Today, I finally had to go to a dentist here. Before I left the States, five years ago, and when I had a dental plan, I told my dentist to fix everything he could, because I didn't know when the next time I'd have a dentist I could trust and afford.
Today was the day.
But like many things here, it came with the unexpected. First, I was told to be there at 2:30. Well, I got there a bit early, and the office was being cleaned. So they put a little seat outside for me to sit on while I waited for them to open.
Other people arrived after me, and eventually the office was opened. Once the waiting room was close to full, the TV was turned off (Barney, the purple creature had been on for the kids), and devotions were announced. Psalm 103 was read, from start to finish. Another worker asked if we had any prayer requests, then asked that we join her in prayer. Everyone stood to their feet respectfully.
The hygienist, and other workers sometimes sang along with the Christian music that was heard in every room, as they went about their work.
No one complained. No one was offended. It was nice. It kind of reminds me of the major grocery chain I shop at. They close on Sundays. They print a Bible verse at the bottom of every receipt, and they play worship music. I love shopping there.
In short, for an American Christian, who is used to being oppressed in her own country, there is a refreshing freedom for Christians here. And this freedom is a normal daily part of This Dominican Life.
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