Student Takeover: Day Four YEAH!

Breaking Ground and Skin
By Connor

As soon as we arrived to Batey Papita, we went straight to work. Different groups worked to paint roofing and to move rocks to fill the seemingly endless holes in the house. Many of us showed strength, working both alone and together. Even when we fell along with our wheelbarrows, we always got right back to work.  Some of us experienced fire ant bites, and some of our tools were broken. Nevertheless, we were always thankful that we were able to help.

Carson, hauling a casual 90lb bag of concrete

Cora & Betty: the definition of teamwork

It isn't a work day without a team selfie

Med Clinic @ Batey Higuey

by Elijah

Today, different than most med clinics, we went to an urban area of the Dominican Republic. As soon as the bus stopped, little kids who were playing on the streets were already waving to us with a big smile on their faces excited to see us. Just as the bus made its final stop, we saw a woman holding a newborn, and she literally passed the baby through the bus window so we could hold the baby!* As we exited the bus, I was very excited for the day knowing that I was responsible for blood pressure, which is my favorite job. After we set up the room, we started to see our first patients. At this clinic we saw many kids and newborns. Everything went very efficiently from the bug juice (anti-parasite liquid) to the food bags that we gave out the the patients. With every patient that sat down in front of me, we had a warm conversation and they were very grateful knowing we were helping them. Seeing their gratitude made me realize how lucky I am to get the opportunity to do all the things in my life including coming on this service trip. I have so many opportunities and things in my life that I take for granted, and this trip has opened my eyes to see what goes on in the bateys in the Dominican Republic. One moment that really stood out to me today was when we were leaving the meeting clinic and Bella and I gave out the rest of the toys to the kids. We gave them slap braces and stickers. The look on their faces after getting the toys showed how happy they were to have a toy that most of us had as young kids. This Thanksgiving I am so grateful for many things including my family, friends, and so much more. This trip has showed me so much more than what I know and how I can impact the lives of others. I hope everyone can realize that. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

*New rule effective immediately: No accepting babies handed to you through the window of a bus. - Arielle

Elijah playing ball

Sadie holding her first baby EVER

Thanksgiving Celebration

by Arielle

After a quick shower, we headed to Casa de Campo dressed in our best.  Casa de Campo is a wealthy resort area, and frankly, wealthy is an understatement.  It is a gated community comprised of tree-lined streets, perfectly manicured lawns, and resorts with all the amenities.  The home that we rent for the evening has a huge open floor plan, four large bedrooms, and a pool out back with a hot tub.  The contrast between Casa de Campo and the bateys where we work could not be any starker.

Many of our interpreters joined us, and they even brought with them some of their family members.  It was such a privilege to meet their parents, significant-others, and children.  Our feast was comprised of an incredible spread, including turkey, pork, gravy, mashed potatoes, rice, bread, and salad.  Although Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated by Dominicans, our interpreters were definitely in the spirit... On the whole bus ride to Casa to Campo, they played a song in Spanish featuring one line repeated with gusto: COMER PAVO (translation: EAT TURKEY!).  We loved being able to share our traditions with them and seeing how graciously they celebrated alongside us in the spirit of generosity and gratitude.

After dinner and dessert (cakes and fruit), a bunch of students jumped into the pool.  Not long after, a dance party erupted in the backyard; when "Danza Kuduro" came on, no one could hold back!  Jenni busted out her dance-teacher-moves and had everyone--students, teachers, and interpreters alike--dancing in unison.  It was a really special moment for all of us to come together!

While our evening was full of laughter and play, it's still really hard to see so much wealth concentrated in one area, when we spend the whole week exposed to the depth and breadth of poverty in the Dominican Republic.  It's also really hard to enjoy so much delicious food knowing so many people this week that we have met experience food scarcity on a regular basis.  I'm hopeful that tonight reminded us the importance of appreciating what you have while simultaneously striving to improve the lives of those less fortunate.

With our bellies and hearts full, we can't wait for one final day of service tomorrow!  

Carson, Avi & Rick - first to the table but last to eat

Keeping that spirit of service alive!