50 things I´ve Learned in 3 months

This particular blog is a peek into life as I´ve known it so far in the Dominican Republic. Enjoy

1. not all who wander are lost...there is a certain sense of freedom and liberty in trying to find my way here
2. Change is constant so I am learning to be completely comfortable with being uncomfortable
3. si Dios quiere...the usual answer to every question
4. toilet paper never ever goes into the toilet
5. everything stops when it rains
6. toilets that flush are luxuries
7. I can bucket shower with half a bucket of water easy
8. naturally spagetti is a side dish to a plate full of rice
9. rice without avocate is simply unfair (to everything but my stomach)
10. I´ve been pleasantly surprised and disappointed in my contacts with friends in the states (really where are some of you guys)
11. I´ve met some of the most amazing people in my training group....seriously they have supported me in an incredible way through my experience thus far.
12. Learning a language whie living in country is the most humbling thing I´ve ever done
13. My best friend in my site is my 6 year old niece
14. Letters, cards, and music have been my saving grace in the seemingly never ending periods of boredom
15. Hillsong. (someone please sned me Hillsong cds in español)
16. tigueres make me laugh and I´m thankful I cannot understand most piropios
17. I need to join a gym the daily rice thing here is killing me softly
18. the importance of skin color here overwhelms me at times
19. the community center in my community is absolutely amazing...seriously I wish my niece in the states had a resource like this
20. Don´t tell my family and friends but I miss them a lot (hint send me letters!)
21. I have tendonitis in my wrist from writing (trying) to understand Spanish...this is one case where being an overachiever did not work to my advantage
22. PC med staff is the bomb dot com
23. people cannot understand why I won´t straighten my hair if it can grow so long
24. the kids here make me smile
25. there is nothing funnier than watching kids dance to dembo....whoo they grow up so fast
26. my community uses usted instead of tu...too bad i know tu better than usted
27. ay Dios Mio...entonces....wepa! my favorite phrases
28. Monte Plata has a special place in my heart...it is the place where I fell in love with this country
29. i look forward to any all and every volunteer get together
30. reading is fundamental...best way to pass the time...other than staring at my ceiling wall
31. despite 30 people coming and going through my house everyday...and a pool house being across the street...my community feels pretty tranquilo to me
32. i adore my host family...even more as I understand their Cibao accents
33. i miss independence
34. i miss being able to articulate myself without sounding ike a 3 year old
35. my youth trainer is wise beyond her years... i find myself holding on to a lot of her words
36. this experience is def what you make it
37. there will be no mangaring of a visa through me...my fav response to piripios
38. have to. choose to. get to. (thanks Jeremiah!)
39. now that my wrist is injured i miss doing handstands...i cannot wait until its better
40. i think the PC 3 month integration method is brilliant
41. as long as the spiders, ants, roaches, and lizards dont bite, I´m fine (KK i´m surprised too!)
42. its unnatural not to talk about poop with other volunteers
43. I am now addicted to coffee and coincidentally brushing my teeth after coffee
44. you get what you want more (thanks Emily)
45. My dona is totally addicted to peanut butter now #winning
46. I have access to a gym (gracias a Dios!) 
47. I wrinkle my nose and point my lips in response to questions
48. lasirena is the costco of the D.R. and I´m addicted...nevermind Jumbo
49. handwashing clothes is not for the faint of heart
50. i miss hot showers