Dominican Republic – Spring Break Service Adventure – March 23 – March 30, 2019 – Global Health Track

Time Capsule Letter

Hola hola!

Time goes so fast! We cannot quite believe it has been so long since our amazing week in the Dominican Republic ended. We wanted to say hello, and remind you of your lasting impact here in our communities.

We have fond memories of waking up to the smells of pancakes and the loud squawks of the neighbouring goats and guinea fowls. Of heading on our way to work sites and hospital visits to the sounds of merengue and bachata, passing past the palm trees in the glorious sunshine. Of sat around braiding each others hair and swapping childhood stories. And the adventure days, the beautiful waters, delicious fresh virgin pina coladas and white sandy beaches (even the rain showers!)

We know that you guys are probably back with school, but we wanted you to know that we will forever remember the laughs and good times that we shared. I hope that you know your time spent in the Dominican Republic did truly make a positive impact in Cano Dulce, La Union and Las Canas.

You will forever be a part of the work done at Cano Dulce, you guys finished  the hard work in building a bathroom and septic tank for Gabriel and his family. Having access to a bathroom is so integral to overall health, access to sanitation and dignity. The local children will always remember you as the wonderful GLA group who distributed vitamins in their school. And you all go down in history as one of the most successful medical brigades the Haitian community La Union! Well done guys! Thank YOU for all your effort and hard work.

We hope that you take the skills and knowledge from this trip into all aspects of your life, and that you remain to be globally engaged, hardworking and motivated to make a difference to the wellbeing of people all over the world. We loved hearing about all of your stories, hopes and dreams, and really do hope to see you here again one day.

Not to mention the hard work you guys did, we also had so much fun! You guys made the group as special as it was by being so close knit and inclusive.

You were a superstars throughout the entire program, your comments and questions during reflection time were impressive. Keep expressing yourself and those bright thought you have.

As a team, you worked so well together in the community and demonstrated what cooperation means.

GHT – you were amazing!
Please stay connected! 

Abrazos,

Hilary and the whole rest of the team!

Click here to jump down to the most recent posts! 

Sunday March 24, 2019

Hey parents!

Our first full day in the Dominican Republic! Many of our team members arrived lat last night, so we started the day with some ice breakers and a solid orientation to get ourselves up to speed on the busy week ahead.

Today everyone in the global health initiative program headed to a local community to help build a bathroom for a father named Gabriel and his family. We helped paint the side of the bathroom which the previous group started, make cement manually to finish the walls and the floor, and we dug a hole for the septic tank. When we came back to the lodge, we went swimming and walked on the beach.

After dinner we watched a presentation on human security and how it affects the Dominican Republic. We then reflected on what it means to have community, economic, environmental, personal, political, food and health security in our own home countries.

it was an amazing first full day! great food and great company so far. We miss you though!

Leaders of the day,

Ella and Brianna

Monday March 25, 2019

We started our day off with fresh fruit, bread, eggs, and hot chocolate. Afterwards, we learned about the communities access to health care and the malnutrition in children. We stated in the Ecolodge until 10:30 practicing for our vitamin distribution and medical brigade on Wednesday. Later on, we went to a local hospital to speak with Doctor Peña.

We talked about local health care and what it is like to be a doctor in the Dominican Republic. At noon we had lunch which consisted of fruit, plantains, chicken, eggplant, and rice. Next, our group went to the local school to interview and distribute vitamins to the kids. It was amazing!

Tuesday March 26, 2019

Wednesday March 27, 2019

Hey guys!!

Today we headed out to La Union, a Haitian community for a medical brigade. weeaxh had stations either registering, taking vitals, doing clinical interviews or shadowing the dr. Our team member Lilliana was distributing reusable green feminine products as part of her senior project, or was a hit. at 12:00 we had our special nacho lunch with cheese, beans, and chicken! After lunch we had a few more patients and as we were waiting for the doctor to meet with them we got to play with their children. When we were finished we went to the Sosua super market and after that we headed back to the lodge, then we had free time and headed to the pool! After free time we had dinner, then we learned about the history of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It’s been a very eye opening day.

-Vanessa, Evelyn

Thursday March 28, 2019

Hello folks! For our last service day we helped complete a bathroom in the Cano Dulce community. Our tasks mainly consisted of mixing and carrying buckets of cement to form the walls of the septic tank. For lunch, we enjoyed some rice, beans, pork, potatoes, and fruit. After completing three loads of cements, we headed back to the lodge. Back home we spent more time bonding and playing games while it rained, our lovely cooks made us hot cinnamon coco. We ended the day with a discussion about our trip’s impact, final takeaways and how to be a global citizen and stay globally engaged. We are excited for our last day on the beach tomorrow!

Love Lilliana