Out and about

Since writing my last blog post reflecting on Christmas, I’ve had time to readjust to my rhythm here in the Dominican Republic, create a few more meaningful memories, and truly sit with everything this season of my life has offered. January in the DR is far from quiet; it is marked by major national holidays that shape the month’s pace and spirit, most notably Día de la Altagracia and Duarte Day.

Día de la Altagracia, celebrated on January 21, honors Our Lady of High Grace, the Virgin Mary, regarded as the spiritual mother and protector of the Dominican people. Just a few days later, on January 26, the country celebrates Duarte Day, commemorating the birth of Juan Pablo Duarte, the founding father and principal ideologist behind Dominican independence. These holidays are more than days off—they are reminders of faith, identity, and the great pride Dominicans carry for their history.

During this holiday weekend, I spent intentional time with my boss, coworkers, and even my roommate’s mom, who came to visit for the week. One highlight was a day trip my boss and I took to Casa de Campo in La Romana. This incredibly exclusive residential area—known for housing celebrities and wealthy visitors—felt like its own world, complete with a golf course, marina, grocery store, gas station, and countless picturesque restaurants. Visiting Casa de Campo gave me a deeper look into the vastly different realities that coexist in the Dominican Republic and highlighted the stark wealth gap here.

We also visited Altos de Chavón, a place designed to look historic, though it was actually constructed to replicate a 16th century Mediterranean village. Despite its manufactured past, it was beautiful. While walking through the village, we stumbled upon a destination wedding, a sweet and unexpected moment to witness. That day gave my boss and me space to catch up after the holidays, talk through future goals, and reflect on my aspirations as my time in the DR winds down. It still feels unreal that this chapter is coming to an end, but I’m finding comfort in knowing I’ve added another place in the world where I now have extended family.

Later that weekend, I finally had a long-awaited sleepover with my coworkers Jen and Elisabeth—something we had been trying to plan for weeks. We cooked dinner together, made banana smoothies for dessert, and played We’re Not Really Strangers. It was such a grounding experience and a reminder of how special it is to build friendships beyond the workplace.

As I enter the fifth of my final six weeks here, I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come and how many people have shaped this experience. I’m spending more time in the community now than I did when I first arrived, which somehow makes leaving even harder. Work at the workshop has become stable and consistent, especially since implementing a new organizational system that the team has responded positively to.

This upcoming week, I’ll be celebrating my birthday and traveling to mark the occasion—something I’m genuinely excited about. I can’t imagine a better way to close out my time here than surrounded by growth, gratitude, and the people who have made this season unforgettable.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6