I'm still here!

Hello everyone. I'm not sure if anyone is even still checking this due to my long absence, but I thought I'd check in and let you know that I am still alive and well here in the Dominican Republic. I don't have internet access in my site, hence the lack of entries, so I will probably not be posting. However, there is the possibility that we may get internet sometime "soon" (hah) which would make communication much easier.

Right now I am in the capital checking my mail, using the computer, and taking a little break from my site. Things are going well in my community. I have started teaching english classes and am preparing to start computer classes in 2 weeks. I am also working on my community diagnostic, but haven't really gotten a lot done due to rain (when it rains, no one does everything), the strikes in my town (including burning tires, broken bottles, police, tear gas), and large amounts of time devoted by the town to preparing for mother's day celebrations. I spend most mornings at the high school, afternoons sitting around with the family and sometimes taking walks with my friend (the secretary of the high school), and evenings doing some more sitting or teaching english. Things will really pick up in 2 weeks when I start eaching computer classes every day in addition to english. I also want to try and do some sort of summer camp for younger children because there is nothing for them to do during the summer (we'll see if I have time).

I just spoke to Noah on the phone and think I will be seeing them tonight! I'm very excited. My friend Megan, a volunteer who lives near my site, came and visited the other day for the mother's day celebrations and it felt great to have someone see my community...

Anyways, I think it's gotten to the point where there's just too much to say and it becomes hard to choose what to write about. I love hearing from you all, miss you, and love you.

P.S. Just a reminder, you can still send mail to the capital and I will periodically pick it up there. (I am doing research to see if I can find a way to get it sent closer to me, but we shall see.)

Alissa Mayer, PCV
Cuerpo de Paz
Av Bolivar 451, Gazcue
Apartado Postal 1412
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic