Travel day went without a hitch, and all 54 travelers (and their bags!) made it safely from JFK to Santo Domingo. Serious props to JetBlue for accommodating such a large group! Upon our arrival to Casa Pastoral last night, we were treated to a delicious dinner of chicken and rice, a staple of our daily diet here in the DR.
TODAY: Day 0.
(Day 1 is reserved for tomorrow, our first day in the field.)
Following a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes and sausages, we sorted through the remainder of our collected medicine and vitamins into labeled plastic baggies for distribution. For several hours, the dining hall transformed into a bustling pharmacy, with students and adults working together under the supervision of our fearless doctors and teachers. Our work was accompanied by a playlist featuring old-school Taylor Swift in her country days. Over the course of the week, we expect to treat over 700 patients in our mobile med clinic and exhaust all of our medical donations. Any leftover medical supplies will be donated to El Buen Samaritano, the local hospital affiliated with La Casa Pastoral.
This afternoon we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the beach. The rain stayed away just long enough for us to enjoy a dip into the beautiful Caribbean water. "I have never water that blue!" exclaimed one of the students. Photographs just do not convey the full beauty of the Dominican Republic. You really have to be there to see it. #WatDR2017, you in?
After dinner, we gathered as a team to prepare food kits. Each bag of food contains 12 bags of rice, a container of oil, corn maize, pasta, and sardines. This is enough to feed a family for approximately a month. Our organized assembly lines made for incredible efficiency and teamwork.
We had a mild and restful day to prepare for a work-filled week ahead. We're anxious, excited, and above all else- we're ready. Buenas noches, y hasta mañana.
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