Monday, March 25, 2013
We are Cleveland bound!
After a nail biting trek through immigration and customs, we have made it to our gate. Luckily we have the weather on our side as our flight to Cleveland has been delayed. We will leave at 7:00 and arrive around 8:35. See you soon!
Back in the U.S.
We have just landed in Newark and are hoping for smooth passage through customs. Our flight to Cleveland is delayed 20 minutes so we have a little more wiggle room. Will update again only if there are any changes. Otherwise, see you in Cleveland!
Flights
Hello from the Santo Domingo airport. We are experiencing a slight flight delay and are currently scheduled to leave at 1:00pm (instead of 12:25pm). This is making our connection in Newark pretty tight, but our plan is to still try to make our original connection. If we are unsuccessful, there is a later flight to Cleveland which we have confirmed has plenty of seats available. All students not traveling to Cleveland should still make their connections with no problem! Will update from Newark if there are any changes, but hope to see you in Cleveland a little after 8:00 tonight!
Here are some pictures from the past few days!
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| Barrio St. George |
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| Dori in the community garden |
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| Katie working hard to break ground in the community garden |
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| Leaving the Barrio |
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| Sugar cane getting weighed |
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| Sugar cane as far as the eye can see |
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| The group with Haitian workers |
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| Trying sugar cane |
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| Batey Margarita |
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| Helena's 16th birthday! |
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| Arts and crafts |
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| Tie dyeing |
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| The beach! |
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| Enjoying the water! |
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| Colonial zone - Santo Domingo |
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| Group shot |
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| Final dinner |
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Hasta Luego Republica Dominicana!
Greetings from Santo Domingo! We are safely back in the land of Wi-Fi and wanted to check in before we head for the airport and back to the States tomorrow. After five very full and rich days "off the grid," it is in some ways difficult to know where to start in filling everyone in on what we've seen and experienced here.
Last night, in our final daily reflection, Raphael, another one of our fabulous Rustic Pathways guides, asked us all to sum up our experience using only three words. The most common words shared were: inspiring, memorable, life-changing, grateful, and pivotal. As Mrs. Davies so eloquently pointed out, we have had the opportunity to visit three very different communities within this beautiful country and we have grown immensely through what we have seen.
It is admittedly very hard to be faced with the reality of injustice and poverty, yet this group fully embraced the emotions of this experience. Ms. Boesch and I are extremely proud of how hard the students worked all week, never once complaining, and always seeking ways in which to connect with each community and each other. As chaperones, we have seen the students become inspired to want to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Thank you, Brendan, Till, Lexie, Charly, Ashleigh, Madeline, Mary, Lynn, Dori, Katie, Salma, and Helena for being so open to this experience, and for making this trip so memorable for us.
**I will post some pictures tomorrow morning before heading to the airport.
Friday, March 22, 2013
More digging !?
Hi all -- Mrs. Davies here. I spoke with Mrs. Freeman this afternoon, who sends the group's greetings from San Pedro de Macoris. They haven't been able to access the internet while in the Bateyes, so she filled me in on what they've been up to so I could pass the information along. You can expect to hear from them from Santo Domingo on Sunday.
The group has spent much of their time in San Pedro Macoris so far working in one of the barrios just a short walk from the community center. When they arrived on Wednesday afternoon, they toured that area and met with some of the community leaders to learn a bit about what life is like for the Dominicans, Haitians, and Dominican-Haitians who live there. On Thursday morning they returned to the barrio, where they helped break ground on a community garden. So yes, they were doing more digging! In the afternoon they toured one of the communities located within the sugar cane fields, known as Batey Margarita, and met some of the community members who live there. They've now had the opportunity to meet with three different communities, and have an interesting perspective on life for many in the DR.
On Thursday evening the group was able to meet with a lawyer who works closely with the volunteer center where they're staying. He helps residents of the bateyes get their documentation in order and assists the US Department of Labor with some of the lawsuits they've filed against the sugar cane companies. The group spoke with him for about two hours and had the opportunity to ask lots of questions about how and why things are the way they are. Mrs. Freeman said that this meeting was a real highlight for the group as they grapple with what they've seen and learned so far.
Today they were back in the community garden, and they'll move to a different barrio on Saturday, where they'll put on a day camp for 30-50 children. Our fundraising efforts at WRA went toward the purchasing of supplies for tie dyeing -- an activity that volunteers often would like to do with the children but cannot, since the supplies are hard to come by. Our group took down more tie dyeing supplies than they could possibly use, so hopefully other groups will be able to enjoy the activity later as well.
Sunday morning will see the group at the beach, after which they'll head into Santo Domingo to tour the colonial zone and do some souvenir shopping. They expect to be able to access internet at their hotel there, so if they're able to post an update at the end of that very long day, they'll have lots to share!
The group has spent much of their time in San Pedro Macoris so far working in one of the barrios just a short walk from the community center. When they arrived on Wednesday afternoon, they toured that area and met with some of the community leaders to learn a bit about what life is like for the Dominicans, Haitians, and Dominican-Haitians who live there. On Thursday morning they returned to the barrio, where they helped break ground on a community garden. So yes, they were doing more digging! In the afternoon they toured one of the communities located within the sugar cane fields, known as Batey Margarita, and met some of the community members who live there. They've now had the opportunity to meet with three different communities, and have an interesting perspective on life for many in the DR.
On Thursday evening the group was able to meet with a lawyer who works closely with the volunteer center where they're staying. He helps residents of the bateyes get their documentation in order and assists the US Department of Labor with some of the lawsuits they've filed against the sugar cane companies. The group spoke with him for about two hours and had the opportunity to ask lots of questions about how and why things are the way they are. Mrs. Freeman said that this meeting was a real highlight for the group as they grapple with what they've seen and learned so far.
Today they were back in the community garden, and they'll move to a different barrio on Saturday, where they'll put on a day camp for 30-50 children. Our fundraising efforts at WRA went toward the purchasing of supplies for tie dyeing -- an activity that volunteers often would like to do with the children but cannot, since the supplies are hard to come by. Our group took down more tie dyeing supplies than they could possibly use, so hopefully other groups will be able to enjoy the activity later as well.
Sunday morning will see the group at the beach, after which they'll head into Santo Domingo to tour the colonial zone and do some souvenir shopping. They expect to be able to access internet at their hotel there, so if they're able to post an update at the end of that very long day, they'll have lots to share!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Adios La Jagua and Rancho Baiguate
Buenos Dias from Rancho Baiguate. We woke up to yet another beautiful day, for this, our last morning in Jarabacoa. Yesterday was non-stop for the group, beginning with another early morning, productive work in La Jagua, an informative tour of the community by Polibio (formerly referenced to as Bolivio in the first post), a language exchange at a local university with students studying English, and a final reflection around the bonfire last night. While we are all excited to head for the Bateyes, leaving La Jagua and Jarabacoa is of course bitter sweet. Though we were only here for two and a half days, we are proud of the work we accomplished and, perhaps more importantly, grateful for the connections we have made with the community that have impacted us all in numerous ways. I'll let Ashleigh and Helena elaborate:
After quickly falling asleep on Madeline's shoulder during the bus ride to La Jagua, we began our second full day of work. I will admit, I was pretty exhausted at the beginning. However, hiking to our digging location with the numerous community members made it so easy to get the energy to help. By the second day we were all already so comfortable around each other. We talked (attempted to anyway), we laughed, we helped one another. Looking down the long span of the trench, community members and members from our group were staggered, everyone helping the other. Honestly, it was an amazing feeling that I do not think I could have felt anywhere but here. This opportunity has made me realize not only how much we are helping them, but how much they are doing for us. With "island time," everything seems stress free, even while working. The people here really are the epitome of "carpe diem." Experiencing life without our iphones, computers, and televisions, I personally have realized how much unnecessary stress we put on ourselves. Without being reminded constantly of your stresses and problems, it is easier to be at peace. This trip has really shown me, already in only the four days we have been here, that life goes on. We make things too hard for ourselves. We dwell on the past and the future, barely taking time to actually take advantage of today. I now understand that I need to focus more on what is happening today; how I can help other people, today; how I can make a difference, today, because nothing else really matters. It sounds cliche, I know, and I doubt I could count how many people have tried to place this wisdom upon me, but this feeling is something that needs to be experienced to fully comprehend and believe it. And for the communities here that have shown me this, I am forever grateful. I can not wait to see what else I can learn in the few more days we have here in the Dominican Republic. - Ashleigh '14
Today was an exciting day for all of us even though we were all very sore and tired. We barely had enough energy to pick up pick-axes and shovels to work. Seeing the people of La Jagua's happy faces and their excitement to help us with the project, I gained energy, and started by helping to shovel the soil back in the ditch. I was elated when I saw the pipes in the ditch and the soil back in place because I now know that the rest of La Jagua will have running water. Helping La Jagua made me realize that I have a blessed life. When I walk into my bathroom, I have clean, running water all the time. I am currently attending a nice school. Only a portion of the people living in greater La Jagua finally had access to running water as of last August (aqueduct project from last year's trip was completed in August in a different part of the community). Only 40% of the kids in La Jagua attend high school because they have to help with their parents in order to have enough money to survive. We complain about small things everyday, such as bombing a test or not looking attractive. Honestly, we should not complain about these things. The type of problems that the kids in La Jagua have are if they are able to have food on their table and if they are able to attend high school. These are serious problems, but when you look into their faces, they are always smiling and enjoying their life. They are living their moment and happy with what they have. This made me realize that I should be thankful for everything that I have. ~Helena '15
We leave for the Bateyes at 9 AM and we will arrive in San Pedro de Macoris in time for a late lunch at the volunteer center that will be our new home until Sunday. Moving forward, we are unsure as to how reliable our access to the internet will be but we will try to post as much as we can. Until then, we hope you enjoy some more pictures from yesterday. Hasta Luego!
After quickly falling asleep on Madeline's shoulder during the bus ride to La Jagua, we began our second full day of work. I will admit, I was pretty exhausted at the beginning. However, hiking to our digging location with the numerous community members made it so easy to get the energy to help. By the second day we were all already so comfortable around each other. We talked (attempted to anyway), we laughed, we helped one another. Looking down the long span of the trench, community members and members from our group were staggered, everyone helping the other. Honestly, it was an amazing feeling that I do not think I could have felt anywhere but here. This opportunity has made me realize not only how much we are helping them, but how much they are doing for us. With "island time," everything seems stress free, even while working. The people here really are the epitome of "carpe diem." Experiencing life without our iphones, computers, and televisions, I personally have realized how much unnecessary stress we put on ourselves. Without being reminded constantly of your stresses and problems, it is easier to be at peace. This trip has really shown me, already in only the four days we have been here, that life goes on. We make things too hard for ourselves. We dwell on the past and the future, barely taking time to actually take advantage of today. I now understand that I need to focus more on what is happening today; how I can help other people, today; how I can make a difference, today, because nothing else really matters. It sounds cliche, I know, and I doubt I could count how many people have tried to place this wisdom upon me, but this feeling is something that needs to be experienced to fully comprehend and believe it. And for the communities here that have shown me this, I am forever grateful. I can not wait to see what else I can learn in the few more days we have here in the Dominican Republic. - Ashleigh '14
Today was an exciting day for all of us even though we were all very sore and tired. We barely had enough energy to pick up pick-axes and shovels to work. Seeing the people of La Jagua's happy faces and their excitement to help us with the project, I gained energy, and started by helping to shovel the soil back in the ditch. I was elated when I saw the pipes in the ditch and the soil back in place because I now know that the rest of La Jagua will have running water. Helping La Jagua made me realize that I have a blessed life. When I walk into my bathroom, I have clean, running water all the time. I am currently attending a nice school. Only a portion of the people living in greater La Jagua finally had access to running water as of last August (aqueduct project from last year's trip was completed in August in a different part of the community). Only 40% of the kids in La Jagua attend high school because they have to help with their parents in order to have enough money to survive. We complain about small things everyday, such as bombing a test or not looking attractive. Honestly, we should not complain about these things. The type of problems that the kids in La Jagua have are if they are able to have food on their table and if they are able to attend high school. These are serious problems, but when you look into their faces, they are always smiling and enjoying their life. They are living their moment and happy with what they have. This made me realize that I should be thankful for everything that I have. ~Helena '15
We leave for the Bateyes at 9 AM and we will arrive in San Pedro de Macoris in time for a late lunch at the volunteer center that will be our new home until Sunday. Moving forward, we are unsure as to how reliable our access to the internet will be but we will try to post as much as we can. Until then, we hope you enjoy some more pictures from yesterday. Hasta Luego!
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| Pipe in the trench |
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| Group Shot at dig site |
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| Lynn connecting a pipe |
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| Filling in the trench |
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| Polibio thanking the group |
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| A tour of La Jagua |
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| A traditional Dominican stove |
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| Nelo preparing the land to plant peppers |
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| Group shot at Polibio's house |
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| Language exchange |
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| Lexi helping a student with his English |
Monday, March 18, 2013
Making connections in the DR!
It was another rewarding day here in the Dominican Republic. Having successfully completed our first full day of digging in La Jagua, we are all tired and sore, but so incredibly grateful to be here doing such important work as we continue to make connections with the community. The day included a brisk ride up the mountain in a misty rain, followed by six hours of intense digging in La Jagua, an ice cream treat in Jarabacoa and now, some dancing and down time. In our nightly reflection, everyone discussed not only the changes we are working hard to make in La Jagua, but also how we, as students and members of the WRA community are being changed in the process. I'll let Charlotte and Madeline take over from here:
At the beginning of the second day of digging we faced some challenges. Big roots and rocks were in our way. Often it would have been impossible for us to remove them without the help of some members of the community, who used their machetes very fast and seamlessly to cut the roots. Today I really noticed the importance of team work. We already accomplished so much and everybody was helping: the students, the chaperones, community members; even little kids were picking up shovels and dug when there was a chance. And sometimes we had to realize that these five year old kids were faster than us. But everybody was enthusiastic and involved that soon we could look back at meters and meters of trenches. Usually we paired up; one person with a pick-ax loosened the dirt so that the second person could shovel out the soil. The highlight of the day for many was playing with the kids. Actually it started out with throwing some sticky burs at each others t-shirts just for fun, before we all played chase. It was not as easy as we thought it would be to catch these fast children. They just jumped without fear from hill to hill and climbed up walls of soil. But of course, as brave as we are, we followed them! Everybody enjoyed themselves a lot and language was not really important. Since we do not speak Spanish very well and they don't know any English, it was sometimes difficult to communicate. But running around and playing the same games that I play with my little cousin at home, I felt so connected and realized that you can communicate not only through words. With even more sweating, but with a big smile on everyone's face the time flew until 3 o'clock, when we headed back to the ranch. - Charlotte '15
As we began the ascent up the mountain in the back of the truck, everyone was fully rested and prepared for another longer, more rewarding day of digging in La Jagua. Members of the surrounding town gazed at the strange truck full of Americans, Koreans, Chinese, Germans and Hungarians all wearing either weird hats or snapping pictures of every detail we could capture of the Dominican Republic. Although there are many differences in culture, I thoroughly enjoy the adventure I've been lucky enough to experience and I already feel like I want to stay here for an extended amount of time.
While digging for the first time yesterday, I was happily surprised to be joined by the welcoming community members. All the boys our age, and not to mention the adorable children all pitched in as we accomplished a great deal of work. At that point, the children were there to smile at, add a little joy, and for us to try to communicate with them as best as possible in broken Spanish sentences. But, by the end of today, our relationship with the children completely transformed. We began the day with the eager little boys and one girl trying to help in any way possible. I asked the little girl her name, Jimella, and her age, six. After making a connection with Jimella, we soon began trying to talk to all the other kids. As the working day began to fade, with one hour left to work, the children and some of us were beginning to get antsy in the heat. Somehow we ended up further up the mountain, a few of us students and all the children chasing each other and ending up in the dirt in the midst of a tickle fight. Even with the language barrier, the language of humanity brought us together in the end. The word "tonto" (meaning silly) was used frequently as we made silly faces at each other before departing. The day was now at a close and we began the trip back to the Rancho. With this short trip down the mountain I began a long self reflection process. Realizing how truly privileged I am to live in the area that I do, and lead the life I live. This small community has infinitely impacted my life and I am beyond grateful. It is an amazing feeling to not have to worry about anything that I would have obsessed over at home and allow myself to be free. While looking out into the deep valleys and high peaks, I felt so at peace with the world. -Madeline'15
We are all heading to bed shortly to get a good night of rest before another (and sadly our last) day of work in La Jagua. Until then - Hasta Manana!
At the beginning of the second day of digging we faced some challenges. Big roots and rocks were in our way. Often it would have been impossible for us to remove them without the help of some members of the community, who used their machetes very fast and seamlessly to cut the roots. Today I really noticed the importance of team work. We already accomplished so much and everybody was helping: the students, the chaperones, community members; even little kids were picking up shovels and dug when there was a chance. And sometimes we had to realize that these five year old kids were faster than us. But everybody was enthusiastic and involved that soon we could look back at meters and meters of trenches. Usually we paired up; one person with a pick-ax loosened the dirt so that the second person could shovel out the soil. The highlight of the day for many was playing with the kids. Actually it started out with throwing some sticky burs at each others t-shirts just for fun, before we all played chase. It was not as easy as we thought it would be to catch these fast children. They just jumped without fear from hill to hill and climbed up walls of soil. But of course, as brave as we are, we followed them! Everybody enjoyed themselves a lot and language was not really important. Since we do not speak Spanish very well and they don't know any English, it was sometimes difficult to communicate. But running around and playing the same games that I play with my little cousin at home, I felt so connected and realized that you can communicate not only through words. With even more sweating, but with a big smile on everyone's face the time flew until 3 o'clock, when we headed back to the ranch. - Charlotte '15
As we began the ascent up the mountain in the back of the truck, everyone was fully rested and prepared for another longer, more rewarding day of digging in La Jagua. Members of the surrounding town gazed at the strange truck full of Americans, Koreans, Chinese, Germans and Hungarians all wearing either weird hats or snapping pictures of every detail we could capture of the Dominican Republic. Although there are many differences in culture, I thoroughly enjoy the adventure I've been lucky enough to experience and I already feel like I want to stay here for an extended amount of time.
While digging for the first time yesterday, I was happily surprised to be joined by the welcoming community members. All the boys our age, and not to mention the adorable children all pitched in as we accomplished a great deal of work. At that point, the children were there to smile at, add a little joy, and for us to try to communicate with them as best as possible in broken Spanish sentences. But, by the end of today, our relationship with the children completely transformed. We began the day with the eager little boys and one girl trying to help in any way possible. I asked the little girl her name, Jimella, and her age, six. After making a connection with Jimella, we soon began trying to talk to all the other kids. As the working day began to fade, with one hour left to work, the children and some of us were beginning to get antsy in the heat. Somehow we ended up further up the mountain, a few of us students and all the children chasing each other and ending up in the dirt in the midst of a tickle fight. Even with the language barrier, the language of humanity brought us together in the end. The word "tonto" (meaning silly) was used frequently as we made silly faces at each other before departing. The day was now at a close and we began the trip back to the Rancho. With this short trip down the mountain I began a long self reflection process. Realizing how truly privileged I am to live in the area that I do, and lead the life I live. This small community has infinitely impacted my life and I am beyond grateful. It is an amazing feeling to not have to worry about anything that I would have obsessed over at home and allow myself to be free. While looking out into the deep valleys and high peaks, I felt so at peace with the world. -Madeline'15
We are all heading to bed shortly to get a good night of rest before another (and sadly our last) day of work in La Jagua. Until then - Hasta Manana!
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| La Jagua |
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| Unloading the truck |
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| Digging! |
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| Ashleigh and her pick-ax! |
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| Taking a break to reapply sunscreen and bug spray - very important! |
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| Brendan working hard |
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| Ice Cream from Bon! So delicious! |
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| Dancing the night away! |
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Rancho Baiguate and La Jagua
After a good night's sleep, we all convened this morning for breakfast before beginning the day! After breakfast, we took a tour of Rancho Baiguate, our home for the next few days. We first spent some time in the butterfly garden, learning about the many species of butterfly native to the Dominican Republic. Several of the group members got to hold caterpillars before we all were able to enter the garden and see the many beautiful butterflies. On our way out of the garden, we passed by Lucas, the resident donkey of the ranch! We all couldn't help but laugh as everyone's sleep last night was interrupted by Lucas' alarming honks at 4 AM!
We then learned about the various sustainability projects that are currently underway at the ranch. We saw the beautiful vegetable garden and then Harry (one of our Rustic Pathway guides) told us about the natural filtration system that is currently being used to filter sewage generated by the ranch. We finished our tour with some team building exercises before eating a quick lunch.
After lunch, we excitedly boarded the truck and headed to La Jagua for an afternoon of work on the aqueduct project. Before we began digging, we had the opportunity to meet several community members, including Bolivio, the main community organizer and overseer of the aqueduct project. Bolivio welcomed us to La Jagua before sharing a little about the community and its needs. We took the opportunity to tell Bolivio and the other gathered community members about ourselves and then headed up the hillside together to begin our digging.
After two hours of digging, we ended for the day having accomplished great work. We head back to La Jagua bright and early tomorrow morning for a full day of digging. Right now the group is enjoying a rousing game of cards and we will soon come together for some reflection on the day before heading to bed.
Be sure to check back in tomorrow for a guest writer! Until then, Buenas Noches!
We then learned about the various sustainability projects that are currently underway at the ranch. We saw the beautiful vegetable garden and then Harry (one of our Rustic Pathway guides) told us about the natural filtration system that is currently being used to filter sewage generated by the ranch. We finished our tour with some team building exercises before eating a quick lunch.
After lunch, we excitedly boarded the truck and headed to La Jagua for an afternoon of work on the aqueduct project. Before we began digging, we had the opportunity to meet several community members, including Bolivio, the main community organizer and overseer of the aqueduct project. Bolivio welcomed us to La Jagua before sharing a little about the community and its needs. We took the opportunity to tell Bolivio and the other gathered community members about ourselves and then headed up the hillside together to begin our digging.
After two hours of digging, we ended for the day having accomplished great work. We head back to La Jagua bright and early tomorrow morning for a full day of digging. Right now the group is enjoying a rousing game of cards and we will soon come together for some reflection on the day before heading to bed.
Be sure to check back in tomorrow for a guest writer! Until then, Buenas Noches!
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| The group in the butterfly garden |
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| All in a knot! |
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| An entertaining game of Ninja while waiting for the truck |
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| On the truck to La Jagua |
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| Meeting with community members in La Jagua |
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| Beginning to dig |
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| Making great progress! |
Saturday, March 16, 2013
We have arrived!
Our travels for the day began and ended on a bus and we have finally arrived at Rancho Baiguate and are settling in for the night! All in all a smooth day of travel, though we are all tired. More to come tomorrow. We will spend the morning touring Rancho Baiguate before heading to La Juaga to begin our service.
Hasta Mañana!
Hasta Mañana!
On the plane
We have successfully checked in and cleared security and are getting settled on our first flight to Newark! Will update again from Jarabacoa late tonight!
On the bus!!
And so our trip begins! Everyone is on the bus heading to the Cleveland airport. Here's hoping for a smooth day of travel. Santo Domingo here we come!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Getting ready!!
Brendan, Charly, Salma, Helena, and Lynn are busily preparing our donations! Thanks to the WRA community for all of these great items!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Welcome (back)!
¡Hola viajeros y padres!
Welcome to the official blog of the WRA Dominican Republic service trip. We will use this blog to communicate with parents and any other interested followers while the group is traveling and working in the Dominican Republic. When technology permits, the travelers will post information and reflections about their projects, along with some photos to illustrate their adventures. While you're here, feel free to browse through the posts from last year's trip, as this blog is a continuation of that trip, as WRA continues to build relationships with the communities we're serving in the Dominican Republic.
Welcome to the official blog of the WRA Dominican Republic service trip. We will use this blog to communicate with parents and any other interested followers while the group is traveling and working in the Dominican Republic. When technology permits, the travelers will post information and reflections about their projects, along with some photos to illustrate their adventures. While you're here, feel free to browse through the posts from last year's trip, as this blog is a continuation of that trip, as WRA continues to build relationships with the communities we're serving in the Dominican Republic.
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