I was really excited when I got my mission call for a few reasons: 1) I wasn't going anywhere in Asia (which had been a big worry of mine); 2) I was excited to get to learn Spanish...and perhaps most importantly; 3) When I opened my call I just knew it was where I was supposed to go (even though I had never even heard of the country.)
I actually had a very hard time adjusting to living in the DR. I was blessed to pick up the language pretty quickly but couldn't help feeling as if I were trapped in a Spanish soap opera. My first 10 months on the island were spent with native companions and when all was said and done I only ended up with 2 American companions. It was often hard for me then but I am so grateful when I look back on it now.
I'm not sure exactly when I made it through my acculturation process, but by the end of my mission I considered myself more Dominican than American. I dreaded the thought of having to leave behind a people, a culture and a country I had come to love. I would often say (and sometimes still do), "Soy gringa de aprariencia pero dominicana de corazon," which loosely translated is "I may look like gringa but I'm a Dominican at heart."
As I reflect on my life, many of the biggest blessings I enjoy now are directly related to having served a mission in that place at that time. Many qualities I gained, friends I have and even my current job would not have been possible if it weren't for my time spent in the DR. Serving a mission is easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have been fortunate enough to go back and visit the DR 4 times over the years and someday hope to maybe even have a vacation home or condo there. I will be eternally grateful for the 16 months I spent there as a missionary and invite you to join me on a trip down memory lane:
2 comments:
Talk about a walk down memory lane!! Names came back to me that I'd forgotten as I watched your slide show. Hard to believe I left on my mission 11 years ago next month! There's still not a day that goes by that I don't somehow remember the DR and my hermanos there.
Wow! That was such a special treat for me to see. I was so blessed to have been your last companion and learned so much about being a great missionary from you. I remember those picutes so vividly and can hardly believe so much time has past. I too will forever be greatful for having served in the DR. I would love to visit your vacation home one day.
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