When I got back, I started telling people I was leaving. First Natividad which was the smartest thing I could have done because she really understood. Since she basically came in around the same time I did and experienced this community first hand with me, I could tell her honestly where the problems lied and why Ann made the decision. The rest? It got rough. My pastor was quite upset. Linda, angry. Dulce and Moreno simply said, "Well, you gotta listen to your boss." Ramona cried. And many have made plans to meet with Ann when she comes to fight for me to stay. Every day since the word spread, everyone has told me repeatedly that I'm not leaving. They're even planning on bringing the entire student body to the meeting with the community members and Ann to.... Well to just kill me I guess. The movement they tried to start was upsetting. Because I see them come together, like they did in the past to get the old director booted and I see their passion. I see their determination. Their fight. But it's misdirected. Shallow. An empty threat. I had to remind myself that even if they convinced Ann to let me stay, they would go back to being complacent and again, nothing would get done.
And that's not to make you upset with them or angry. Because I'm not. It's not their fault. My placement wasn't done right. They weren't ready for a volunteer. There is still too many problems in the school. The streets are empty during the days because every one is working somewhere else. How could they help me? They're not here. And they don't understand how I could help them. Or why.
So with this added stress I decided to pass Diego off to another volunteer. I couldn't devote the time he needed to train him and just love him. He was high energy and wonderful but I was always leaving him. Also moving to a new site? I couldn't even begin to figure out how that would work since I have to stay with another host family for a bit. So, with the help of Lula, Greg and their friend in Villa who has a car, we made our way up to Samaná to meet Andrea. And... Decided to aprovechar the trip. There's beautiful beaches up there so we headed to Las Terrenas and stayed the night, beaching it up and drinking chocolate milk :) It was the escape I needed to recharge a little and I know they did too. Here's the beach:
And us:
I can't tell you how much I love this couple. I just hope the feelings mutual because... We found out this week we're going to the same area again :)
So on that topic. Two days ago after keeping in touch with Ann almost everyday, she finally called with the decision. I am heading up to a campo near Da Jabón which is up in the north by the border of Haiti and the DR. That day I kept my door shut (though still had a few visitors) and felt every emotion possible, my body shaking along with. It's a whirlwind but I'm trying to stay focused on the fact that I'm going home first to be with my family. And will get to touch the snow.
Then yesterday happened which was beautiful. 1. I slept in. And though it felt wrong, it was needed. 2. I FaceTimed my momma. Always a good way to start the day. And she was wrapping presents in front of me :) 3. Luis and Fredito came by, had a few laughs with my mom and Sam and then while Luis was using my computer, Fredito and a few kids were wrestling and playing in my house. And I may have joined :) 4. I kicked them out to shower and plan for my last English class in Juananito. Which ended up being cancelled. I was upset since it was the last one and I wanted to get a picture with them but it led to this: 5. Playing baseball outside with the kiddos in my neighborhood. And getting muddy just after I showered (it's rained everyday here and the sun isn't strong enough to dry it up in between, believe it or not). And 6. Having about 15 munchkins in my house going crazy. Literally. Putting clothes pins all over their faces, scooting loudly in the little chairs I still have here, and climbing all over my walls. And I let them. Soaked those last few moments in and loved it. And for you to share in the joy that are these trouble makers (who were mad at me by the end of the night when I kicked them out like usual):
Oh and 7? Last night I was taken by a friend, Domingo, to dinner. We first stopped and got cookies and orange juice. Then Pico Pollo. Which would be the equivalent of fast food and delicious. We came back and then drank wine with Luis in my house. I'm thankful for them.
So today I arose and have my house on lockdown for a little while. The kids are running around peeking through the doors and cracks and playing baseball which occasionally hits my door or zinc roof hard and scares the shit out of me. Waiting for Ann to call and tell me when she's coming to break the news. The community has calmed down since last week so I'm hoping it will go over okay. And that all the kids don't show up to tear my heart out with them. I will be leaving Wednesday now. Ann said she could put me up in a hotel until my flight so I can escape a little early. Another bittersweet decision but I'm grateful for it. Guess I should start packing soon too...
And since it's morning? Buenos dias.
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