Thursday, July 24, 2008

Domincan Bound!

Most of you know we are getting ready to move to the Dominican Republic. We are moving this Fall to the capital city, Santo Domingo. We're planning to live there for two years then come back to the U.S. Two years in another country...many thoughts and feelings are swirling around in my head and heart. It all seems surreal to me, as I don't really know what life will be like on the other side of this move. I like to know what to expect and I make lists and plans in my head surrounding my expectations. I'm coming up at a lose here, because I just don't know how to plan for this one! It's totally out of my comfort zone!
I've moved quite a few times since graduating high school and saying "bye-bye" to my home state of Northern California. I've lived in the South, I've lived in the Northeast and now I am headed for the Caribbean. The thrill I felt each time I moved and opened myself to a new experience is motivating me, but I'm so anxious about things that seemed so trivial before I had a child. Will we find a pediatrician who shares the same medical perspective we do? What if my child gets sick from the water or mosquitoes? Will I survive "Dominican" driving? How will I handle random loss of electicity and water? Will I REALLY be able to communicate in Spanish without having to think about EVERY word I say? Etc, etc...

It's a funny thing, because I have had several opportunities to travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries. Every time I have fallen in love with the culture and people. I have almost moved to a couple of these locations to work as a teacher or in some sort of Christian ministry/humanitarian capacity. The thought of immersing myself in another culture and people has always had a special place in my heart.

It's probably no surprise to others that I married a Latino and am moving to his home country. I'm not really that surprised by any of it either. We're just not going under the circumstances I expected. I'm not going to work in a school or an orphanage or on a mission of some kind. I'm going to support my husband as he takes what he learned in graduate school back to his country to make a difference. I'm going so my child will have a chance to experience part of his cultural background. I guess I'm surprised that I'm not going for my own reasons. I, selfishly, wonder about my identity there. It seems so noble, in a way, to go and support my husband, but I'm really nervous about finding my own fit.

I'll tell you more about our timeline next time I blog. For now, I'll leave you with a few pictures of where we are headed:



This is a good depiction of Santo Domingo. If you look closely you can see cars in gridlock in an intersection. Thoughts of driving...yikes!



Apartment buildings next to a park in Santo Domingo.

The center of the island is a mountain range. One of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen!Eric's grandparents live in a small mountain town where we will spend many weekends with family.

3 comments:

kristi said...

i am thrilled for you--and selfishly i have to admit that i really really hope i can come visit you there! but what i want to say is that i know you very well, and i know you will find your place there. you are such a determined, strong, self-assured woman; it's what drew me to you as friends so long ago--things that aren't always so evident in me...

anyway, my hope for you in all this is that through your spousal support and awesome mothering you will also find that niche where you can serve. and i bet you will have these opportunities, especially if God placed such a longing in your heart for overseas missions so long ago.

i love you!

Amy D said...

Karin, I am so excited for your family. This will be such a great step for you to take together. It won't be easy, but I can't wait to see what God does in and with you there!!!

Tammy T Hwang said...

I feel the emotions your going through, I enjoy how open and honest you are in your posts.

I can't wait to hear how the big move will unfold, I am so excited for you and your family.

I love your stories about little Eric

Tammy