In the past few months I have realized that the only way to survive within a new country, culture, and- at times- world, is to embrace the differences, try (almost) everything at least once, and admittedly and openly acknowledge the smallness and insignificance of one's self.
While I continuously struggle to "fit in," to trust in God, and to find solutions to the almost daily slew of annoyances or mini-crises, I have found that, strangely, one of the greatest comforts in times of frustration and despair is to come across an individual in exactly the same or similar situation as myself. How refreshing it is to learn about one's personal reaction to a problem I had once deemed "insurmountable."
Thanks to co-workers, friends, and family members, I have fallen upon blogs and articles from development workers in placements around the world that shed enlightening and uncannily real insights to life abroad. Enjoy.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/mad-for-mumbai/story-e6frg8h6-1225934717682
http://lessonsilearned.org/
http://stayingfortea.org/2010/08/17/poverty-tourism-a-debate-in-need-of-typological-nuance/
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
An Unexpected Viaje
There are a few things that I truly miss from the good ole’ U.S. of A. As it is autumn back home (and also here I s’pose however the 90 degree weather rather kills that statement), currently at the top of my list is a Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Mmmm. This drink, while overly-priced and lacking the health benefits of say, a big glass of fresh squeezed orange (“china”) juice, signifies comfort and home for me. Also, I miss that feeling right before the first frost. The air is so fresh and so crisp- one just needs to close their eyes and breathe to realize the beauty surrounding them.
On a different note, I miss rules and regulations. The tidy, orderly business of waiting in-turn to order, stopping at red lights, and lowering one’s music after 10:00 at night. I miss the social impropriety that would be attached to an individual if they yelled out to a woman, “Hey pretty baby! Come over here and give me a kiss!” I miss the feeling that would fill me when seeing an abandoned animal- and the urge that would swell up inside to “save it Liz!” More abstractly, I also miss the freedom of being on my own time schedule. Of driving my own vehicle- even getting lost in it. Knowing that, as I am able to drive myself to this or that location, it will take (more or less) 15 minutes.
However, when it really comes down to it, above all else I miss those individuals who have so shaped me and my life. Unsurprisingly, God was aware of this. About three weeks ago, I was having a “skype date” with Pat when he realized that he had a free weekend at the end of September where he hoped to visit the DR. However, as his Friday professor docked students 5% of the final grade for ever missed class, we realized that the only feasible option was for me to fly to him. Several e-mails, phone calls, and one American Airline purchase later, I was heading to NH for 4 days.
The trip was quite the whirlwind as my 11:00 am American Airlines Flight (and I had thought Jetblue was bad!)to Puerto Rico was delayed giving me only 25 minutes to get through customs in San Juan (a feat I was told would be impossible)and if I missed my flight, I would need to sleep over in the PR airport- no thanks! Therefore, I re-routed through Miami and after 6 more hours of delays(half of those hours being spent on board a plane that was not given permission to exit the runway), I arrived in Logan Airport at 12:00am (only 6.5 hours after my original flight should have landed).
However (*and now is the time where all of you folks who can't stand mushyness of any sort should stop reading*) it was all seriously worth it when I saw Pat waiting at the gate. Absolutely one of those things that just can't be beat.
I spent my time in beautiful NH meeting up with old friends, eating lunch with my wonderful Aunt Kiki, grabbing pumpkin spiced lattes with Heidi, staying up "wicked" late with my big cousin John, exploring the Deerfield Fair (aka: eating every fried thing in sight) and spending some much needed time with Patch.
I certainly encountered my fair share of "mini reverse culture shocks" including witnessing the Mall of New Hampshire lose power- which, actually made me feel right at home as most areas in the DR rarely have electricity 24/7- but what was shocking was the reaction of the woman next to me who literally jumped, screamed, and grabbed the person next to her when the lights went out. My face froze, mouth dropped, and after muttering something like "se fue la luz!" (their goes the light!) I am pretty sure I stared her down as if she was completely and utterly ridiculous. It was just the power and it was in the middle of the day!
I found myself getting very frustrated by people around me and also with myself. Shopping for a few things at the mall was very overwhelming. Their was new and exciting stuff everywhere- I kept having to fight this urge to buy- this voice that told me, "'Liz, you need this. You can't find this in the DR." Many of the ex-pats who once lived in the DR have recounted their tales of reverse culture shock. They explain how, upon re-entering the states, they found themselves overwhelmed by what was once a simple task.
For example, driving. Pat lent me his cell phone and car while I was in NH and I was so thankful for this freedom. However, as soon as I was by myself, driving along the road- I had to keep fighting the idea that this was fake. I remember looking over my shoulder for the normal crowd of people packed in the carro publicos that I ride in so often.
While my time away was incredible-I am now back in the beautiful DR- so content with where God has me and finding myself falling deeper and deeper in love with the people, culture, and beauty that surrounds me. Never would I have believed that such a peace exists. And now, as a Dominican friend just surprised us with Barra Payan "mangola" juice- (Chinola + Mango), I am thoroughly content and ready to start the weekend.
On a different note, I miss rules and regulations. The tidy, orderly business of waiting in-turn to order, stopping at red lights, and lowering one’s music after 10:00 at night. I miss the social impropriety that would be attached to an individual if they yelled out to a woman, “Hey pretty baby! Come over here and give me a kiss!” I miss the feeling that would fill me when seeing an abandoned animal- and the urge that would swell up inside to “save it Liz!” More abstractly, I also miss the freedom of being on my own time schedule. Of driving my own vehicle- even getting lost in it. Knowing that, as I am able to drive myself to this or that location, it will take (more or less) 15 minutes.
However, when it really comes down to it, above all else I miss those individuals who have so shaped me and my life. Unsurprisingly, God was aware of this. About three weeks ago, I was having a “skype date” with Pat when he realized that he had a free weekend at the end of September where he hoped to visit the DR. However, as his Friday professor docked students 5% of the final grade for ever missed class, we realized that the only feasible option was for me to fly to him. Several e-mails, phone calls, and one American Airline purchase later, I was heading to NH for 4 days.
The trip was quite the whirlwind as my 11:00 am American Airlines Flight (and I had thought Jetblue was bad!)to Puerto Rico was delayed giving me only 25 minutes to get through customs in San Juan (a feat I was told would be impossible)and if I missed my flight, I would need to sleep over in the PR airport- no thanks! Therefore, I re-routed through Miami and after 6 more hours of delays(half of those hours being spent on board a plane that was not given permission to exit the runway), I arrived in Logan Airport at 12:00am (only 6.5 hours after my original flight should have landed).
However (*and now is the time where all of you folks who can't stand mushyness of any sort should stop reading*) it was all seriously worth it when I saw Pat waiting at the gate. Absolutely one of those things that just can't be beat.
I spent my time in beautiful NH meeting up with old friends, eating lunch with my wonderful Aunt Kiki, grabbing pumpkin spiced lattes with Heidi, staying up "wicked" late with my big cousin John, exploring the Deerfield Fair (aka: eating every fried thing in sight) and spending some much needed time with Patch.
I certainly encountered my fair share of "mini reverse culture shocks" including witnessing the Mall of New Hampshire lose power- which, actually made me feel right at home as most areas in the DR rarely have electricity 24/7- but what was shocking was the reaction of the woman next to me who literally jumped, screamed, and grabbed the person next to her when the lights went out. My face froze, mouth dropped, and after muttering something like "se fue la luz!" (their goes the light!) I am pretty sure I stared her down as if she was completely and utterly ridiculous. It was just the power and it was in the middle of the day!
I found myself getting very frustrated by people around me and also with myself. Shopping for a few things at the mall was very overwhelming. Their was new and exciting stuff everywhere- I kept having to fight this urge to buy- this voice that told me, "'Liz, you need this. You can't find this in the DR." Many of the ex-pats who once lived in the DR have recounted their tales of reverse culture shock. They explain how, upon re-entering the states, they found themselves overwhelmed by what was once a simple task.
For example, driving. Pat lent me his cell phone and car while I was in NH and I was so thankful for this freedom. However, as soon as I was by myself, driving along the road- I had to keep fighting the idea that this was fake. I remember looking over my shoulder for the normal crowd of people packed in the carro publicos that I ride in so often.
While my time away was incredible-I am now back in the beautiful DR- so content with where God has me and finding myself falling deeper and deeper in love with the people, culture, and beauty that surrounds me. Never would I have believed that such a peace exists. And now, as a Dominican friend just surprised us with Barra Payan "mangola" juice- (Chinola + Mango), I am thoroughly content and ready to start the weekend.
Wait Upon the Lord
As it has been nearly 1 ½ months since I’ve written last, several updates are in order!
First, I had the incredible opportunity (as briefly noted in my last entry) to spend a month in the city of San Pedro de Macoris (SPM), a city famous for their poets, crabs, and, above all else, baseball. Having spent a solid month getting grounded in Dominican culture and introduced to Esperanza Internacional as an organization, it was decided that the best teaching instrument was a full-fledged experience working in an Esperanza Branch Office. By traveling to bi-weekly Bank of Hope meetings and shadowing Loan Officers in their daily activities involving associates and their communities, I had the opportunity to see the ins-and-outs of microfinance. Alongside working in the SPM branch office, I was also given the chance to live with a Dominican family, eat Dominican food, and experience Dominican culture in a real and “un-sugar-coated” fashion.
I left for SPM late one afternoon with the wonderful Claire leading the way. The route by guagua took only an hour and Angela (“Angelita”-meaning little angel- as everyone calls her), greeted me with open arms and brought me to my room on the second floor of a house adjacent to her own. For the first time in over a month, I was able to unpack my suitcase (semi-permanently), hang a few photos on the wall, and get situated in my temporary abode. My time in San Pedro was certainly memorable. I ate incredibly! Angela and her sister Miriam were incredible cooks and I was often blown away by the incredible meals they prepared for me. I ate a variety of locally grown products such as eggs, yucca, salchicas (sausages), freshly squeezed juices, salad (with a great oil based dressing mixed with salt and garlic), tostones, beets, chicken, beef, fish- you name, I most likely had it.
Beyond the incredible food (I really love food- hence its prominent placement in my entry), I became more comfortable with walking through the town, more acquainted to the “cat calls” (llamadas de los gatos) from curious Dominican men, and more adventurous as to how far I would walk from Angelita’s home. Beside myself, Angelita housed several ex-pat’s, took care of her elderly mother (an incredible woman nearing the age of 96!), and helped her sister care for her son and grandchildren. Life in the branch office allowed me to be introduced to several incredible individuals. Alejandro was a constant encouragement, teaching me that a successful work day meant that I spent a large amount of time building relationships with the people around me and did not stay in my corner “typing feverishly away at my computer.” (A hard but necessary lesson to learn). Carlos introduced me to the beauty (and risks) of driving a moto-concho, Esmeida to the kindness and faithfulness of a friend who will forever look out for you, Isidro to the importance of praising God-no matter the time of day, Damaris to the joy that comes from welcoming a challenge and charging it head on, Don Eurelio to the intense and powerful impact of showing a stranger-exhausted from a day at the Cemex factory- love, Noberto to the importance of finding friends who can help you when your abilities fall short, Mariam to the joy that comes from simple things like a clean work environment, Romana to the strength God provides to all of His children- even if they are handed major obstacles, and Celida for displaying a faith like no other. To these people I will be forever grateful.
I was also taught (by my old man) that I am the only person that can determine what is healthy and right for me during this time. Being so far removed from family and friends, the ones I love are able to offer spiritual and emotional support- but solely through encouraging messages or phone conversations. The real catalyst to any progress- the role of change agent- falls to myself. I remember this taking me by surprise. I feel that for so long, I have lived under a hierarchy of leadership. While this remains true in many fashions, I am no longer a Messiah College student or a dependent of Gerald and Lucie Poulin (don’t get me wrong, I am still VERY dependent on my wonderful parents- just in a different sense). The month I spent in SPM was in many ways one of the most challenging months of my life- and yet, equally rewarding.
In addition, I also faced the realization that I have very rarely, due to my life’s circumstances, had to rely fully and completely on God. For the majority of my life, I have acknowledged God’s presence in my life and been thankful for the continuous blessings surrounding me. But, now- sick with a bad case of gripe, stressed with the departure of my co-worker and good friend, and overwhelmed by an influx of cockroaches inside my small apartment, I felt discouraged, exhausted, and very much alone. I remember feeling totally and completely broken, explaining to a good friend that I did not know how much I could handle. However, when I needed it most, she reminded me that I would never be alone and that to think these things only fed a lie. She encouraged me to “starve the sentiment” and remember that I have a God that loves me, knows me, and will never abandon me. Amen.
All I can say is, God is so good. So faithful. A source of comfort and peace. Jesus, I praise your name and thank you for walking with me through the valleys and times of drought. Your patience with my slow understanding encourages me. But overall, your faithfulness provides me with the strength to press on. Surely, I will wait upon the Lord.
First, I had the incredible opportunity (as briefly noted in my last entry) to spend a month in the city of San Pedro de Macoris (SPM), a city famous for their poets, crabs, and, above all else, baseball. Having spent a solid month getting grounded in Dominican culture and introduced to Esperanza Internacional as an organization, it was decided that the best teaching instrument was a full-fledged experience working in an Esperanza Branch Office. By traveling to bi-weekly Bank of Hope meetings and shadowing Loan Officers in their daily activities involving associates and their communities, I had the opportunity to see the ins-and-outs of microfinance. Alongside working in the SPM branch office, I was also given the chance to live with a Dominican family, eat Dominican food, and experience Dominican culture in a real and “un-sugar-coated” fashion.
I left for SPM late one afternoon with the wonderful Claire leading the way. The route by guagua took only an hour and Angela (“Angelita”-meaning little angel- as everyone calls her), greeted me with open arms and brought me to my room on the second floor of a house adjacent to her own. For the first time in over a month, I was able to unpack my suitcase (semi-permanently), hang a few photos on the wall, and get situated in my temporary abode. My time in San Pedro was certainly memorable. I ate incredibly! Angela and her sister Miriam were incredible cooks and I was often blown away by the incredible meals they prepared for me. I ate a variety of locally grown products such as eggs, yucca, salchicas (sausages), freshly squeezed juices, salad (with a great oil based dressing mixed with salt and garlic), tostones, beets, chicken, beef, fish- you name, I most likely had it.
Beyond the incredible food (I really love food- hence its prominent placement in my entry), I became more comfortable with walking through the town, more acquainted to the “cat calls” (llamadas de los gatos) from curious Dominican men, and more adventurous as to how far I would walk from Angelita’s home. Beside myself, Angelita housed several ex-pat’s, took care of her elderly mother (an incredible woman nearing the age of 96!), and helped her sister care for her son and grandchildren. Life in the branch office allowed me to be introduced to several incredible individuals. Alejandro was a constant encouragement, teaching me that a successful work day meant that I spent a large amount of time building relationships with the people around me and did not stay in my corner “typing feverishly away at my computer.” (A hard but necessary lesson to learn). Carlos introduced me to the beauty (and risks) of driving a moto-concho, Esmeida to the kindness and faithfulness of a friend who will forever look out for you, Isidro to the importance of praising God-no matter the time of day, Damaris to the joy that comes from welcoming a challenge and charging it head on, Don Eurelio to the intense and powerful impact of showing a stranger-exhausted from a day at the Cemex factory- love, Noberto to the importance of finding friends who can help you when your abilities fall short, Mariam to the joy that comes from simple things like a clean work environment, Romana to the strength God provides to all of His children- even if they are handed major obstacles, and Celida for displaying a faith like no other. To these people I will be forever grateful.
I was also taught (by my old man) that I am the only person that can determine what is healthy and right for me during this time. Being so far removed from family and friends, the ones I love are able to offer spiritual and emotional support- but solely through encouraging messages or phone conversations. The real catalyst to any progress- the role of change agent- falls to myself. I remember this taking me by surprise. I feel that for so long, I have lived under a hierarchy of leadership. While this remains true in many fashions, I am no longer a Messiah College student or a dependent of Gerald and Lucie Poulin (don’t get me wrong, I am still VERY dependent on my wonderful parents- just in a different sense). The month I spent in SPM was in many ways one of the most challenging months of my life- and yet, equally rewarding.
In addition, I also faced the realization that I have very rarely, due to my life’s circumstances, had to rely fully and completely on God. For the majority of my life, I have acknowledged God’s presence in my life and been thankful for the continuous blessings surrounding me. But, now- sick with a bad case of gripe, stressed with the departure of my co-worker and good friend, and overwhelmed by an influx of cockroaches inside my small apartment, I felt discouraged, exhausted, and very much alone. I remember feeling totally and completely broken, explaining to a good friend that I did not know how much I could handle. However, when I needed it most, she reminded me that I would never be alone and that to think these things only fed a lie. She encouraged me to “starve the sentiment” and remember that I have a God that loves me, knows me, and will never abandon me. Amen.
All I can say is, God is so good. So faithful. A source of comfort and peace. Jesus, I praise your name and thank you for walking with me through the valleys and times of drought. Your patience with my slow understanding encourages me. But overall, your faithfulness provides me with the strength to press on. Surely, I will wait upon the Lord.
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