Living in the Barrio

While living in the barrio, one of the things that Maria and I experienced early on is that agua y luz (water and light) is not guaranteed everyday. There are certain preparations families take when these two things aren't available and we are no exception. We have a barrel of water in the kitchen and the bathroom and a couple flashlights on hand. For some, it may be uncomfortable living without what many consider necessities. However, when the lights go out before dinner, we are still able to use the gas stove and cook up plantanos. When the running water is off, we can still use the bucket of water to clean ourselves. Everyday upon returning from Accion Callejera, those are the first two things we check. And if there happens to be luz, agua, or both, it truly feels like a gift. High fives are everywhere and smiles are all around. I realize that I am the fortunate one because I have learned to see the true value of these things. A couple nights ago we experienced the lack of light and all I could think about was...

                            The irony of needing a flashlight to translate the word flashlight (it's linterna)

**By the way, the thing on my head is a tubee. It is often worn by Dominican women to keep their hair from frizzing...I like to immerse myself in the culture as much as I can :)

There are other things I have experienced while living in Yaguita de Pastor: life. Doors are open wide; women skin vegetables on the patio; motor scooters and conchos drive by; men play dominoes; homeless dogs lay on the grass; reggaeton music blares; roosters cock-a-doodle-do; couples sit outside the colmados; and children play baseball in the streets. The barrio is never empty. There is always so much going on; so much life. The other night, Maria and I saw another side to the barrio. We attended a Catholic-Chirstian church service with one of the workers at Accion Callejera. Of course, we stopped for a quick picture on our way out.

The service was unlike those I have attended back in the States. When we walked through the doors of the church, the Dominican influence was all around.as people were clapping, dancing, and singing with hands held high.  The service wasn't led by one single person. Both men and women stood in front of the congregation to chant and sing into a microphone. They encouraged others to sing and clap with mas fuerte (louder and powerful). At one point, two young girls (around 14) walked front and center and were encircled by four individuals who lightly touched the girls' heads and backs while repeating a chant into their ears. Everyone else in the congregation stood with their right hand raised towards the girls. I certainly did not understand every word, but I certainly could feel the energy from the singing and drumming. We were later told that the Monday service we attended is less formal than the one held on Sundays. During that service, no one dances or even claps! It will be interesting to also attend the Sunday service to see the contrast. 

 I am lucky to have a travel buddy who is as interested in immersing herself in the local culture as I am. We plan on visiting the regional campus of the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo located 10 minutes walking to see our college student counterparts in the DR. 

Vivo para aprender "I live to learn"