Day 41 - 44: Chilling in the Dominican

It has been a very uneventful, rainy past couple of days.

I went to the grocery to make dinner for myself and some snack food.

I learned one, small lesson from being down here... When you are snacking rather than eating three square meals a day, you should be eating healthy food, or your health will relapse into another week of a cold. Before this last team got here, I got cold symptoms again for a couple days because I was eating junk food, rather than protein or fiber.

To fix this issue to start healthy snacking, I bought strawberries, which are good for you and taste great. I also bought almonds, lightly-salted cashews and cranberries so that I could make my own, healthy trail mix rather than spend more money for ready-made trail mix. Those who know me know that I do not care for almonds, but with the mixture of cashews and cranberries, it tastes good. I plan to critique and fix this concoction to make a better one with healthier options within the trail mix when I get home and after some research.

I went to Brian's house for a night to enjoy the view up there, but God decided that it was better for the earth to receive a downpour of rain instead. So, during the drive up to Ranch de La Paz throughout the afternoon and into the night, there was thunder and lightening as the vegetation received a healthy amount of water to grow.

The next morning, I woke up at 7 am wide awake and decided to make the most of it and write in my journal overlooking the beautiful scenery that Brian can see over his front patio gazebo.

I watched, listened and relaxed as the sun shone through the low-lying clouds in the valley, onto the trees and plants around me, watching them soak in the sun's UV rays, knowing they were creating the photosynthesis to keep themselves beautiful. 

My last team comes in a couple of hours, so I cannot wait to see what is in store for this week and the people I will be working with. 

Only a few days before I am on my way home though. I will miss this place for sure as I am very grateful for the time and experiences I have been given here. I plan to make the most of my last week here. Thank you Project Manana for the chance of a lifetime to work alongside you all and make a difference in the local's life as well as mine.

To a great week!