Hi session three!
Arrival day was full of introductions and getting to know each other, as well as settling into home base. You were all happy and excited to finally be on your DR program, and we were thrilled to have you and couldn’t wait to start your activities!
Day two started bright and early with a bus ride up to Brison, and a four mile hike up the mountain. It was super hot, but you guys pushed through and made it to the top where we got to sit down for a delicious lunch and enjoy great conversations throughout the group.
When we got started with your service, you were truly immersed into a brand new culture where you’d be working to build a house for a family of six! Meeting the family was really special, because it makes the service work that much more meaningful when you can meet and interact with those who you are helping. You guys took on a whole bunch of different jobs, including mixing cement, cutting and securing chicken wire, separating bottles for insulation, and finishing the walls for the structure. You all kicked butt!
To balance out your awesome service work, it was time for some fun. The group went to Sosua and got the chance to snorkel with the tropical fish and experience the beauty of the coral reefs up close.
Next, we continued with our service efforts by helping to restore a school in the community of Severe. You all had the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and how the community receives the volunteer work of student groups like yourselves. Back at home base, we continued the discussion and opened up for questions and commentary in order to gain a deeper understanding of issues surrounding the local community.
It was wonderful to see how passionate you all were about learning and truly understanding the full scope of your service work and how your efforts will affect the community long term.
-Your DR Beachside Staff
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