You can't paint over a cockroach.

The title of my blog is one of the many things that I have learned so far in the Dominican Republic. Here are some more:

• Contrary to popular opinion, the whole world doesn't hate us. (us being Americans) Yesterday a child of about twelve years old proudly held up a handwritten sign that said "I love USA" After all, if kids echo their parents opinions, it must mean that we're at least doing something right!
• You don't have to have a lot of "stuff" to have fun. These kids have next to nothing, and they are arguably more joyful and vivacious than many privileged children.
• The opposite of "anthrax" is "anti-virus." (courtesy of Catchphrase during our group bonding game night)
• You can get through most conversations in a foreign language by nodding and saying the equivalent of "yes." However, when this doesn't work, it goes very badly.
• Sweet plantains and rice go with everything. Also, Dominicans add a heaping teaspoon of sugar for every teaspoon of coffee. And somehow this tastes outstanding.
• We shouldn't take for granted the cleanliness of our schools and our streets. The streets here are literally covered with trash, and the schools are filthy by our standards. Note the title of this blog. I am somewhat abashed to admit that I had to call JB to kill the cockroach, but I did not actually consider painting over it.**
• I can't wait to do this trip again next year!

Tomorrow we will go to mass, tour Santiago, and host a barbecue for some of the schoolchildren. Check back in for more of our adventures!

Hasta Manana!

**Okay, I'll admit it crossed my mind.