The first question was about my foot, and how I manged to get a sea urchin spine in it. Well, it's a fairly unremarkable story.
I was at the beach with Jonathan at a place called Boca Chica. It's a really nice beach about 45 minutes from home. It was Monday on our unexpected, but much appreciated, day off. I had been to this area before and this beach several times. The sand is soft and mostly clear of sea shells, as it is a popular area. Anyway, Jonathan and I went out until we were up to our necks in water because it was warm and relaxing. Jonathan decides to submerge completely so I step away from him so I don't get splashed. I step back with my right foot, no problem. I put my left foot down to balance and I feel a sharp sting like getting a shot. I immediately pulled my foot up (before I had even put much weight down on it) and pull out 2-3 spines. When Jonathan surfaces again, I explain what happened and he pulls out another one. We head to shore and he tries to grip the last one but it is too far in. I am not about to leave the beach and it's salt water so I figure it will keep the wound clean for a while. I walk on my toes back out into the water for another 20 minutes or so before we head home.
*I told my brother that wants to be a marine biologist about my experience. His only response? "At least it wasn't a poisonous one." Geez, thanks John!
**My knee injury was totally unrelated and had no effect on this rather interesting experience. As the Wizard of Oz says "I guess I'm not in Kansas anymore!"
Well, honestly, I am not sure how to answer that question. I have never prepared for a baby and so comparing here to the States might be difficult. The first thing that is different is baby registries. They are not a thing here. There are baby stores (fairly expensive) then most supermarkets and major stores have a baby section. Then there is IKEA for furniture. So, there are places to buy things, we just haven't yet. We have an almost full dresser drawer of baby clothes but thats it. We are still figuring out where to put the crib and changing table and the best place to buy it. Jonathan doesn't know where to find these things and since this is a whole different shopping world, I have no clue either. In the States I know where to go, not here. So right now, baby prep is mostly researching and budgeting.
The third question is about Dominican healthcare. Well, I have had extensive experience these last couple of weeks, that is for sure! The hardest thing is the language barrier. However, I feel like the level of care is comparable to the USA in as much as I have used it. There is a long wait for everything but that's true in the States as well. One nice thing here though is that you don't need an appointment. You just walk in. But, be prepared to wait....sometimes for hours. With my knee I was fortunate to arrive at a time where I was high up on the patient list. Combine that with the fact I am an American and they would try to see me a little faster, or work out an appointment like sign-up for me so I did not have to sit forever. With my knee the longest I had to wait for anything was 45 minutes. But we had to get blood work and a sonogram on my knee and such so the whole thing took several hours but I was only sitting for about 45 minutes at any one point. My insurance covers most if the medical expenses which is good. I pay about $500 pesos for non-pregnancy related visits which is about $11. And as long as I have a translator with me, I receive great medical care.
As for the last series of questions; yes, Jonathan does have a church, he is rebuilding (in the people sense) the church but he does have a church. Summer break is all of July and most/all of August. We stop teaching mid-June. Jonathan, being the science teacher, has summer training, so I am trying to figure out what I will do. Rest for sure, but beyond that I do not know. Once his training is done, Jonathan is planning on driving for UBER to keep some cash coming in until the school year starts back up.
As for a general update: the baby is moving around A LOT. He loves eggs, chicken, orange juice, rice and beans, ice water and Dominican donuts, Jonathan is able to feel him move sometimes now which is exciting! Although we do have the name picked out, Jonathan wants to wait a few more weeks before telling everyone what it is, I don;t know why, he just does!
At school we are in exam week one right now. Next week is review week for final exams than the week after is the final exams. After that is Jonathan's summer training.
Our animals are doing well! Kempurr and Aria have discovered how to get out the window and will come and go as they please; with Kempurr often going next door to play with Leon. Jefe has almost tripled in size and still has a lot of growing to do! He is doing well with the potty training and he barks and jumps like crazy. We are working with him on the barking because it's usually over food or wanting on the bed, not when someone comes to the door, But he is still young, he will learn. I have been asked to play my flute on a piece of music for the school play on Friday, so I am getting involved in music slowly, which is fine by me because I have a lot on my plate right now!
Well, I think that is it! Let me know if you have anymore questions. Until next week, blessings to all y'all!
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