Mason's Musings

We started off our second day at the Outreach360 HQ with announcements, a classic homey pancake breakfast, and a side of groggy conversation. After a “brief” orientation, we geared up for an excursion around Monte Cristi. Around town, we met some new friends: the local juice vendor, an award-winning painter, and Juan Manuel, our docent at the museum of the Jimenes family.  In case anyone was wondering, nobody suffered from heat stroke, but we got really close to it.* Don’t worry, sunscreen made an appearance. When we finally stumbled back to our home away from home, we were greeted by a lovely array of delicacies; lunch was arroz blanco, pollo, y platanos fritos. Afterward, some of our group ventured back out into town to try some ice cream and ponder over what the real value of the USD is in the Dominican Republic. Then came the dirty work. We began our lesson planning with another orientation and a new set of guidelines beautifully delivered by our counselor, Michael. Now you’re all caught up. P.S. Stuart says XOXO, Mom.

Signing out, Mason and Rory.

*Sarcasm must be taken under advisement… Ms. Pringle is telling us to drink water more than she corrects our grammar.

Composed the afternoon of March 24, 2019 amidst much laughter

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. 

La Poema de Opal

Warm wind whispers at ankles. (Swish, swish.)

Slivers of light pull, beckon.

Tentative friction, firm and warm, pushes

(a force)

and she takes a step.

And another

and another, firmwarmfriction,

and zoom. No, less a zoom, more a roar.

A lion of wind gushes and pushes away, and she steps back.

The lion back in its cave, she blurs across the street

(firm friction) and dashes the sand

(giving plush).

Takeofftheshoesandthepantsandthetowelandrun

Into the water.

Composed the evening of March 23, 2019

We've Arrived!

After many hours of travel, we arrived safely to our destination.  Despite being in airports, on planes and seated in a very cozy bus, I heard not one complaint.  I did hear lively conversation, competitive games of Uno and riddles.  Already this group is forming new connections and friendships.  We arrived in the dark (past midnight, local time), so this morning's daylight allowed us to see how close we are to the water.  The tropical plants, moisture in the air and sounds of birds quickly orient us to the tropical destination.  I head now to make sure everyone is awake for our first meal in Monte Cristi!

Last Preparations

Our group met today for our last formal meeting time before our early morning departure next week.  We discussed travel preparations and logistics and what to expect upon arrival.  Over the past several months, we've gathered to learn more about the history and culture of the DR, culminating this week with a portion of the documentary, Ballplayer:  Pelotero, the moving 2011 film about the MLB's recruiting practices in the DR.  After reading and learning about the country from afar, we can't wait to meet new people, see new places and form our own impressions. 

Practicing our group photo shoot smiles (albeit missing two of our travelers)