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!
