!) so I spent some time cleaning the dishes from the night before in a bucket of reserve water. My parents then unloaded their stash of goodies which ranged from mentos and necco wafers to vitamins, sunglasses and lots of clothes! They had also brought lots of gifts for my host family which included soap, sheets and makeup! Rafelito did a fashion show with us, showing off all his new clothes too.
Later in the day my parents unloaded gifts sent with them from Vanderbilt ASB! Lots of starburst, silly bands and cards. The kids piled up outside my door, awaiting their gifts, and spent most of the afternoon writing cards to send back to Vandy with my parents. ASB had also sent a jenga set, and my father helped teach the kids how to play.
At night, we went to the chicken shack! I found three motorcycles in the community and we plopped mom and dad on the back of some motors and started off. What an adventure! Lots of delicious chicken and beer were consumed by all. My host family showed up at the shack, completely surprising us! It was great! We had a table of 10 by the end of the night.
Friday was more of the same; taking walks around my community, meeting neighbors and eating lots of food. Guayabo was so excited about mom and dad—we had so many visitors to the casita!
Saturday we headed to the hotel in Puerto Plata (north coast beach area). After a truck ride down the mountain and a bus to Santiago, we were on our way! We arrived at the Hotel Casa Colonial around 3pm. Absolutely GORGEOUS. The rest of the weekend can be characterized by pools, beach, food and alcohol. It was an wonderful stay with delicious food, great company and beautiful weather! Rafelito couldn’t have been more awe-struck by the hotel, but by day two he was already knew the routine!
My time with my parents was an awesome respite, body and soul. I feel rejuvenated and ready to finish these 6 months that remain!
My parents arrived last Wednesday to sunny skies and a flight 30 mins early. After the initial transportation deluge (taxi, bus, SUV), we got back to Guayabo and had a delicious dinner made by yours truly; pesto rigatoni with shrimp and a caprese salad (don’t forget the white wine!). Clearly not a common dinner for me, but definitely worth it. We made the introductions with the host family and got to bed early.
The next day we visited the school in the morning, stopping to take pictures for the Dartmouth Congo Church (they had donated dictionaries to the school!). We then stopped for coffee and juice at many neighbors’ homes. Of course, the water in Guayabo had gone out (which is why we need a new aqueduct!) so I spent some time cleaning the dishes from the night before in a bucket of reserve water. My parents then unloaded their stash of goodies which ranged from mentos and necco wafers to vitamins, sunglasses and lots of clothes! They had also brought lots of gifts for my host family which included soap, sheets and makeup! Rafelito did a fashion show with us, showing off all his new clothes too.
Later in the day my parents unloaded gifts sent with them from Vanderbilt ASB! Lots of starburst, silly bands and cards. The kids piled up outside my door, awaiting their gifts, and spent most of the afternoon writing cards to send back to Vandy with my parents. ASB had also sent a jenga set, and my father helped teach the kids how to play.
At night, we went to the chicken shack! I found three motorcycles in the community and we plopped mom and dad on the back of some motors and started off. What an adventure! Lots of delicious chicken and beer were consumed by all. My host family showed up at the shack, completely surprising us! It was great! We had a table of 10 by the end of the night.
Friday was more of the same; taking walks around my community, meeting neighbors and eating lots of food. Guayabo was so excited about mom and dad—we had so many visitors to the casita!
Saturday we headed to the hotel in Puerto Plata (north coast beach area). After a truck ride down the mountain and a bus to Santiago, we were on our way! We arrived at the Hotel Casa Colonial around 3pm. Absolutely GORGEOUS. The rest of the weekend can be characterized by pools, beach, food and alcohol. It was an wonderful stay with delicious food, great company and beautiful weather! Rafelito couldn’t have been more awe-struck by the hotel, but by day two he was already knew the routine!
My time with my parents was an awesome respite, body and soul. I feel rejuvenated and ready to finish these 6 months that remain!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
This past week flew by as I hosted Vanderbilt ASB from March 5th-12th! They were an absolutely amazing, upbeat, flexible group that helped my community so much!
The breakdown of the week:
ASB (comprised of 9 spanish-speaking students) arrived on Saturday at the Santiago Airport where I picked them up and brought them back to my site (by taxi, bus and truck). We stopped at the chicken shack for some roasted chicken takeout. Then, unpacking and an early night.
Sunday we traveled to Jobo to visit the school, stop at the colmado for food and visit the school director. We had a tour of the school and a chat with the director about the week’s activities. Then, back to my community for lunch, construction of my stove chimneys (a really HUGE help) and dominoes with community members!
Monday we headed to the school early where we worked in classrooms (English class, art, math). We also spent an entire morning organizing and revamping the school’s library. ASB also generously donated basketballs and volleyballs to the school that they had brought from the states! In the afternoon, the Americans attended my youth sex-ed class and ran a wonderful game called “Wah!”. A huge hit (played by many Dominican youth later in the week).
Tuesday ASB bought $150 of paint to paint the basketball court of the school (that didn’t have any markings). It looked awesome with red, blue and white paint (coincidentally the Dominican and American flag colors).
Wednesday some of the volunteers headed with my masons, Rafelito and Gilberto, to build a stove. The others painted the local community center—its amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to a building!
Thursday was the last day of the school; we gave a lecture about discrimination and stereotypes and then celebrated Ash Wednesday with the students. We ended the morning with a ASB/Student dance on the basketball court. Lots of bachata and merengue dancing! In the afternoon we built some more chimneys. Finally, to celebrate the ending of the week, we had a “gingebre” (ginger tea community celebration) at night along with typical Dominican dancing. We had teachers, students and community members attend). The dancing went until 11pm and the night ended with many tears and goodbyes of the young kids and volunteers.
Friday we left El Guayabo early for Santiago, checked into a hotel and left our stuff to head to 27 Waterfalls! We arrived at the waterfalls around 1pm, so too late to do all 27. However, 12 waterfalls were plenty for us. Lots of laughs and memories from the day. Back to Santiago for dinner at the mall food court (what could be better than Pizza Hut after a long day?).
Saturday- early goodbyes and a wonderful gift of ASB money so the school can buy a printer!
What a week! While I didn’t have a minute free, it was definitely worth it. The kids absolutely loved the volunteers and the volunteers have motivated me to try to work more in the school!
The breakdown of the week:
ASB (comprised of 9 spanish-speaking students) arrived on Saturday at the Santiago Airport where I picked them up and brought them back to my site (by taxi, bus and truck). We stopped at the chicken shack for some roasted chicken takeout. Then, unpacking and an early night.
Sunday we traveled to Jobo to visit the school, stop at the colmado for food and visit the school director. We had a tour of the school and a chat with the director about the week’s activities. Then, back to my community for lunch, construction of my stove chimneys (a really HUGE help) and dominoes with community members!
Monday we headed to the school early where we worked in classrooms (English class, art, math). We also spent an entire morning organizing and revamping the school’s library. ASB also generously donated basketballs and volleyballs to the school that they had brought from the states! In the afternoon, the Americans attended my youth sex-ed class and ran a wonderful game called “Wah!”. A huge hit (played by many Dominican youth later in the week).
Tuesday ASB bought $150 of paint to paint the basketball court of the school (that didn’t have any markings). It looked awesome with red, blue and white paint (coincidentally the Dominican and American flag colors).
Wednesday some of the volunteers headed with my masons, Rafelito and Gilberto, to build a stove. The others painted the local community center—its amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to a building!
Thursday was the last day of the school; we gave a lecture about discrimination and stereotypes and then celebrated Ash Wednesday with the students. We ended the morning with a ASB/Student dance on the basketball court. Lots of bachata and merengue dancing! In the afternoon we built some more chimneys. Finally, to celebrate the ending of the week, we had a “gingebre” (ginger tea community celebration) at night along with typical Dominican dancing. We had teachers, students and community members attend). The dancing went until 11pm and the night ended with many tears and goodbyes of the young kids and volunteers.
Friday we left El Guayabo early for Santiago, checked into a hotel and left our stuff to head to 27 Waterfalls! We arrived at the waterfalls around 1pm, so too late to do all 27. However, 12 waterfalls were plenty for us. Lots of laughs and memories from the day. Back to Santiago for dinner at the mall food court (what could be better than Pizza Hut after a long day?).
Saturday- early goodbyes and a wonderful gift of ASB money so the school can buy a printer!
What a week! While I didn’t have a minute free, it was definitely worth it. The kids absolutely loved the volunteers and the volunteers have motivated me to try to work more in the school!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Hello! We finally started the stove project (constructing the actual stoves) and the last week has flown by! In the past 4 days we were able to construct 7 of the 40 stoves. Not to say the work is easy—we wake up at 6am to start construction in the distant community of La Jagua and construct all day until we finish at 6pm. Then, back to my house to eat dinner and construct chimneys (which we need to make in advance). Then, we start the cycle over the next morning at 6am. The work is grueling and I have more cuts on my fingers and toes from the zinc sheets and cement blocks we use! But, I can proudly say I have acquired basic masonry skills and know how to use a hacksaw, pickaxe and can work with cement. My masons are awesome (Rafelito and his brother-in-law, Gilberto) and they are hardworkers who don’t stop until the stoves are perfect. They have learned a lot in the past week as well and are gaining valuable construction skills they can use after the project.
What do my masons make in 1 day working 11 hours? Only 15 dollars. Yes, it may seem like a paltry sum but the going rate for day laborers is only about $7.50/day here. So the pay is semi-reasonable (although I wish I could pay them more!).
The stove project has been consuming all my time but I am off to the capital tomorrow for some meetings and some needed R&R. I also recently decorated the cement walkway we made outside my house, plastering small pieces of ceramic tile on the edges. It’s cute.
I am eagerly awaiting March for the ASB group and my parent’s visit!
What do my masons make in 1 day working 11 hours? Only 15 dollars. Yes, it may seem like a paltry sum but the going rate for day laborers is only about $7.50/day here. So the pay is semi-reasonable (although I wish I could pay them more!).
The stove project has been consuming all my time but I am off to the capital tomorrow for some meetings and some needed R&R. I also recently decorated the cement walkway we made outside my house, plastering small pieces of ceramic tile on the edges. It’s cute.
I am eagerly awaiting March for the ASB group and my parent’s visit!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I’m pretty slow at these blog updates. I’ve barely been to the city in the past month. Why? The one truck driver who stops in Guayabo to take people to the city recently raised his prices from 100 pesos (3$) roundtrip to 150 pesos (4.50$) roundtrip!! Everyone is up in arms because this is really a large increase. I agree. My trips to the city will also be less frequent because my other source of transportation, my boyfriend, is starting school again and will be a bit more MIA.
I have been very busy the last month which has been great—time is flying by (Less than 9 months until I’m back in the states permanently)! I finished my filter project (that comprised over 80 visits to community members’ houses) which took way more time than expected. Luckily, Rafelito was a huge help in accompanying me to all the installations, helping me install, and giving me transportation. People are very satisfied with their filters (except one lady who got her water “tested” at a lab and said it contained pig parasites (which is basically impossible due to the composition of the filter)). I am looking into this matter with filter professionals. It is interesting that now I have completed the project how many people have come to me and asked me.. “can I get a filter?” Firstly, no, because I have no more, and secondly, you didn’t participate in any of my community meetings! Hopefully this will motivate more people in the community to participate in my meetings.
Last weekend was my first ever health fair! It was a success!! Basically, some of my health promoters and I (along with kids in my sex ed class) held a “sexual health fair” with tables focusing on: Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV/AIDS, the use of the Condom, and cancer of reproductive organs (cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer). We held the fair in Jobo, which is the town next door that holds the general store, health clinic, school and police station, from 9am – 11:30am on a Saturday. I spent all last week making signs, charts, games and demonstrations for the fair. The objective of the fair was to target the Jobo population, who are a bit more “caliente” (hot), and who don’t have a health promoter. All the visitors to the health fair were directed to the four tables to participate in an activity or lecture—if they completed the four tables they could then be entered in the raffle! We raffled off two baskets each worth about $20. One basket was filled with food goodies, and the other was a “house hygiene” basket containing toothbrushes, bleach, sponge, soaps, detergent, etc. We had over 40 community members participate at the four tables (this is good because Jobo was a bit deserted that Saturday and only has about 50 homes). We gave out over 200 condoms and had youth and the elderly attend. There was something for everyone! I think this fair was one of my biggest accomplishments yet. I hope to do something similar in another 4 months.. maybe on chronic diseases.
Also exciting is my sex-ed youth group. I have 10 high-school “multipliers” who completed my sex-ed course last spring, and another training course this fall. Currently, they are leading their own sex-ed group in Jobo. They design all the lectures and activities! We had our first class yesterday and 12 kids from Jobo showed up! This is a definite success! I am so proud of the kids for their dedication to the cause (especially because they spend about 2 hours a week planning their lectures, and another 2 hours during class days—walking an hour just to teach the class!). I hope the rest of the course flows as smoothly.
Coming up is the dreaded stove project. Why do I dread this? Because this is the biggest project yet that entails many details and lots of money (over 3,000$). I currently have 40 homes that will be receiving the stoves, which are made out of cement block, cement, rebar, brick and tin. We have to order and deliver about 45 different materials to each house that will be receiving the stoves—which means lots of work for us (and lots of coordination with the hardwares stores, delivery trucks and beneficiaries). The 40 beneficiaries are women who participated in my nutrition class last year (those who participate win!!), but I already have other people haggling me for a stove. Its just annoying, frankly.
While I have already started complaining about the stove project (mainly just because the other health volunteers who have done the project complained a lot), the stoves are definitely important. The stoves use chimneys which reduce smoke inhalation in the house and also are more fuel-efficient, burning less wood. We hope to order materials in the next two weeks and start construction in three weeks!!
Other exciting, important news is that I AM HOSTING AN ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK (ASB) GROUP! It was a last-minute arrangement due to another site falling through, but I couldn’t be more happy to share my site with such an amazing organization! They are coming for a week in March and will be working mainly in the school. We will see how they like the rural DR!
Those are all the exciting updates I have for now. Rafelito has fully recovered from his motorcycle accident and I am eagerly awaiting my parents’ arrival in March!
Hope the winter weather isn’t getting you down—its already so hot here!
I have been very busy the last month which has been great—time is flying by (Less than 9 months until I’m back in the states permanently)! I finished my filter project (that comprised over 80 visits to community members’ houses) which took way more time than expected. Luckily, Rafelito was a huge help in accompanying me to all the installations, helping me install, and giving me transportation. People are very satisfied with their filters (except one lady who got her water “tested” at a lab and said it contained pig parasites (which is basically impossible due to the composition of the filter)). I am looking into this matter with filter professionals. It is interesting that now I have completed the project how many people have come to me and asked me.. “can I get a filter?” Firstly, no, because I have no more, and secondly, you didn’t participate in any of my community meetings! Hopefully this will motivate more people in the community to participate in my meetings.
Last weekend was my first ever health fair! It was a success!! Basically, some of my health promoters and I (along with kids in my sex ed class) held a “sexual health fair” with tables focusing on: Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV/AIDS, the use of the Condom, and cancer of reproductive organs (cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer). We held the fair in Jobo, which is the town next door that holds the general store, health clinic, school and police station, from 9am – 11:30am on a Saturday. I spent all last week making signs, charts, games and demonstrations for the fair. The objective of the fair was to target the Jobo population, who are a bit more “caliente” (hot), and who don’t have a health promoter. All the visitors to the health fair were directed to the four tables to participate in an activity or lecture—if they completed the four tables they could then be entered in the raffle! We raffled off two baskets each worth about $20. One basket was filled with food goodies, and the other was a “house hygiene” basket containing toothbrushes, bleach, sponge, soaps, detergent, etc. We had over 40 community members participate at the four tables (this is good because Jobo was a bit deserted that Saturday and only has about 50 homes). We gave out over 200 condoms and had youth and the elderly attend. There was something for everyone! I think this fair was one of my biggest accomplishments yet. I hope to do something similar in another 4 months.. maybe on chronic diseases.
Also exciting is my sex-ed youth group. I have 10 high-school “multipliers” who completed my sex-ed course last spring, and another training course this fall. Currently, they are leading their own sex-ed group in Jobo. They design all the lectures and activities! We had our first class yesterday and 12 kids from Jobo showed up! This is a definite success! I am so proud of the kids for their dedication to the cause (especially because they spend about 2 hours a week planning their lectures, and another 2 hours during class days—walking an hour just to teach the class!). I hope the rest of the course flows as smoothly.
Coming up is the dreaded stove project. Why do I dread this? Because this is the biggest project yet that entails many details and lots of money (over 3,000$). I currently have 40 homes that will be receiving the stoves, which are made out of cement block, cement, rebar, brick and tin. We have to order and deliver about 45 different materials to each house that will be receiving the stoves—which means lots of work for us (and lots of coordination with the hardwares stores, delivery trucks and beneficiaries). The 40 beneficiaries are women who participated in my nutrition class last year (those who participate win!!), but I already have other people haggling me for a stove. Its just annoying, frankly.
While I have already started complaining about the stove project (mainly just because the other health volunteers who have done the project complained a lot), the stoves are definitely important. The stoves use chimneys which reduce smoke inhalation in the house and also are more fuel-efficient, burning less wood. We hope to order materials in the next two weeks and start construction in three weeks!!
Other exciting, important news is that I AM HOSTING AN ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK (ASB) GROUP! It was a last-minute arrangement due to another site falling through, but I couldn’t be more happy to share my site with such an amazing organization! They are coming for a week in March and will be working mainly in the school. We will see how they like the rural DR!
Those are all the exciting updates I have for now. Rafelito has fully recovered from his motorcycle accident and I am eagerly awaiting my parents’ arrival in March!
Hope the winter weather isn’t getting you down—its already so hot here!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
I GOT A BABY GOAT FOR CHRISTMAS!
His name is Ignacio and he is about 4 months old. He will be raised and then sold (money-making!)
In other news, Rafelito had a serious motorcycle accident before Christmas. He crashed with a cow loose on the highway and has multiple injuries. Hopefully he will heal completely! Keep him in your thoughts.
His name is Ignacio and he is about 4 months old. He will be raised and then sold (money-making!)
In other news, Rafelito had a serious motorcycle accident before Christmas. He crashed with a cow loose on the highway and has multiple injuries. Hopefully he will heal completely! Keep him in your thoughts.
I am currently in the capital with good news and updates.
1. My three grants came in!
2. I finally bought plastic jars to make Vicks Vaporub with my community women!!
3. I am having a health fair in my community Jan. 29th with the help of my health promoters and youth health promoters!!
4. I have installed 20 of the 40 water filters!!
The stove project will be coming this February/March
Stay tuned.
1. My three grants came in!
2. I finally bought plastic jars to make Vicks Vaporub with my community women!!
3. I am having a health fair in my community Jan. 29th with the help of my health promoters and youth health promoters!!
4. I have installed 20 of the 40 water filters!!
The stove project will be coming this February/March
Stay tuned.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Since my arrival back to my campo, I have been very busy! Between a national youth conference, International AIDS Day activities, picking up my water filters, health promoter meetings and writing grants for our future aqueduct, I have had little free time.
Our local water committee has decided to continue with the long-awaited aqueduct project. Our multiple solicitations to various local politicians for financial help in the past year have been in vain; no help has been granted. So, with my help, we are currently grant writing and pricing necessary materials in hopes that we will raise enough money to redo the aqueduct this spring/summer. As I have mentioned previously, the aqueduct project consists mainly of taking up the rotting tubes (that we currently have) and put in new tubing underground. The new aqueduct would not break frequently (as it currently does) and will be a stable water source for the community. The project should cost approximately 3,000 USD.
Also, the water filters came in! I rode in a large truck to Santiago and picked up the 40 filters last Monday. The whole process was much easier than thought. The daunting task now is to install them, which may be a bit more difficult do to the large size of the filters and the weight of the sand (and lack of transportation within my community). Unfortunately, it has been raining non-stop for the past 3 days which has put a damper on the speed of installation. The filters will definitely not be able to be installed in all houses by Christmas.
I’m still waiting for 3 grants—where are they?!!
This December I will hopefully be executing a small income generation project with the women’s group. We are making Vapor-Rub from scratch and are selling small jars of it for about 75 cents in neighboring communities. Vapor-Rub is a huge cure-all here and I hope our project will be successful!! If all goes well, we should make about a 15$ profit!
Nothing too new around the house. There has been a large teachers strike in the province and the kids have missed 2+ weeks of school.
Christmas should be fun around here. A few dances lined up and lots of communities ginegbres (ginger tea nights)!
Hope to get in another blog before Christmas!
Our local water committee has decided to continue with the long-awaited aqueduct project. Our multiple solicitations to various local politicians for financial help in the past year have been in vain; no help has been granted. So, with my help, we are currently grant writing and pricing necessary materials in hopes that we will raise enough money to redo the aqueduct this spring/summer. As I have mentioned previously, the aqueduct project consists mainly of taking up the rotting tubes (that we currently have) and put in new tubing underground. The new aqueduct would not break frequently (as it currently does) and will be a stable water source for the community. The project should cost approximately 3,000 USD.
Also, the water filters came in! I rode in a large truck to Santiago and picked up the 40 filters last Monday. The whole process was much easier than thought. The daunting task now is to install them, which may be a bit more difficult do to the large size of the filters and the weight of the sand (and lack of transportation within my community). Unfortunately, it has been raining non-stop for the past 3 days which has put a damper on the speed of installation. The filters will definitely not be able to be installed in all houses by Christmas.
I’m still waiting for 3 grants—where are they?!!
This December I will hopefully be executing a small income generation project with the women’s group. We are making Vapor-Rub from scratch and are selling small jars of it for about 75 cents in neighboring communities. Vapor-Rub is a huge cure-all here and I hope our project will be successful!! If all goes well, we should make about a 15$ profit!
Nothing too new around the house. There has been a large teachers strike in the province and the kids have missed 2+ weeks of school.
Christmas should be fun around here. A few dances lined up and lots of communities ginegbres (ginger tea nights)!
Hope to get in another blog before Christmas!
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