Aprovechar :)

Lola: "¡Ay mira Raquel, ya estás gordita, aprovechando la comida Dominicana!"
Me: *awkward laugh* uh, ya...

So that's it folks, this fantastically fried food is starting to show. And Dominicans will be the first to tell you, and pinch the results unforgivingly...

But will I stop "aprovecharing"? I think not! Another plate of fritos, plátanos maduros, a gigantic plate of arroz, maybe some longaniza? Heck ya! Bring it Dominicana, I will down your sugar cane, your plátanos and you will proudly watch as my waste shows its appreciation :)

Yesterday, my favorite abuelita gifted me a gigantic bag of avocados. Never mind I had to drag them on my back across the province of Azua...twice. This food has me head over heals, and then rolling on my back like a beatle, unable to get back up. Hahaha! Chubby and happy, my friends! That's me. I can only hope the same luck upon all of you!

In all seriousness, I am loving every moment here and don't mind a little pudge. : ) Nevertheless, the idea of home is not unfavorable. I cannot wait for my mom's baked chicken and fresh vegetables! I can't wait to squish both my parents! They are so ridiculously adorable and fun to be around.

Then, back to Fay-town! Although in all honesty, the idea of being in Fayetteville without school is a bit weird, I am so excited to see my friends, Eugene, move into my first apartment, and begin Americorps!!! I will be working in Springdale High School, translating, mentoring, and taking it where ever it goes!

However, I will miss the independence, the responsibility of my work and stay here. I am so self-dependent here. I enjoy the daily challenges, the constant opportunity to learn. At the same time, it will be nice to have only myself to take care of, not the demands and worries of 70 some volunteers to manage. This however doesn't come without the price of mising my fantastic volunteers desperately!!!

Ay, la vida es una bulla. PA'LANTE!