Kevin´s Family Visits the DR - March 25-31st, 2008

So here is the long awaited entry written by my mom about their experience visiting me in the DR. It is unedited, save for a few mispellings.

Although we had been to the Dominican twice before, this experience was very different from our prior trips. We had stayed in all-inclusive resorts, which were very nice, but you don't get to really experience the people and the culture that way. This time around, Kevin wanted us to meet his host family and actually get a taste of how he is living. We were excited about the opportunity, and I can honestly say our actual experience for the entire week far exceeded our every expectation. We had such a wonderful, fun time, it was hard to leave when Monday came around. I am going to try to mention some of the most memorable things, and at the same time keep it as brief as possible. (Ya, right!)

First, it was so, so wonderful to see Kevin waving to us through the airport windows. We hadn't seen him for 6 months, and when I finally got to hug him, I just didn't want to let go. I'm sniffling now just remembering that moment.

Very soon after that, we had a taste of transportation in the DR. Yep, there was a car heading in the wrong direction driving down the street head-on right at us. The taxi driver didn't seem to be too bothered by this, so I'm guessing it can't be all that unusual. For the remainder of the week we experienced various form of transportation - each one more fun than the next: guaguas (I just like saying the name), bola rides (hitchhiking on the back of a pick-up - well, there's nothing like it!), and carro publico (no trip to the DR would be complete without this experience - 7 adults squished into a tiny, beat-up car - it doesn't get better than that!) We did not ride on a moto, but that was okay with me. All in all, some crazy driving goes on down there, and that's putting it mildly.

One of the highlights of the week was going to Kevin's site and meeting his host family. They are the most beautiful, generous people we could ever meet. Even with the language barrier, we had a terrific time. Kevin sure got his share of interpreting that day! His host mom Doña Maritza, is a wonderful cook. We all thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal she prepared for us. A new, mouth-watering experience was habichuelas con dulce (sweet beans) and coffee to die for! As a mom, I left with a sense of comfort knowing that my son is staying with such a wonderful family. I must admit I had a hard time dealing with his decision to join the Peace Corps, but meeting his host family has left me at peace.

The Dominican people, in general, are happy, fun-loving, generous people. Everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles. The people live simply, and I truly felt that "less is more" as we enjoyed the week. What a contrast to the busy, hectic lives we lead "back in the states". I had to throw that line in because it was one of our favorite overused quotes for the week, along with "on a Peace Corps budget", which seemed to be Kevin's favorite line. (haha) And in addition to the Dominican people, the Peace Corp. volunteers are some of the nicest people we have ever met. It was a pleasure to meet some of Kevin's friends - Maryam, Stacey, John, and Rob . . . and Maryam's mom, too!

Some other things that stand out in my mind are the hissing to get your attention, the fingerwagging to say no, and pointing with your lips. I'm glad we had Kevin to explain all of these things to us or we would have been really confused. We also enjoyed the abundance of fresh fruit with my favorites being guayaba and papaya. We enjoyed visiting the HUB and meeting Doug, Molly, and their newborn son. I found the HUB to be a peaceful retreat, and I loved the quotes on the walls.

We spent time at Sosua beach, rode the Teleferico, and became frequent patrons of Yogen Fruz. The most humorous times involved "POWER HOUR" (my first experience - and it actually turned out to be POWER 27 MINUTES because we ran out of beer - but oh, the things you could learn from your children!) and constantly listening to Don (Kevin's dad) talking to everyone in English even thought they didn't have a clue to what he was saying (you'd think he'd catch on, but then again you don't know dad!)

I think the only things I would have a hard time getting used to were - #1 the LITTER everywhere, #2 not flushing toilets, and #3 maggi bites - I ended up with about a dozen on my legs and I thought I could surely scratch with a rake, or even razor blades, and still not feel relief.

I mean this sincerely (and I know I speak for Kevin's dad and sister, Lisa, as well) - this was one of the best weeks of my life. I am grateful to have had this experience in the Dominican Republic. I would not have traded this week for a free week at a resort, and I'm not kidding. I have a lot of respect and admiration for all of the Peace Corps volunteers.