Finding Common Ground

Last night, we concluded our visit to San Cristobal with a huge thank you party for our host families. Yesterday afternoon, many of the teachers were treated to afternoon activities with their families—some visited a local beach and feasted on fish and “chips” (tostones); others walked all over San Cristobal and got to know every corner of Trujillo’s home town; others still came over to Yolanda’s house and prepared food for the big feast that was going to take place that night.

Around 7:00 p.m., host families and tour participants started to pour into Yolanda’s home, drawn in by the bachata and merengue music booming from the stereo system. Dominicans asked Americans to dance and before you knew it, the place was alive with energy, laughter, and some pretty crazy moves! Little did I know how much dancing talent we have in this group! Everyone was so willing to give it a try—it was a wonderful sight to see. Before we knew it, about 50 people had filled Yolanda’s patio and the program was ready to begin.

Each family was invited up to the front to share their experience living with their American guest. They told hilarious stories of family outings, communication through gestures when language was lacking, and common ground that they all found between cultures. One thing that came up in almost every host family’s comments was their American’s interest in their food or the size of their appetite. Dominicans take great pride in their food and love to show hospitality through cooking. So they were delighted to share with the group the fact that their American guest ate a lot or enjoyed eating plantains or habichuelas (beans). But the general consensus is that Americans eat “muy poco” (very little) and that we have small appetites. On the contrary, if you asked any American teacher about their eating habits in the last three days, they probably would say that they’ve eaten enough for a year. Their Dominican hosts were so excited to share their traditions and recipes and to expose our group to all of the wonderful things the DR has to offer.

After each Dominican family presented themselves and their experiences, our teachers were given a chance to offer their thanks and appreciation for these wonderful people who opened their doors to us in good faith and with a sincere interest in connecting with other people. I felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction listening to each teacher share their stories through laughter, artfully crafted statements in Spanish, and miming. Through their stories, I was reminded of the power of human connection and how even in times where there is no language in common, human beings have the ability to connect in profound and meaningful ways. To me, this is the most important form of diplomacy or foreign relations. Through one-on-one connections, shared experiences, a common meal, a willingness to dance, and a sense of humor, almost anything can be achieved. In just three short days, these two cultures came together in a real way and relationships were created that will last far into the future.

Today we head to our final destination—the resort town of Juan Dolio (east of Santo Domingo). We will certainly relax and enjoy the beach, but also reflect on a week full of challenges, new experiences, and memories.

Video: teachers dancing at the going away party; Photo: Laura P. and her host family