last post...

Hello and goodbye to all my blog readers-- this post will mark the last of this little adventure! The Dominican Republic was both terrible and wonderful-- it has a lot to offer but has a long way to go as well. The school systems are ineffective and disorganized, but there is a school system... the land is trashed, but the terrain is so lush and tropical it's ripe with potential... I was heavily warned not to walk alone, not to carry more money or goods than I needed, etc, yet I ended up finding money rather than being robbed.

Some of the best DR features tie into the most trying-- the people are so hospitable and would give you their last bowl of rice. This is ingrained in the kids as well- with so little, they share everything--give one a piece of candy and they'll all nibble on it (albeit at times a health issue...). Yet once you start giving, some kids (and adults...) will take and take and take, making setting boundaries an important part of service. It's frustrating donating your time and effort (and money) and having school kids still come up to you to beg a peso or two off of the gringa... or having the principle of the school ask you to paint the rest of the walls until she realizes she would have to supply the paint...

BUT for every taker there are so many kind and generous Dominicans who want a better country for themselves and for their children. I am happy to have had the opportunity to meet and support such people and will have a large Dominican family to return to if I ever make it back.

Thanks for reading!!
~Eulaila Rae