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!

La Jagua 

Unloading the truck

Digging!

Ashleigh and her pick-ax!

Taking a break to reapply sunscreen and bug spray - very important!

Brendan working hard

Ice Cream from Bon!  So delicious!

Dancing the night away!