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!