Live with Passion: A month of goodbyes...in the states AND in the DR

I landed back in Santo Domingo on Monday night. Waiting for my taxi dude to pick me up I was surrounded by American tourists complaining about the heat. “Ummm, hello people – did you not come here on vacation to escape the ridiculousness that is winter 2012-2013?” I guess it was a good transition back to my reality. Once back at the hostel I was able to relax and reflect on my trip home. It was then that I realized I was glad to be back. Primarily because I could get going on my life down here again and, hopefully, start working and being productive soon.

I had a total of 11 days in MA and it was amazing. I feel re-energized to start over but i won't deny that there is still some anxiety about re-integrating.

I surprised everyone at home – none of my family member knew I was coming home. When I landed in Fort Lauderdale and turned my phone on I couldn't help but call my brother. No answer. He then texts and tells me he is in an important meeting and if everything is ok. I texted him back and asked him “can you call me when you get a chance pleaaase?” ( I know see how he could have thought something was wrong = sorry Daniel!) Immediately he called and I asked if he could pick me up at Logan at 4pm…”what? Why? Is everything okay?” I respond with,“yes, I just decided to take a last minute vacation instead of sitting in the capital!” “yes, okay I’ll be there! This is awesome!”

I land in Boston incredibly excited, especially after seeing the city from the plane! I sped to the transportation area where I would meet my brother. Suddenly I see his new car speeding to the area and he gets out and gives me a huge hug!!! So exciting! I hop in the car and we wind around the city trying to get to my sister’s work. From Logan to the Pru – why was it so complicated? I don’t know – my brother had set it up so that he would be picking her up and they were going to go out to dinner with my parents as my dad had just gotten back from a 2 week trip in Africa. On our way I am immediately overwhelmed by the masses of people getting out of work with their earbuds in and looking down – hello, watch where you are walking! We were at a stop light talking and catching up and all of a sudden I am taken a back and seriously overwhelmed and over stimulated. It was a swarm of people who look like ants – all dressed in black, hands in pea-coat pockets and not acknowledging a thing that is going on around them.

So, a couple blocks from the Pru, I go to the trunk of his Mazda CRX – 9 (I think that’s what it is) and we drive – he tells me when she’s about to get into the car and tells me to be quiet. We had planned out a cue. They are talking for a long time about work and other life happenings and then Dan says “have you talked to Laura recently?” she says “no I haven’t” the he says “ I wish we could just call her right now” and I pop up and say “well I’m right here!!” My sister jumps from her seat and says “what? What? What? Why? I don’t get it? Why are you here?” we get out and hug each other and I explained everything to her.

The three of us headed home as my heart started pounding – my parents have no idea I am here and they probably think I quit the Peace Corps. Unfortunately, I had to surprise them separately but it was great! Neither one of them passed out but we all cried and it was happiness all around!

We headed to my favorite sushi place for my first American meal –how ironic! I then went directly to a craft beer place where I bought all sorts of deliciousness to take to dan’s apartment where I would be surprising my best friend from home. It was an amazing surprise!!!

I ate my way through the week (Subway, Chinese, tons of home cooking, Trader Joes, Chipotle, Greek salads, pizza, etc. I finally had privacy for the first time in 7 months. I took some hot baths. I walked barefoot in my room. I vegged out on the couch. I had a ton of lunch dates. Watched movies on demand (on a television screen instead of my laptop!) And, the best surprise of all….I got to visit the classroom that I have been sharing my experience with.

Peace Corps sets volunteers up with an American classroom to do cross-cultural education! We have skyped before and exchanged a ton of e-mails sharing information about Dominican culture and learning about the kids in this classroom! When I got there I was walking down the hall and heard some girls behind me whispering loudly “ is that her? I think it is? Omg, it is!” I felt like a celebrity – to them, I was! It was so awesome to see all the kids in person and answer questions – they were dying to know about why I left my site. I carefully danced around some questions and answers –not knowing how much to disclose. The kids were smart enough to figure out what was going on and even asked if what they thought was right. HA, kids today! I was shown a bulletin board that they all made in the school hallway about me and my Peace Corps experience. It made it so real I couldn't believe it!

1st skype session with the kids

Each student wrote down a question to ask me

Bulletin board in the hallway

Technology is amazing!

me and the teacher of the class - my favorite neighbor and just all around such a good person!

when i answered their questions they were told to draw out my answer

This is inside the classroom - teaches more about Peace Corps

I was able to be home for Easter too! which meant candy and deliciousness! And lots of wine! AND, per usual, inappropriate, hilarious, LMAO dinner table conversations!

Mom preparing dinner!

Dig in!

Talkin about cars...i'm sure

AND I went out in Boston a lot which was awsome!!!

Completely unable to handle the cold

I got to see my girlfriends from college!!!

My roomate's absolutly adorable baby!

I have officially packed up from my site, Consuelo. It was so hard to say bye to all my friends especially to my little 4 year old roommate/best friend. She gave me a hug and said “you’re going to be happy” – yes she’s 4! Im ready to move on but I will be in this limbo stage for another week or so.

Today when I saw lai she says " Laura, I'm going to miss you so much, I love you." about 30 seconds later: "your going to be happy" such a mature 4 year old nugget! so cute!

Here are some pictures of my last day in Consuelo