3 Quarters

I am so happy that Dad and Lizzie and Johnny came to visit! They didn't stay long enough. I love them.

Here is a photo of everyone who's anyone in Jarabacoa (a.k.a the mountains). I'm the fourth from the left between Aly and Erasmo.

This is what I wrote to put in CIEE Santo Domingo 2009 Newsletter # 2:

The word "internship" is intimidating. I remember when applying for the CIEE Santo Domingo program how hard it was to imagine being able to do meaningful work in a completely  different cultural world from what I was used to, in a language I have yet to master. Well, it

 turns out my doubts were grounded-- one of the things I learned very quickly from the internship process, in class and at the school where I'm working, is that there is very little that I am actually able to contribute. However, I really believe that the acceptance of that fact has actually been one of the most valuable parts of my months in the DR. In a way, I am being forced to confront reality. "Helping people" can no longer be the vague, abstract concept I've always idealized and thought myself quite capable of. It's really, really hard to look at the little pixels that make up the big, unfair, corrupt picture and feel helpless. It's really hard to look at a courtyard full of shouting, laughing, fighting, singing, bright, resilient girls and acknowledge everything in their lives, past and present, that stands in the way of them ever reaching their potential. Sadly, a true summary of my "pasantía experience" can't reach any comfortable, happy, Hollywood resolutions: Yes, I have realized that I am more capable than I had thought when thrown into a role where language, culture and experience are all obstacles to overcome; yes, I have learned about the process of education; yes, I love Angelina and Jessica and Staci and Yafreisi and Alanda and Joelis and all the little girls who run to hug me every time I arrive and wish I could be each one's mother and father and sister; and yes, I've grown in other, subtler ways that are harder to put into words... but these are all selfish achievements, and although I am thankful for them, I can't be particularly proud. Oh well. I wouldn't trade in the experience at all. It's frustrating, but if you approach it right, it's enlightening, and I try to approach it as rightly as I can. 

-Anna, Lewis & Clark College 

Here is a little taste of my mondays and thursdays (from left, Rosi Morelia Elaine María Me Angelina Staci Frangelie):

I'm not always nearly so pessimistic. Happy Palm Sunday!