New Experiences

Hola,

It is December 25th, and here I am writing a blog. Being far away from home is so different from the usual and we have had many new experiences over the last week.

On the 21st we were invited to attend a pig roast out in the country in Arroyo Seco. This was a celebration marking the end of school and Christmas. The farmer next door to the school and his wife donate a pig every year and the church and many from the community gather. We were allowed to contribute the pop and so loaded down with about 12 (2l) bottles of pop, 3 bags of ice and 200 cups we arrived in time to catch a pre-view of the already roasted pig. It lay wrapped in dry leaves of some kind (and a garbage bag draped over it). We weren't sure if it was a good idea to catch this glimpse!

Several donors, including a doctor and his wife from Sosua, had donated inexpensive toys for each of the kids. Giving first choice to the students from the school, each child got a plastic dump truck, imitation barbie, flute or tea set, among other items. Then we all lined up outside in the dark (no electricity in the area most evenings) for a plate of food. It really was quite tasty, with rice, cole slaw and yucca slices supplementing the pork.

It was a special time of celebrating with the community. The main challenge was wiping out the image of the roasted pig!

The next morning we returned to the same community to assist in packaging 100 food hampers for those less resourced in the area. As we were waiting to get started, we noticed there was a cow being slaughtered in the pasture next door. We were curious and asked if we could watch. It was fascinating to see the precision and speed (about one hour start to finish) with which the cow was reduced to 4 quarters plus pieces of meat in the back of a truck on the way to the meat market in town. Hardly a thing was wasted, from the intestines being carted away to be prepared for food to teh neighbourhood dogs cleaning up the scene when all was said and done.

Yes, we still eat meat, both pork and beef, but realize how conditioned we are by seeing it only as cuts of meat in a supermarket. This is a livelihood for the rural people where life is hard and life is basic. Puts a new perspective on life again.

Pre-Christmas away from Home

Okay, nothing to complain about here, after hearing about the cold temperatures in Winnipeg these days! The sun is hot these days and we sweat as we hike across town to see Pastor Victor at his church office. We walk the kilometer through Sosua Public Beach area, past all the vendors (shopping mall) trying to lure (or drag?) us into their shops and then emerge relieved at the far end. We have to exert more of an effort as the street slopes up into the poorer part of town. There is little evidence of the Christmas season except for occasional sun faded santa figures that once used to be animated, standing in front of shops. Then there are the occasional beautifully decorated trees, either artificial or possibly palm trees lit up. Oh yes, and then there's the "inflated" santas cruising the beach in Cabarete.

It feels surreal at times to experience this season away from family and friends, not doing any shopping or baking in anticipation. We did decorate our third floor balcony with mini lights and we put up a few hand made decorations inside, and we play our Christmas tunes on our IPOD speakers. It helps to create atmosphere.

Apparently there are celebrations coming up, like extra food distributions a few days before Christmas to ensure some of the poorest have at least rice and beans on Christmas Day. Then, we are invited to a community pig roast on the 22nd, out of town at Arroyo Seco. That will be an experience. So for now, we have to look at the calendar to realize how close we are to the festive season as we know it back home.