Machismo really creates a lack of balance where men, in an attempt to be masculine, go overboard to the point that they actually do weak and childish things: abandoning responsibilities, lacking self-control, acting victimized when they themselves are abusive, and more. Women, then, are forced to fi[...]
Author Archive
Summer Volunteers Needed Here in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Therefore, I always feel motivated and convicted to invite good intentioned foreigners into the community, to encourage them to serve the community despite challenges, and to collaborate in order to successfully execute change creating efforts.[...]
May 10th, 2011 - 3:22 pm § in Uncategorized
Being a Peacemaker
As he grabbed her she dramatically fell to the ground and laid in the street. He took the stick out of her hand and threw it into the grass. A few of the fastest of the crowd gathered around her as she laid there in defeat.[...]
April 11th, 2011 - 9:04 pm § in Uncategorized
The Process of “Civilizing” Someone
Many times when someone does something destructive or embarrassing, others who do not behave in such ways say that that person has not undergone formation. I think that explanation really does make sense. There is something that hasn't been developed or formed in the person through education and dis[...]
March 28th, 2011 - 7:09 pm § in Culture, Dominican Republic
The Art of Cooking Rice
I have brought many skills to contribute to those I have lived with here... However, this is all of relative value when I do not know how to successfully cook the most basic ingredient in almost every meal: rice.[...]
January 5th, 2011 - 12:58 pm § in Uncategorized
Viola’s Return – A Wonderful Christmas Surprise!
"There she is!" my husband exclaimed. I looked and although it was dark and she was a bit far, there was definitely Viola standing in a little field, looking at us. I called to her and she came running. We threw the doors open. "Get in the car! Come on Viola!" [...]
Ho Ho What? Santa Claus in Haiti and the DR
I recently shared the story of Santa Claus with five young men in our program for Haitian boys who have come to the Dominican Republic in “search of life” and end up in pretty tough situations shining shoes or street vending. One of the boys mentioned “Tonton Noel” in reference to a decorati[...]
November 5th, 2010 - 10:32 am § in Around Town, Dominican Republic
A Tribute to Those We’ve Lost
Voices of those who have criticized my idealism with "realist" protests echo in my mind. However, I realize that we humans are the ones who create reality. There may be limits and everything does not happen overnight, but we do have a bigger role here than perhaps we realize. [...]
