The DR is in...

The days have been filled with work and play and a new culture that I never in the least bit expected. Pancho Mateo is a place of community, culture, and a sense of belonging. Even through the adversity of racism (and, believe me, it exists in a very significant way here) and relative poverty, contentment exists in human interaction and love. It’s a bit overwhelming to feel so at peace and so content in a world where so many things-literally “things”- that we often hold too close to our hearts do not exist. Why worry yourself when you have family, food, and the laughter that pleasantly echoes from every doorway? Here, houses are open, space is shared, and every adult scolds, feeds, and brags about every others’ children. I am humbled by the peace with which people carry out their lives when I myself rely on much more for my happiness.

Yesterday, after captioning photos for our project with our participants and newfound friends, we all went to play soccer in the park. To us, the park in Pancho looked like a mere concrete slab with two basketball hoops and a set of stands, but I have never seen a park in American used as much or as well as this. Needless to say, the game served as a reminder of the importance of proper footwear and clothing during athletics. Then again, my long skirt and rain boots seemed an acceptable choice after noting that several little boys in flip-flops and jeans were schooling me. Not many older girls still play sports with the boys, so it brought a lot of smiles and laughter from the group of kids that eventually caught wind of a game going on. Sure enough, there were soon two basketball games, a dance competition, and a girl riding around on her bicycle, on top of our game, leaving the court scattered with competitors. No one complained, however; this is space for everyone to share. When we grew tired and sat down to watch the scene, it was enough to just rest and chat about life and our similarities and hilarious differences.

Places like Pancho Mateo remind you of how much there is to be joyous about in life. Sometimes having more things is a distraction from the things that matter most. To this community, there cherish what they have. Although they are grateful for more, they do not seem to perpetually seek it as I often do. This is something I hope to take with me when I land on American soil.

P.S. My Spanish is believable when I say hello and goodbye now! What a miracle!