We rest! With four teams in five weeks we were much overdue for some rest. We spent one day at a hotel relaxing and reading by the pool at a place called Susua By the Sea. Our favorite get-a-way hotel. This last weekend we spent exploring the Island. We stayed with some friends on the south west coast of the island. There is a much different feel on that side. We stayed in a town called La Romana. The area is much wealthier due to new tourism and the sugar cane industry. They are actually cutting the cane there, where as our side of the island cane hasn't been cut for three years. Even amongst the poor Haitian cane cutters, there was a sense of pride and dignity, a concept that is rather foreign where we live. We also visited the "Mecca" site of the DR, Higuey. It is home to the Altagracia shrine of the holy virgin. Every year millions of Dominicans make their way to this site, including a yearly traditional pilgramige. The place is said to have supernatural healing powers. People with all kinds of sickness, disease, and open wounds come to expose themselves all around the temple in hopes of being healed. As a result you have a town with an extra dose of beggars. There were all kinds of statues of Mary with animals and angels bowing down to her. The main event is inside this massive concrete structure. In the middle is a platform where hopefuls make their way to the top with a sacred candle, and then pass by a glass protected print of Mary as they lay their hands, wounds and brokeness upon it and give out a hopeful prayer for healing and wellness of life. It was a very interesting and insightful cultural experience. After, we went to Jarabacoa to spend some time with friends. We stayed there one night and while we were there, Alberto called and asked if we wanted to stay a night with him and his family at his parents' house in a town called La Vega. We spent a day with him looking for a truck to buy and seeing much more of the country side, including a good portion of the Cibao Valley. It's a beautiful part of the country with a lot farming and rich agriculture.
We are very grateful that we were given the time of rest. Now we are ready to deal with more of the third world blessings!
3 comments:
Glad your blog is back up and you have internet and other luxuries! I don't sleep much as we are anxious to hear about our daughter coming home. It will be very soon (a month or so.) We jump each time the phone rings with anticipation!! Layne, we have sure enjoyed spending lots of time with your parents. They are blessings in our lives! Cheri
I love Sosua by the Sea- that is where we stay when we go! I just love your blog- it is so funny to me that you are working in the exact same spot I was. I have to wait until July 2nd to go back :( If you happen to go to Arroya Seco (wishful thinking) send some love to Frangelis for me :)
Nikki
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