I wrote most of this when I got back from the US in April and just finished it up today.
I feel like a stranger all over again, after only one week away. Dominicans look at me like I am a gringa, fresh off the plane, which technically I am. Exhaust from cars and motos actually chokes me, and I am angered by the people who butt in front of me at any and every customer service line and by the lady who steals platanos in the lunchline at work. However, I also did feel like I was excited to come back, like I have two homes now. I am not entirely sure if that's true, but I was happy as we flew along the coastline coming into the Puerto Plata airport.
Memories of my trip home are ever-present right now. The trip was short but better than I imagined it could be. I spent every day with my parents and my grandmother, and nearly every other day with my sister, Kim, and my niece and nephew, Karri and Dalton. I saw several good friends, although not everyone I would have liked to have seen, but a good showing for only having 5 full days in Staunton. I ate a LOT of delicious American food (missing only the taco truck, papusas, and Chinese food - I had Mexican twice and pizza twice, plus some of my Dad's cooking, so I cannot complain). I was really blessed because the people I love went out of their way to spend time with me. We had only one or two tense moments when my sister and I snapped at each other for something silly, which we always do. :)
It's often revealing to talk to my strong, silent Dad one on one, and this time was no different. He shared with me a way in which he has changed over the years. (I won't share this very personal, self-aware observation.) We've had a challenging relationship over the years, no doubt partially because we are alike in many ways; so I cherish these little moments of connection we have.
Really, the trip was wonderful and well-worth every busy moment of it. I have now had some time to reflect on it more fully. Aside from intellectual observations about the American political and cultural situation, the only sentiment that comes to me when I really think about home is exactly how much I miss my family and how important they are to me. It makes my eyes water every single time.
