Posted by follow up on February 28, 19101 at 10:51:26:
In Reply to: Mission call to Santo Domingo West! Advice?? posted by Elder Marcus T. Buie on February 27, 19101 at 13:25:32:
I am a sister and I served in the east mission so I pretty much don't qualify to whom you were asking for...but close enough, its the same country, and in case no one responds back before you go out. I came home in May of 99.
Let me tell you though, you are are "getting your self into" the best country and teaching the most wonderful people. You will love the DR. Many live in very poor conditions, but its no matter to them most are happy anyway.Everyone is so friendly. You will find many that will want to listen. And may have several good babtisms. Trust me you will love it. I don't tink anyone could have a bad experiance there. In case you are thinking this. you wont be eating all the familiar "spanish food" like tacos and burritos. Some don't even know what a tortilla is, or even the slightest idea of how to make one. You will be eating alot of what they call "la Bandera" ( the Flag) It is pretty much their statndard food, which consists of white rice beans and meat.Also You could eat boiled green bannas, for me at first took a while to get used to, after a while I liked them. Also fried green plantains. Which I know you will love. Everyone does.Their special greasy spagettie.And don't be surprise when you eat chicken you will find the chickens foot.You may want to try it but if you don't like it you could ask the maid to buy it when she makes chicken for you. Oh yes...you will have a miad to wash your clothes, cook and clean for you.
Some time or another you will get sick to your stomach.
Another fun thing about the DR is that the power will go off it will come for 1 hour maybe more then leave for 1,2,3+ hrs. you never know. Some cities are better than others. So there will be nights that you will eat dinner with your companion by candle light...how romantic....just kidding, trust me, if once you thought dinner by candle light was romantic, this will could change your mind after doing it for two years. Running water is another problem, we really don't have it. Every once in a while you could get lucky and take a shower from a shower head. Other wise, bucket showers are always fun.
Its pretty hot year round. So be prepared to sweat and get a tan. Anyway, I could go on forever. If you have any further questions you can call me at work at 1800-537-3537 ext 5089 My name is Karina...Good luck Elder. And don't worry about a thing. you will get used to it and love it. Trust me!