Days 3 & 4 (Two for the price of one)

Day 3 was so busy that we just didn't have time to blog.  So it's time to catch up now.

Work went on as usual at all three sites.  Intermittent showers left us with precious resting time between work assignments.  We made the bold decision to go to the beach despite the threat of rain.  Good thing, because the weather turned out absolutely beautiful for a two-hour dip into the warm Caribbean water.

After that much-needed respite, we attended a local baseball game. We got to the stadium at 8 pm and although the game was supposed to start at 7, it did not start until after 9:30. For the first hour and a half of our "baseball game," we watched them fold a tarp. It's tempting to be frustrated, but there's a thing called "Dominican time" in which nothing ever goes according to schedule.  We are certainly practicing patience.  In the sole inning that we were able to see, there was a grand slam. Immediately after, a batter charged the mound, which led to a minor tussle between the two teams.  With eight innings remaining, we left to get some much-needed rest in preparation for Day 4.

Day 4:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Our medical team visited a Batey near and dear to our hearts: Batey 50. Over the past 6 years, we have done construction every year at Batey 50. Many of our group members have long time friendships with the adults and children of Batey 50. Since our construction team has moved onto Joe Hartman and Batey Papita, this was the only chance for our team members to reconnect and serve with old friends.

The team that went to Joe Hartman had all hands on deck.  The past three days of work had all been leading up to today: concrete day.  About 10 Dominican workers mixed concrete, enabling the DRST group to form efficient assembly lines for easy transport of the material.  There was a "buzz" of work unlike anything we've experienced before.  It was clear that the work team on site was operating on a deadline, and so our volunteers worked with newfound strength and determination.  As a teacher, I have never witnessed such perseverance as I saw today.

At the end of the day, we made time for a brief photo-op.  Although we were covered head to toe in concrete and dirt, we smiled proudly for the camera.

The Dream Team returned to Batey Papita today. We mixed over 1,500 pounds of dry cement into a concrete mixture and then poured it all around the trenches of the house. It was tough tough work, as this was the hottest day of the week so far. The team worked incredibly hard moving cinder blocks, mixing concrete, and moving wheelbarrows.

Following our work days on the Batey, we all met up at a local Orphanage and played with the children. A huge game of volleyball formed - these kids can play! Following the orphanage, we returned to Casa Pastoral to shower and prepare for our Thanksgiving dinner at Casa Del Campo.

We are derparting for Thanksgiving Dinner now. Hasta mañana!