| | Another volunteer friend used to describe the adjustment from leaving the Unites States to go to the Dominican Republic akin to "being ripped from the womb." I now find it quite the other way around. With the economy crashing, gas stations running out of supply, and a lack of care free, bachata dancing Spanish speaking people to drink rum and coke with I find myself slowly losing my appreciation for all that is the U.S. Although I cried and complained while being in the DR I still loved the life. Even though I ran out of pesos mid month, choked down sardine sandwiches at least three times a week, attained numerous life long battle scars (thank goodness that doesn't include a muffler burn), and cried myself to sleep a number of times from the feeling of hopelessness, it still doesn't deter me from longing to return to the endless fun in the sun culture that encompasses the island. My reasons for staying or going were absolutely equal. Everyone I presented my reasons to said the same, so the decision to stay in the U.S. brought no repercussions on my part. The only trouble is I still want to go back. I can't sleep at night from the tons of crazy schemes my brain is coming up with to get me back to that mountain range out in the south western province of the island. I know I'm not ready to go back at this point, but that doesn't stop me from sending remesas to get that nice vacation home built for when I'm ready. Yea it's that bad. At least I know that when I do return it will be on MY OWN terms. To the other volunteers from my group who have 7 months left; good luck. I'll see you when you get back. Some advice: Make sure you have a job or a grad school waiting because counting down the number of days until your health insurance runs out can also cause you to lose a lot of sleep at night. |
| | Posted 9/24/2008 1:31 AM - 14 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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