We made it to the Dominican Republic! It’s hot and humid, but the breeze here at night feels so good coming through the window. First thing I noticed is how crazy the drivers are here. I realized this when crossing the street outside of the airport and the car flying by did not slow down. Luckily we jumped back in time just to catch it’s breeze..no pedestrian laws here. Also no speeding tickets, lane lines are either missing or unnoticed and one way streets are just suggestions. Driving through the city we saw a bunch of national police jump on a moving bus and do I don’t know what to it.
The first thing when we got here was orientation..aka 2 hours of safety guidelines and warnings. No worries though..the last group member to die on the trip was shipped back to America for full coverage..very reassuring. 😉
I’m not gonna lie, after those 2 hours I feel the slight sensation that this place is a ticking time bomb in the sense that every thing you do can cause some kind of problem.
A few examples:
•do best to judge the soundness of any buildings you enter and when inside stay in the most open areas possible in case of an aftershock.
•being a girl with blonde hair, I attract unwanted attention to myself so stay with a guy at all times..and encouraged to keep hair tucked up in a hat
•avoid taking pictures of haitains as they’ve been known to break cameras and never take a picture of anyone with a gun although they will be everywhere.
•never give out any supplies or goodies or a riot will break out and avoid eating or drinking in front of people
•large wolf spiders common and Mosquito bites inevitable. Malaria pills should protect but other common fever I can’t pronounce nicknamed “breakbone fever” is possible.
•try not to get caught in No Man’s Land between the borders where people have been known to get stuck overnight.
•common etiquette: no showing legand no dancing 🙁
•if we happen to be involved with someone else’s death or injury, flee the scene and turn self in later as their family has the right to revenge in any way they want until the police may get there if ever.
•hope for 2 meals a day of white rice and don’t drink anything or eat any fruits/veggies
•most important: obey orders quickly and thoroughly without questioning.

Also: Doug warned us that spiritual warfare is eminent as this place is full of voodoo and witchcraft. Apparantly physical and spiritual/ emotional turmoil here.

A very cool sidenote: a few guys from th Fusion program that I have been interested are going to be here working with us. I hope to get the chance to speak to them about Fusion and how it prepared them to come here. Very very interesting I should run into them.

This morning I wasn’t ready for this trip. Now I am. Still not sure what exactly we’ll be doing other than some manual labor and some orphanage work and maybe hospital or health clinic stuff but I can’t wait to find out.
I’m so excited about all that is in store for us this week.
I have to get up at 4am to drive into Haiti, so I’m gonna go to sleep pretty soon. I’m ready.

Until next time, Jenna
<3

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
-Matthew 10:16