A New Chapter

As usually I have undoubtedly waited too long to submit another blog so I will begin to summarize some of the recent things that have happened.

My last submission for March and May did not include my high doubts in the health Consortium program at Peace Corps. I was asked to be the coordinator/Executive Director but then realized I would have no say in anything so what is the point other than taking the blame for the bad things that are bound to happen. I would watch a program I love multiply at such a high rate that no one would be able to run it to the standards we had these last few years.

Shortly after realizing how I really felt I was offered to work with a Consorcio Dominicano de Competitividad Turistica (CDCT) funded by USAID. This consortium overlooks all Tourism clusters (11) in the nation which strive to make tourism sustainable and more attractive to visitors. This will be set apart from the normal all inclusive resorts and typical beach party. My position is mainly to help USAID direct funding to this organization which requires a lot of paper work for the first four months. Once Money is rolling in Ill begin helping in the development/ implementation of their project plan which is basically a schmorgazborg of what I have been doing these last two years on a much larger scale. SO we shall see how that falls into place.

So since this offer in May, I have gone to Mexico for three weeks to spend time with my BF’s family and friends. I got to see a lot of new things and gained a new perspective on Mexico. I went once as a child and I don’t have many good memories. I met up with a few Peace Corps Volunteers over as well as their country director and it was crazy to see how different their program was compared to ours. Soon after my return I traveled and wrapped up any sort of project I had going on in the country so I can begin with USAID with a clear mind. I wasn’t too successful so I still have a few projects that need closure.

I’m now all moved into the capital and have been working in a beautiful ocean view office with very educated, experienced Dominican Nationals where I have to be in dress, business attire at all times and it’s insane transition. Someone mentioned to me, and I totally agree, that it’s a good thing I’m doing this now and not a year from now in the US. My mind would explode. My apartment is pretty near the office but it’s also near everything else, which is unlike anything I have had for the past two years. I still make basically nothing in living allowance so putting money aside to buy nicer things will be almost impossible. I still can’t make ends meet so; with the help of the institution I may be able to cover some living costs in Rent.

This all sounds great but it’s been really hard. Leaving a really slow village life, to moving with a weeks’ notice to the city, to participating in big events and talking big game tourism; it’s just all mind blowing. It’s another world, I no longer recalled; flashy but difficult. I’m happy for my choice but I’m still unsure how it will fall in to place still being new and all. Most of all I miss my host family who have yet visited and it’s been the longest we have had apart since I moved in with them. I’d like to visit but the cost and time is tricky.

Any who I finally posted most if not all my pics from my time here in the DR which can be accessed through this link. https://picasaweb.google.com/107317133106265603538

Much love to all------ M