Reflection

            It’s been 2 years since I moved here. I have adjusted far better than I thought. I am no longer tense when we are on the road, and for the most part, I am not tense when we are running “late”. I am adjusting to Dominican time! It actually relieves a lot of stress to be more carefree with time, and nobody gets offended because everyone is like that. Life just moves at a slower pace here…mostly.

            Some things have happened that signal my acceptance by the locals. They are no longer guarded in what they say and treat me as a fellow Dominican. I guess I have passed the test and they realize I am here to stay. My Spanish is still very basic but I can hold some simple conversations and some people even try to communicate with me in English. They have come to realize that I am not as scary as they originally thought! Amos is of course, still the most popular one, but that is fine. He has a whole block of people watching out for his well-being.

            I have developed a relationship with a couple of venders at the farmers market. They recognize us and know exactly what I am going to buy (give or take a veggie or two) and even sometimes what I am looking for in a veggie (i.e. bell pepper ripeness and color). It is nice to have some routine like that. Sadly, we do not go to the market as much as I wish we did, but when we do, I always get a ton of food for not a lot of money. Teachers out there know how important that is! So, I am able to feed my family really healthy for as inexpensively as possible when I buy there. However, I refuse to buy my meat from anywhere but the grocery store or the local chicken butcher. I just don’t trust how the meat at the market is prepared and I don’t know, it just weirds me out.

            Although the driving here is still as terrible as ever, one thing is for sure. Being teachers has been a blessing. Whenever we are stopped at a police checkpoint they see our school parking sticker, our uniform shirts and our annual taxes sticker (basically a car tag but it is on the windshield) and just wave us on. Very rarely do they go ahead and ask for proof of insurance and such. I guess teachers are not a big threat or huge law breakers. Probably because we don’t have time to break the law!

            Another thing I appreciate about this culture that ours seems to have last is the porch. It does not seem like we spend much time, if any sitting on the porch. We are always busy, constantly moving, never taking the time to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea in my case). People here are very minimalistic. They do not own much so cleaning does not take long and they can enjoy down time. They have hours of free time (I wish I had hours of free time!) everyday where they can just sit and chat or enjoy the breeze or go to a baseball game. It seems to be something the American culture has lost.

            A final thought is about how the church is treated here. Church activities and meetings are treated with great importance and respect. It is not considered mundane here. If you have a church activity or are involved in the church it is important. It trumps everything else. It does not appear t me that church is valued like that anymore in the States. Attending services is like a chore to many, and it is not viewed that way here. I am very grateful for that.

            Well, that is all for this week. Until next time, may Adoani bless you and your homes.