Things have been going real well here in La Peonia so far with lots of things to do. Justin and I have completed six latrines so far and plan on doing at least two a week till we leave.

I live with a family of seven, three kids, two sisters, and a mom and dad. They feed me a lot and there are many days were I will have two lunches. There is a river near by where we go bathing and relax and several beaches near by as well. Overall, it has been a relaxing three an half weeks and I am looking forward to these next couple weeks.

A postcard from Justin

Andrew and I live in the little town or village of La Peonia with about 60 families. The town has four little corner stores, a cafeteria with great juices, and a discoteca down by the river which is a popular hangout on the weekends. I am really enjoying my time getting to know the people and hanging out with some of the kids my age. My family is really nice as well. My host parents are in their sixties and are a nice couple. They are extremely friendly and I especially love all of the fresh fruit and juices that they give me.

The latrine project is going well and got off to a fast start, but now it has slowed down a little bit. There was a lot of excitement around the project the first week or so, but that has died off and now it is difficult finding workers to help dig and lay the floor and seats. We plan to get about two latrines done a week, which would give us around 10-12 complete by the time we are done. I feel like we could do more if we had the tools and labor, but I am quickly learning that things can take time in the Dominican Republic.

I am looking forward to my next couple of weeks of service and getting to know the people in my community better.