San Pedro de Macoris First Time Traveller

[DrChrisHE]

Bob: I've known people to have those things happen in Puerta Plata, Semana, Punta Cana, Juan Dolio and the Cap; PLUS, I had a gun held to my head in West LA, USA and a knife held to my 6 mo old's throat at 3 PM on Santa Monica Blvd in W. LA, USA, but not once did I experience these things while growing up in NY (except in my own home and that is a whole other ball of wax).

COULD YOU THINK OF A BETTER PLACE TO REALLY EXPERIENCE WHAT TRUE PUBLIC HEALTH WORK IS THAN AN ORPHANAGE IN SPM? We deal with: AMEOBA, DENGUE, GRIPE, RINGWORM, PINWORM, and then all the normal stuff internists/fps do in the US. He's trying to get HANDS-ON, down and dirty experience. I'm not sending this guy out into the batays at night (or even during the day for that matter without me and my personal posse.) He will KNOW if this is what he wants to do after his time here. Or, he'll know that he needs a more structured, predictable environment. Some of us thrive working under adverse conditions (and yes, I admit I grumble about my overpriced rent in Metro with its issues); however, I NEVER leave the orphanage thinking that I could have spent my time better anywhere else. Until I stop feeling that way or something really awful happens, I'll continue to freely give my services and offer to train others.

Here's the thing, I've been pick pocketed and had my fair share of SSSSSTs and sanky pankies thrown at me in SPM city but it isn't all city--there are many rural areas. The NPH orphanage is in Ramon Santana (think of bypassing SPM going from the Cap to La Romana and there's a tiny little sign pointing into a cane field.)

¡Paz y salud!

Originally Posted by laurapasinifan

well one persons real life CAN ACTUALLY be 180 degrees from another persons experiences...doesnt make either one false!

one person goes someplace and has the time of their life another goes and gets robbed and stabbed at the same place...both events are true...but the people who had a great time cant tell the guy who got robbed to stop posting negative stuff!!!!!!!!!

some people run into problems..and I am not talking about the people who ALWAYS post negative crap no matter what...I am talking about real events and experiences..

both sides have to learn to accept that what happened to them doesnt always happen to everyone else.

bob

[miguel]

Originally Posted by Matilda

I like San Pedro and I am sure you will be fine. There are board members who live there, and those like me that live just down the road in Juan Dolio. When you get in and get settled in feel free to pm me and we'll help you 'find your way'!!!

Welcome

Matilda

I like San Pedro also.....My brother lives there and I don't know if there are 2 San Pedros but the San Pedro he lives at and showed me a few times is a very nice San Pedro.

It makes you wonder why so many San Pedro born, multimillonaire ball players still reside there.....Ummmmmm.

Granted, some parts are not great.....Just like many parts of the DR.

Have I seen MUUUUUUUCH worse....Of course I have!!.

Ever visited Guachupita or Jarro Sucio in La Capital?.

I take ANY part of San Pedro, any day of the week!.

[DrChrisHE]

Once again, Matilda "the sage wise one" adds a useful comment (thanks for offering to help this student--you are always so kind to newcomers.)

Miguel: Actually there ARE two--SP de Macoris (which is where the ball players AND this orphanage both are and this debate IS about) and SP de San Francisco! That is neither here nor there. This poster IS coming and soon and he needs everyone's suggestions.

He'll return to the US to go to med school and will forever be changed from his time here. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE HIM esp those going into medicine in the US.

[laurapasinifan]

hey DrChrisHe: I never addressed the NPH orphanage in any of my replies!!

so I certainly never said anything negative. heck i never said i was a victim of anything but getting lost and getting a little worried about where i was going to end up.

But others have said they had some issues with the CITY...i dont think anyone ever mentioned anythign negative about the NPH orphanage either!

so i dont know where your idea someone is putting down the work being done there or trying to convince anyone they should nto be helping out.

I say good luck to your friend and I will joinall those who are happy to see him volunteer to help out!

the world is full of places that could use great people like him...and i am sure there are many in SPDM who will appreciate him alot.

I think like all of the larger cities in the DR there are pockets of more troublesome areas compared to those that are pleasant to live in.

Again remember that i never mentioned anything negative about the organization you work for...ok?

good luckl I hope you guys do a good job

bad bob

[laurapasinifan]

Originally Posted by DrChrisHE

Miguel: Actually there ARE two--SP de Macoris (which is where the ball players AND this orphanage both are and this debate IS about) and SP de San Francisco! That is neither here nor there. This poster IS coming and soon and he needs everyone's suggestions.

.

I THINK you might be a little confused...

unless I AM MISTAKEN..there is a San FRANICISCO De Macoris and a San PEDRO de Macoris. many miles apart.

but I doubt there is a "San Pedro de San Francisco"

bob

[miguel]

Originally Posted by DrChrisHE

Miguel: Actually there ARE two--SP de Macoris (which is where the ball players AND this orphanage both are and this debate IS about) and SP de San Francisco! That is neither here nor there. This poster IS coming and soon and he needs everyone's suggestions.

He'll return to the US to go to med school and will forever be changed from his time here. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE HIM esp those going into medicine in the US.

I have been to both places, San Pedro De Macoris and San Francisco De Macoris....I even know a few people in San Pedro, one who lives in Calle Teleto Vargas.

Listen, bottom line is that this kid WILLLLLLLL be fine.....He is NOT going to the worse place in the universe and even if he were, he will NEVER forget his experiences there!!.

My son still says that volunteering to help people in poor countries (and when I say poor, I mean POOOOOOOOOOOOOORR) has been the best experience of his life.

Yes, we need much more people like the OP.

I guarantee that he will never forget his experience there....AND will always be very vocal about it....All in a happy way.

I, for one, thank him!.

[riravaga]

Hello every body, I have living and working almost 5 months here iin San Pedro and like every part you must be carefull, you just have to ask before go somewhere, and be nice.

Hope you have a great time arround and hope to see you too.

Ricardo

[DrChrisHE]

Yup...my bad on the SP confusion...that's what I get when I post and run!

Thanks for the input and hope the poster continues to get useful info.

I had written a much longer reply but somewhere in wifi land it went into never never land!

[juanita]

My daughter and I visited the NPH orphanage yesterday and I can personally say that I was amazed by the work they are doing there, it is like a small community (very secure), well organized: 15 houses for the kids, 3 houses for the volunteers, school, playgrounds and soon a clinic. Juanitita had taken some of her toys and books to give out to the kids in one of the house we visited; we were greeted with big hugs, humongous smiles and cute songs. The kids are well educated, happy and very well taken care, the house had one room with bunk beds for the boys (8) and another for the girls (8) and beds for the tias (3 ladies who care for the kids). Each kid is assigned a task around the house so it is kept very clean and in order. They have special visitor’s days when we can go and visit the kids and the tia was also telling me that some of the things they are missing are undergarments and socks for the kids. I guess that is one of the last thing we think of when making donations.
Maybe we could have an “undergarment” recollecting day?!!

NPH International - Caring for orphans and abandoned children

[DrChrisHE]

Hey Brandon--Every time I glance at this thread's title I think "Time-Traveller." It cracks me up. Thanks for the LOL.