Getting Oriented

Our first full day was an opportunity to acclimate to our new surroundings while spending time getting to know one another, largely during games of cards, connect four and other board games.  We met Ellen and Kennedy, two of the long-term volunteers and site directors here.  Ellen inspired us all with her life path which has included careers in nursing, public health and academia and a post-retirement post in the Peace Corps.  Kennedy also hails from California and is a recent UC Davis graduate.  During our meals, we sampled new cuisine, later dipped our toes (and knees) into the ocean, passed by the salt flats and settled into the volunteer house.  To our delight, we were invited to attend a local softball game.  On our walk to the field we passed "free-range" goats wandering in the road, chickens and several dogs.  While we saw some impressive plays, our favorite part of the game was watching a spirited four-year old practice warm ups and throws with his father.  We practiced learning new songs used during our upcoming teaching time and much to our surprise, the students headed to bed before the chaperones!  Some of us are enjoying noticing what feels familiar from O360 in Nicaragua and what is different and new to us here in Monte Cristi.  Even only a day into our trip,

Poly already feels very far away as we practice living in the present.