Saludos!
So I’ve been sitting here in “sombra” (shade) of the rectory backyard for quite some time trying to think of just what to say, or where to begin…
…meanwhile, I hear the children of the parish school next door laughing and learning. I see mango trees, a clear blue sky, and some local Dominicans chatting “tranquilo.” I smell a mixture of Caribbean air and our lunch being prepared in the kitchen (which I’m guessing is arroz, yuca, y pollo – rice, “potato”…sort of, and chicken).
On Saturday, Father O’Hare, Kenzie, and myself joined two local nuns who were giving a retreat in a nearby “campo” called Ricon Grande Abajo. To get there we had to cross a river up to our knees and then walk the rest of the way for twenty minutes…basically, it was way out in the country. Walking beside us, often holding hands, were locals of all ages (infants to adults), who all gathered in the “porch” of our hosts’ house to listen and share. Although my ears are still becoming attuned to the language, hand motions and situational context helps so much. It was refreshing to hear and see the response of the people – so honest and genuine, so fervent yet gentle, so simple, eager to learn and grow in faith. Afterward, all of the youth, children, and even some adults sprinted down to the river we had crossed to cool off. So joyfully and affectionately with each other, they dove in, splashing and laughing.
On Sunday we traveled quite a bit so that Father could celebrate four Masses at the different campos. For lunch, we were invited to Fidia’s (a local elder) house. During our time there she was taking care of her two four-year-old granddaughters as well, who warmed right up to us. They brought out some pretty toy necklaces and empty Huggies diaper boxes - purses, of course - and wanted to be called princesses. Then out came a very well loved “muneca” doll who they often hushed to sleep in their arms. ...Not too different from four-year-olds in the U.S., eh?
Walking down the street you often see locals traveling by mule, or sometimes horse. You see chickens, roosters, goats, and sheep roaming about the dirt roads. You see little green lizards or good sized spiders scurry up and down the wall. You often hear thunder in the afternoon, warning you of an approaching rainfall. You smell dust and are covered in it by the end of the day. You hear and see children playing a pick-up game of baseball or something they made up, while the adults chat on the porch outside playing dominoes. Driving to any far off location, picking up walking travelers who need a ride is customary. They pile in to the back of the truck and grab for fruit off trees overhead as the truck passes by, and then bang on the top of the hood to notify you when they have reached their destination.
At any time throughout the day or night, the town electricity can shut down without notice. This is when volleyball and basketball at the local “cancha” (court) cease, and when you bring out your flashlight or put on your generator (if you have one). Without rain, the water supply is limited as well. This is when you carry up buckets from the river to wash and bathe, which hopefully isn’t too dirt-filled from the last rain.
My host family has been so very warm and welcoming. The father is Hecfredes (his father was Hector and his mother was Fredes; hence, Hecfredes) – he is the parish school principal and a well respected man in the community. He is very proud to be a “Banicero.” The mother is Virtudes – she is a very sweet and loving mother. They have two children: Nector – a chubby three month old and Daniel – a wild, energetic two-year-old (who is named after Father Gee, who those of you who know him). There is also a Haitian fourteen-year-old who lives with the family as hired help, and Karen – an ten-year-old niece/adopted “daughter” who sometimes sleeps over. Life at home is always exciting with the kids running around, and I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve gotten chat and hang out with them so far.
Alright, well I better be going, but I hope this gives you a taste of what life is like here! I’m learning so much every day….and I’m really loving every moment…Demos gracias a Dios. We have been planning our English class schedule for 1st-4th grades which should start up soon, along with Bible studies and catechism classes. I hope everyone is doing well over in the US… I send my love to you all!!!
Muchos abrazos and besos,
p.s. Leave a comment!
p.p.s. The other missionary here with me, MacKenzie, has a blog as well if you're interested: www.maclearnsespanol.blogspot.com
