Week one. What a roller coaster ride.

It has been very challenging adjusting to this culture. The first day I kept thinking: “Wow, what have I gotten myself into?” Speaking Spanish all day and enduring the intense heat was exhausting; by the end of Sunday I had a headache from the noise level. But I praise God for how he has helped me adapt and bond with my family and those around me in the community.

I have spent most of this week visiting friends, hanging out, learning the language and familiarizing myself with popular games and sports. The guys my age really enjoy soccer and basketball, while the younger children are crazy about baseball. Dominoes, card games and playing marbles in the streets are common social activities.

The barrio is very crowded and children can always be found running about, climbing trees to grab mangoes or chasing after bike tires (this is another fun game for the younger children). There are also lots of dogs. Initially I was afraid of them but I soon realized they were much more afraid of me; the people teach them to fear humans. Music is always blasting out of cars, houses, or corner stores (colmados) and the people love to point their speakers out facing the street so everyone can hear.

One thing I found interesting is the people don’t seem to mind all the noise. It doesn’t matter if it’s midnight- our neighbors (the Miguel family) enjoy cranking up traditional Mexican music, bachata or salsa and chilling out- sometimes dancing or playing the accordion in front of their house.

I have really enjoyed being able to see my friends again. People here are very hospitable; upon entering they will offer you the best chair they have to sit down in and ask if you care for coffee or cola etc. They like to talk about whatever, and bringing up God or a spiritual topic right from the get-go is not a problem. I don’t know if they are more trusting or if the value intimacy more, but it has been very interesting to talk about Jesus and the Bible and learn how Dominicans view life.

Life with my family has been very different from what I’m used to. I am living in a house with eight people: Maria and Antonio, Domingo (Dudo), Geronimo, Stephanie, Roberto, Flore and Oscar. I have very little time to myself, which contrasts starkly to the way I have lived in Calgary over the last year. On Thursday I walked to Rod’s house (about 20 minutes outside the barrio) and just read for a while. That was super refreshing. But, for the most part, I am surrounded by people and the stress of trying to understand and speak a new language. It is very tiring; I find no trouble crashing around ten at night even despite all surrounding sounds.

I have a good sized room with a comfortable bed and plenty of drawers for storage. Most of my clothes are just hanging on nails along the wall. I use a bucket and a cup for showering and my diet consists mainly of rice, beans, chicken, salad, tropical fruits and plantanes.

Next week Joy, Robert and I will begin work in the afternoons. Our primary task is to work on web updates. When all is said and done, I have to say I really enjoyed my first week here. The good outweighed the bad.

Thank you for your prayers and support.