I have swiftly existed the honeymoon phase of the Dominican Republic. I have been here for a little over a month and I have adjusted to our way of life. I wake up every day to voices singing “La Bomba” in and very out of tune outside my window.  Walking along the streets of my neighborhood feels like home.

I am finally used to sleeping in my mosquito net. I have made an arrangement with the spiders in my room that if they continue to eat the mosquitos, I will let them stay without paying any rent. The mosquitos refuse to stop biting me so I have to reapply bug spray every few hours to fight them off.

Teaching is still a challenge but I am enjoying it more and more as I learn how to handle day to day difficulties. There is a major difference in the education system here than what I am used to and I am trying to understand both sides. Violence is used as a form of discipline here and it is very difficult for me to understand. I believe that violence is never the answer, especially for my students.

I am working on embracing the diversity of life here and seeking opportunities to learn about the Domincian, and about myself. I am also working to improve myself as a teacher and trying not to succumb to temptations of loopholes and shortcuts.

I learn more every day. Me encanta republica dominicana!