It seems like it was just yesterday that we spent our amazing week together in the Dominican Republic for the Spring Break Community Impact adventure! We started things off with a tough two-hour hike up Mount Brison but it was all well worth it once we all reached the top. We were surrounded by the beautiful view and enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Doña Maxima. We learned to walk in the shoes of the locals which inspired us to view things from a different perspective. This was the beginning of our life-changing experience in the DR!

I was so proud to see the hard work you all put in while helping build a safe home for Heriberto and a new bathroom for Doña Balbina. We set up the wire on the wood framing, filled the walls with recycled plastic bottles, mixed cement for the walls and painted as well. Not only did we work towards making a life-changing impact in both of their lives, but we contributed to making a positive impact to the environment as well through recycling. Your passion and dedication was evident in all of the service activities you participated in. Way to go team!

Now, let’s not forget about our fun days to relax and enjoy the hot sun after a hard day’s work. We sunbathed at some gorgeous beaches and had lots of fun in the waves. We even enjoyed some delicious tropical drinks in pineapple and coconut cups. We will never forget our adventures at Dudu Lagoon and jumping off the cliff at the Cabarete Caves. At the lodge we got to enjoy the pool, Latin dance lessons and the dogs!

The 7e staff misses all of you including Ernie, Oscar and Bert who send some wet kisses for all!

We send a big THANKS to all of you for committing to being agents of change. We hope you got the BEST out of your experience here in DR and hope to see all of you very soon for another great service-learning adventure.

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

It seems like it was just yesterday that we spent our amazing week together in the Dominican Republic for the Spring Break Community Impact adventure! We started things off with a tough two-hour hike up Mount Brison but it was all well worth it once we all reached the top. We were surrounded by the beautiful view and enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Doña Maxima. We learned to walk in the shoes of the locals which inspired us to view things from a different perspective. This was the beginning of our life-changing experience in the DR!

I was so proud to see the hard work you all put in while helping build a safe home for Heriberto. We set up the wire on the wood framing, filled the walls with recycled plastic bottles, and also mixed cement for the walls. We bonded with the locals, especially with the kids of the community. Heriberto was so grateful for the dedication you each put into his new home and despite the language barrier, this was evident through his everyday smile. Not only did we work towards making a life-changing impact in Heriberto’s life, but we contributed to making a positive impact to the environment as well through recycling. Your passion and dedication was evident in all of the service activities you participated in. Way to go team!

Now, let’s not forget about our fun days to relax and enjoy the hot sun after a hard day’s work. We sunbathed at some gorgeous beaches and had lots of fun in the waves. We even enjoyed some delicious tropical drinks in pineapple and coconut cups. We will never forget our adventures off the zip-line at Dudu Lagoon and jumping off the cliff at the Cabarete Caves. One of the highlights of the week was definitely our stop at Cabarete beach. We loved it so much that we went twice. We got to shop for souvenirs, hang out at Lazy Dogs and enjoy the Dominican beats!

Back at the lodge, we enjoyed the pool, snacks from the Gift Shop, and even learned how to dance salsa, bachata and merengue. Our nights were not complete without a fun game of ‘mafia’ with the 7e staff.

 

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Hey Loves,

What time is it?

I hope everyone is doing well and staying out of trouble. I wanted to send you an update from the DR. The bathroom of Dona Balbina is finished. She has easy access to a comfortable bathroom, and a toilet with a septic tank. All of your hard work, dedication, and sweat has paid off. Thank you!

Patrick and I miss you all. I miss the random funny/sarcastic conversations, the back flips on the beach, and the girls-room “slumber parties.” I hope all of you are spreading love, positivity, and a little bit of sarcasm. We had so many laughs together.

You guys were an awesome GHI group. I hope all of you are still growing and learning about yourself and the world around you. I hope you remember the fun times we had together, such as jamming to great tunes on the bus, or relaxing on the beach. Do you remember how close you all were on the first night? It was like you all had known each other for weeks, instead of hours. I also hope you remember the lessons you’ve learned, the amazing people you’ve met, and that feeling of empowerment that you left with. You have the power to take action and bring about change. Keep asking questions and digging deeper. Reach out if you need anything!
P.S. Let me know if you have any new pick up lines! (haha)

-Leader Lez

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

Hey Amazons and Spartans,

I hope everyone is doing well and staying out of trouble. I wanted to send you an update from the DR. The bathrooms of Dona Balbina and Senior Heriberto are finished. Both have easier access to a comfortable bathroom, and a toilet with a septic tank. All of your hard work, dedication, and sweat has paid off. Thank you!

Javi, Sarah, Chelsea, Alex, and I miss you all. We miss the ukulele sessions in the back kitchen, sunbathing by the pool, and the funny/sarcastic conversations. I hope all of you are spreading love, positivity, and a little bit of sarcasm. I miss picking fun at you, and you picking fun at me. We had so many laughs together.

You guys were an awesome GHI group. I hope all of you are still growing and learning about yourself and the world around you. I hope you remember the fun times we had together, such as our day at Dudu Lagoon. Do you remember our snorkel day? In the moment, it wasn’t perfect, but looking back on it, I would say it was a memorable bonding moment. I also hope you remember the lessons you’ve learned, the amazing people you’ve met, and that feeling of empowerment that you left with. You have the power to take action and bring about change. Keep asking questions and digging deeper. Reach out if you need anything!

Hope to see you soon,
Leslie

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

Hey Loves,

I hope everyone is doing well and staying out of trouble. I just wanted to send you an update from the DR. The bottle bathroom for Dona Chita is finished!! She and neighbors have easier access to a comfortable bathroom and a toilet with a septic tank. Remember the blisters and sweat you put into digging that hole for the septic? All of that hard work has paid off. Thank you!

Javi and I miss you all. And yes, Javi still looks like a Pantene shampoo commercial. We still have our Envelope of Love and Kindness. I hope all of you are remembering to spread positivity. Speaking of remembering, do you remember our rules? Rules 56, 57, 58, 59, and 96! I hope none of you have broken rule number 59/96.

You guys were an awesome GHI group. I hope you all are still growing and learning about yourself and the world around you. I hope you still remember the fun times we had together in the DR, such as our day at Dudu Lagoon. But I also hope you remember the lessons you’ve learned, the amazing people you’ve met, and that feeling of empowerment that you left with. You have the power to take action and bring about change. I can’t wait to see the leaders you become. Reach out if you need anything! And remember NO PDA!!! (Sorry, I had to remind you. haha)

Hope to see you soon,
Leslie

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.