Dominican Republic
March 27, 2003
Cathy Caproni

As I walked through the dusty streets of the barrio of San Pedro during my Folknography study, I spoke with Dr. Anita Dohn about missionary work. I explained that prior to this trip I could not understand why people would leave the comforts of home to travel the world. Now that I’ve been here I completely understand. As I was applying my theories of communication, these people were applying the theories of survival.

They exist in dirt floor shanties with no windows, stacked one against the other like leaning dominoes. Rusty tin and barbed wire are as plentiful as the dirt. At every home I visited I was offered a rickety plastic chair and all of my questions were answered eagerly. What they lack in resources, they make up in love. It did not matter that we didn’t speak the language, as the language of caring is universal. How can I explain to the people at home the feelings of kindness that emerge from the depths of poverty in these deprived neighborhoods? I will, however, give it my best effort, as I want to carry on always listening to the voice of the people.