NUEVA YOL!

OH HOW I MISS NUEVA YOL (all Dominicans call the U.S. "Nueva Yol" or "Nueba Yorb").

You may ask: how can you miss the states when we're going through such an economic crisis?
my response: I hate having gastro-intestinal problems every 3 weeks and not having a nice flush toilet.
Yeah, I'll spare you the details of my current illness. If you are in a really sick mood or just bored at work, email me or my mom and we can tell you all about it.

Update:

I changed sites (it's been a long time since my last post). I now live in a much bigger site in the same province (San Jose de Ocoa). There is still no phone signal, but we have these nifty pay phones on the main street (sometimes they work). I'll take pictures of my new house soon for ya'll. It's pretty nice for my community....living room, bedroom, kitchen, connected bathroom.
Living room is basically the front room that only has 2 plastic chairs and a calendar. My bedroom has a twin bed and plastic storage shelves (i used to put all my clothes in them, but a mouse was living between my tee shirts). The kitchen has a table with a table top stove, gas tank and some plastic bins to wash dishes. The bathroom sounds cooler than it is...I still take bucket baths and have to bucket flush the toilet. There's no sink. Oh, there's a hornet's nest in the shower (which just means that I get visitors during shower time and needless to really mention, I am a speedy bucket bather----I can wash my hair, body and face before 3 of colbie calliat's songs are over). I have electricity in my house!!!! There's only one lightbulb and outlet, but I'm not complaining.....it's awesome!

I have a youth group that I work with every Tuesday. We talk about self-esteem, personal values, reproductive health and STI/HIV/AIDS. After graduation (yes, we will have a small celebration after my 9 week course), some members will become promotores and help me pass along the information to other youth in the surrounding communities. I'm also hoping they'll participate in various projects like painting murals in the community center and organized marches.

Well, I hope everyone in Nueba Yorb is having an awesome summer. Remember: ride a bike, walk or take public transportation to save your wallet! Thanks to those who have maintained contact via email, snail mail, facebook and my space....I am eternally grateful.

Do me a favor and go eat a Reese's peanut butter cup and smile....that's what i would do if I was in Nueva Yol.