4 month itch is over

As posted earlier I had an allergic reaction to a mango, or so the doctors think. I mean I called them from my site and they diagnosed me on the phone. So, how would they really know without seeing it? Well they are just that good because I took the anti-histamine pills they prescribed and slathered on the calaydrl lotion all day Sunday. Monday when I woke up it was starting to dry out and clear up. Whew! That was a close call. I was going to give myself until Monday and then make a trip to the capital if it didn’t make a change for the better. Tuesday I called the doctor to let her know my status and the rest is an itchy history.

The compound in which I live was full of buzz Monday because the women of the house who went to NYC were expected home, bringing with them 5 cousins. I was so happy to hear that it was actually happening! This house and family just wasn’t the same without the mom and abuela. Floors were scrubbed, rooms organized, gas tanks filled, walls painted and everyone in high spirits. I was especially happy to have the stove working again. I woke up on Tuesday and had my sorely missed cup of Yerba Mate (the most yummy of teas). I could really tell the difference that cup of tea makes because I finally got the motivation to walk to the CTC and talk with my project partner about making my schedule and plans to change teaching material. Yes, my rash was clearing up and I was making headway with my Peace Corps life. I spent the rest of the day at sewing class, where I quickly finished a cover for a blender. I don’t have a blender and probably wont unless one is given to me, none the less – I sewed one “y es muy linda!”

Altagracia and I are also trying to accumulate furniture and things for my apartment. I was given approval to move out early because of the limited availability of places to rent in my town. So I should be moving this week or the next (I’m waiting on the last tenants to pay the light bill). I was given a twin bed, some towels, a curtain, and a few plastic chairs already but there is still so much I will have to buy if people don’t donate to this poor gringa. We get a little bit of money to move and buy the necessary things, but we all know things around the world are more expensive these days and Peace Corps hasn’t made the adjustment yet – will they ever? Anyway, I’ll live like a college student again, eating out of my cookware and washing clothes by hand. But don’t worry, I think someone is trying to find me a T.V. so I won’t be lonely – hehehehehehe. I hope that gives you an idea of what people here find most important. Never mind that I won’t have sheets on my bed or a bucket to hord water for my bucket baths, but yes I must have a T.V. with cable. Seriously though, I’ll take whatever people give me. It will all come together as things usually do in my life. Gracias a Dios!

When I got home on Tuesday I found Luisa and Negrita home!!!! The compound felt in harmony once again. I felt as though my heart was full again and there was peace in the kingdom. I didn’t realize how nice it was to have the two women around to talk with and just sit. The cousins that will spend their summer here are also fun to be around. There was a slip-n-slide laid out on the tile courtyard when I got home and the kids were trying to figure out the best way to have fun on the flat surface. They settled on shuffling or sliding on the soapy water while racing one another. I was the judge on a few occasions until Luisiana sliced open her foot a broken tile. I tried to play doctor and got my butterfly band-aids to help keep the cut together until she could get to a clinic for some stitches. Also, no one else could deal with the blood or her screams of pain. Thanks to my mothers instincts I can be strong and fearless when there is a need. That was when the slide was put up and dinner was served. The past month I had been eating dinner at Altagracia’s or just having some fruit either way they were smallest meals of the day. I don’t know if was because Negrita was happy to be home or what, but she made me a plate big enough for 3 people. I ate half. I’m not going to lie. The starches, fried eggs and salami are delicious, when you’re not eating them daily. Luckily I’ll be out on my own though so I don’t have to worry about someone else being in control of my diet. I had a smile on my face the whole time just watching her cook in the kitchen and ask over and over who had food and who she was missing. She is a tall woman with long silver hair that she wares tied up in a long bun. If you have seen Triplets of Bellville she resembles the tall sister, looks and mannerisms with out a doubt. So, yeah it was a good day and I was very happy to be part of the family.

I also saw someone come up to the house/gate and ask for Luisa. Frank went up to the man, without letting him in because he didn’t know him, left and then returned with two small packages. That was another sight that made me smile. I thought I was silly to have my friends bring me things from the states when they went, but nope I’m Dominican. I have noticed that Dominicans get lots of things sent to them from the state, via people or mail. A woman was telling me that you could get an industrial barrel sent from NY for $100 dollars or so filled with whatever you wanted. It would get here 15 or 20 days later. That’s cheaper than a plane ticket I guess. She suggested that I have my parents send me a T.V. and American food. I just smiled and nodded but I don’t think I need a barrel full of anything. Maybe I’ll change my mind after a few months, but for now I feel like the only thing I really miss are people and you can’t send them in barrels. I found it interesting though, because it sounds more reliable than packages sent through the mail. I feel like I learned a lot so far this week, as opposed to last when I didn’t do anything but itch.

I just got done with a meeting at the CTC and it looks like I’ll be teaching 4 days a week! The most being on Saturday, which leaves little time to travel this wondrous country. Oh well, I’ll find away to see all the beaches – some how!

Hope you are well.