Peace Corps Day in the D.R.

Just thought today was a pretty text book day as far as the Peace Corps is concerned. I woke up to my brothers and sisters peering in at me through the cracks/holes in the tin wall. I had some noodle soup for breakfast with coffee, showered and moved along to organize the library. I stopped about 10 different times to talk to people and compartir if you will. (that really just means sitting with other people, sizin’ em up.) The elementary school teacher wasn’t there so I was asked to step in and kindly obliged. I counted all the kids in the class with them, tried to teach the sounds of the vowels in Spanish and then in English and before long I had 6 year old boys climbing all over each other and smacking each other with protractors. I looked over at the actual teacher, told her I couldn't do it and walked away to the 8th grade where things are slightly more civilized. I walked home for lunch (beans and rice with a fried egg), took a nap and hit the town again. I went over to meet up with some girls and play volleyball. Alas, there wasn't actually a Volleyball and the soccer ball weighed too much for their hands. We chatted on the bench for a bit and we agreed to meet at the field. I constantly need to remind myself that I live in a Batey and it is completely normal when they say they will be right there and then never come. The bench and shade got the best of those campesinas. In the end, I threw a frisbee with Sonia - 15 and Ruth - 9 surrounded by sugar cane. It was kind of beautiful in a way. There wasn’t anything profound about it nor any indications that I made them even question their lives as young woman. however, there were a few good tosses and the banter was remarkable. my new friend, Ruth, asked me in English if I liked fish. I responded yes. She then asked me if I like to kiss. I said yes, but I don’t like to kiss fish. If this is not funny to you in any way, I apologize but I have an excuse..... I am the only Jewish white girl living in a Batey and am totally jaded, so my sense of humor is suffering. So to put an end to this day, my 13 year old brother, Berto picked me up on his horse and we rode home in the sunset with my two year old brother between us! I took a bucket bath under the stars and now I am putting this macbook to rest. goodnight.