The past two weeks have been so relaxed. It feels like I have so few things to report besides books I’ve read and movies I’ve seen, but that isn’t entirely true. Usually, I live in the middle of the country, but in recent weeks, I have been living along the coast. My boss and I are staying in a beach house while we finish the second draft of her book. Being in the beach house makes time feel slow and elegant, like featherlight curtains caught in the breeze or a pebble rippling water. It is really so, so nice here; a good change-up from routine.
Helina’s birthday dinner!!
Our first Monday here, the book was announced! Here’s the caption of the Instagram announcement my boss, Joy Reyes, posted:
“I am so excited to announce the release of my upcoming book, “I Am Joy,” on March 8, 2025—International Women’s Day. This book is not only my journey but one that I believe belongs to all who have dared to step into the unknown with courage, faith, and hope.
It is a testament to the power of faith and redemption and how a California girl, with little more than a whispered prayer, found herself stepping into the unknown to walk alongside women rising from unspeakable trauma into unimaginable strength.”
The response to this has been incredible so far. It makes it so much more real to think of holding the book in my hands by March, the last month of my time here in the DR. While I daydreamed about that day, Joy and I still have a lot of work to do! The book isn’t done yet, which is typical for the process. I want to give it my all and help Joy elevate her message. We are trying to do just that. And we have some exciting ideas for marketing this…(to be mentioned later.)
This past weekend, I left the beach house because Helina, her friend Pamela, and I signed up for a 10k race in connection with the Maratón Monumental de Internacional. The night before, we watched “Wicked” at Caribbean Cinemas and loved it! It was a packed theater, and all ages were in attendance. I love going to the movies anyway, but I especially love it here because it transports me back home for a few hours. Well, when the films aren’t dubbed! I still enjoy it either way, though.
We went to bed at 1 a.m. and woke up at 5 a.m. for the race. Our start time was 6:30 a.m. When we took off from the starting line, the sun hadn’t risen yet, and fireworks went off. It was a standout experience: the camaraderie, fireworks, cheering each other on, and a host of people sharing one goal and running toward it as the sun rose. I felt so proud of everyone; I felt proud of myself.
5:30 a.m. before the race!
Helina, Pamela, and I all met our personal goals for the race, and despite not really training since arriving at the beach house, the 10k felt more doable than I anticipated. 21k next year? Hm? Maybe. Our next physical feat is to climb Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean, in January. I’m anticipating this heavily since we will do it a week before my birthday. It gives me something to train for over the holidays!
A few hours after the race, I was already in a car bound for the beach house. Joy and I are in the endzone for finishing the second draft of Joy’s book. Our deadline is Thanksgiving. After that, another draft. Red ink is everywhere—I’m not complaining.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday ever. My Mimi makes it so special and beautiful and delicious, so I’m trying to devote my energy to bringing that magic here. I’m thinking: Maci’s parade reruns on the projector, maybe some American football in the front yard, and hopefully, every girl gets to try some pie. One of the caregivers wants me to make five pies for everyone. Maybe I can pull it off? They don’t even sell pie pans around here!
The next time I blog, the book should be almost done, and Christmas will be approaching rapidly…and I will cross over into my sixth month here.
starting line!! Right before the fireworks, nerves were high, and adrenaline surged!
after the race! Medals in hand!
pizza by the beach
back to the beach house!