Monday June 11, 2018
We made it to the Dominican Republic! We were able to test out our pool before dinner!! Looking forward to the adventure ahead.
Tuesday June 12, 2018
¡Hola padres!
Today we went to Las Cuevas and jumped into a swimming hole. Then we ate pizza at La Playa Alicia which was really beautiful. We swam and floated there for most of the afternoon and got back home at 4. Then we relaxed, ate dinner, and had discussions. In our discussions we talked about the seven elements of human security and issues in the Dominican Republic. We learned about the separation of the Haitian communities in the Dominican and daily hardships families face. After, we checked in with our mentor groups to talk about our days. It was a full and fun day! Miss you all we will send pics! 🙂 <3
Love,
Elise & Hayley
Wednesday June 13, 2018
¡Hola padres!
Today, we started building a bottle house! The bottle house is an eco-friendly shelter composed of recycled plastic water bottles for insulation. We hammered nails and assembled chickenwire to the walls of the wooden frame. Members of the community, along with the family we were building the house for, visited and helped us. After a long day of working, we returned to the lodge and relaxed by the pool and the beach. After a delicious meal, we did a group yoga session before ending a great day 3.
¡Hasta luego!
Miquelle & Gigi
Thursday June 14, 2018
Today we went to Brison, and hiked up a community trail. We did this to experience how the kids may feel when they use this trail daily, to receive an education. Along with community members, this trail is often used to get food, water, and to access other resources. When we got to the top, a local family provided us with a signature Dominican meal. Many people also discovered new foods, such as cacao, passion fruit, and sweet homemade bread (pan dulce). Back at our eco lodge, we discussed the economic benefits of mega sporting events in developing countries, specifically Brazil. We did this to experience the benefits and challenges of having different leadership roles.
Sunday June 17, 2018
¡Hola!
Yesterday we started the day off with some homemade pancakes. Then we went to Dudu Lagoon. We swam in two lagoons and zip lined. We also played a game of beach volleyball with the locals. Then we went to Playa Preciosa. We swam in waves, bought necklaces, and relaxed with coconuts smoothies. Lastly, we participated in a learning leadership discussion.
Sunday June 17, 2018
Special shoutout to all our dads – Happy Father’s Day! Everyone sends their love and wishes you a wonderful and special day that’s all about you!
Today we made our final trip to the bottle house. It was a huge success, the group finished wiring and bottling nearly the entire house and made great steps into cementing a portion of it as well. Everyone put their blood sweat and tears into it, a little bittersweet having to leave the project in the hands of the next group to come in!
The group did take a break and ventured out to a honey bee farm and got the chance to taste some authentic honey. For any parents, if you’re lucky, you’re kid will bring some home for you!
The whole gang returned back to base to enjoy the later half of the afternoon to a pool party coupled with hair braiding and music to relax after a hard days work.
Monday June 18, 2018
¡Hola!
Today, the group went to La Grua, a Haitian and Dominican community. It’s divided by a street and there were clear difference between the Haitians and Dominican communities. With the current government, there have been rising tensions between the two communities we observed. We worked on a bottle house there, which is going to be a recycling center for the community. We worked on bottling, meshing, and wiring. Today, we specifically focus on teamwork. Once we got back from the lodge, we circled around the pool with a beautiful sunset in the background and we reflected on how our team members supported us throughout the day. To end the day, we had a game night which was super fun!!!
¡Hasta luego!
Love,
David and Ally
Tuesday June 19, 2018
Hey parents,
Today was the last day of the trip. We went to SOSÚA. We took a 15 minute boat ride out to a small reef, where we snorkeled in the crystal clears waters and saw some vibrant colored fish. We found Dory. The boat rides were really relaxing and enjoyable. When we got back to shore, we ordered NON ALCOHOLIC drinks and ate pizza on the beach. We had the afternoon to swim, shop, and relax.
When we got back to base camp people packed and/or hung out and talked. After dinner we reflected on the trip and how we could make more impact on the world in the future.
See y’all soon!
-by Claudia and Hayley
