Day 18: CAP FINAL DAY!

It was a pretty up and ready kind of morning as both groups got ready to begin their last day of their CAP projects.  Once we had our breakfast, we headed out to the communities to finish what we had started the day before.  As we waited outside of our hotel for volunteers we noticed that they’re weren’t as many as the day prior—maybe because it was a weekday, instead of a weekend.  Nevertheless, we made our 20 minute walk to the communities of Buena  Vista and Guachupita.  Once our group made it to the Ludoteca with our matching head bandanas we assessed what we had to do.  Definitely, retouch the yellow paint on the walls, dig the holes for the tires, write the quote on the stage and definitely clean up.

As our group broke ourselves in to groups, I ended up being with the group outside for some time and started clearing the rocks to start actually digging the trenches for the tires so they can become benches and seats.  As we did this we realized that it was going to be a lot harder than we had anticipated—especially since we didn’t have a pick, but only a shovel.  Luckily, one of the volunteers went to go and ask around the community and was able to find a pick so we could make the trenches with a bit more ease.  Honestly, it helped but it was definitely freaking hot and my bandana was already saturated with sweat, using the pick and shovel was indeed hard work, but with the head it seriously did not make it fun.  After we finished one trench I took a break to see what was going inside the Ludoteca, and noticed that it was indeed coming together.  I saw some of our students cleaning up and taking upon more projects…since they were open minded as to the suggestions that the workers had made.  They literally transformed the back wall of the place with a kitchen stove, fridge, counter and cup rack…it literally looked like a photo spread of a kitchen.

While that was going on I was on duty to write the quote above the stage and decided on, “El escenario es tuyo, no dejes de soñar.” Which translates, the stage is your future, don’t stop dreaming.” After that was done, we realized that some volunteers had tackled the bathroom wall, so we decided to create a mosaic using color blocking technique which was pretty cool.  Before we headed out though to lunch, we created a Global Glimpse Tree where we all put our handprint to commemorate the end of our project.  We then had a closing activity with the community and played some sort of game like follow the leader, which was the perfect way to end the CAP project at Ludoteca.

Once we were done and left Ludoteca we made our trek back to the hotel, ready to put down the equipment that we brought over and to quickly head on to Pollo Rey to celebrate.  It was a nice time taking with the group, once we were done we headed back to the hotel for our free time until English class.  We waited for CAP group # 2 to arrive back from their project and then made our way to our last English class, which honestly was just a time to say good bye and the delegation put a talent show for the students…it was bittersweet since it was going to be the last time for many seeing one another.  After the emotional good bye, we made our regular trip to the restaurant for our second to last dinner here in San Juan de la Maguana.  While at English class I wasn’t feel to well and I still wasn’t feel to well when we go to the restaurant so…I skipped dinner.  

After dinner we  made it back to the hotel for our regularly scheduled nightly meeting and it was long and I just wanted to go to bed.  But got through it and stayed up until the student leader of the day was done writing the blog.

Day 17: CAP Day # 1

Today was a wake up early day yet again for our last Sunday in the DR.  Today was the BIG day we have all been waiting for…it was time to execute our Community Action Project.  We got up and had breakfast that was hearty and fulfilling.  After our breakfast we loaded our truck and headed to the Ludoteca where my group was ready to implement their project.  As we arrived and devised the battle plan, it was great to see some of the English students arrive to help out with everything that had to get done.  

The students prepped the space by removing the toys and stuff from the walls and placed them in the middle of the room.  They then cleaned the walls in order to paint them…the help of the volunteers was extremely helpful.  As this was going on…another group of students was prepping the outside, by pulling some weeds and cleaning the tires so we could paint those as well.  Once all the prepping was done, it was time to commence the painting.  We literally had a lot of painting to do and it helped that we had volunteers.  At one point it turned out that we had too many volunteers and not enough painting equipment to help us out.  Therefore, we sent one of the program coordinators and one of the students to get more paintbrushes.  Meanwhile, the group got busy painting their hearts away, even though we had a lot of help, we still had a lot to do.  By lunch time we were about three quarters of the painting done…but that of course was only the first coat.  Since we were painting on brick, we definitely had to fill in the crevices and the grooves that the rollers were not able to get.  It was just amazing as to how the students and volunteers utilized their resources and started thinking outside the box to reach the 10 foot walls.  

Around 12:30 we called it lunchtime and walked to the church nearby to eat our to go lunches with our English students.  After our brief lunch, seriously it was only like 30 minutes if that, our group wanted to continue and wanted to finish at least all the base coat and trimmings done.  As time continued to fly we were all working hard and got paint everywhere…and I do mean everywhere, which means that we will have a lot of cleaning to do tomorrow.  We decided that we would quit at 4:30 PM since we did not want to overt exert ourselves since we would have half a day tomorrow to continue on the CAP project.  Since we left early we headed to get some ice cream at Bon and had some bonding time with our group and talked about what we had accomplished and what we will work on tomorrow for our half day at the Ludoteca.  Once we made it back to the hotel our group took showers and just relaxed, until dinner.

As for dinner, it was less than appetizing which was a damper since I didn’t finish my lunch but oh well…guess I can’t have scrumptious meals all the time.  After dinner we made our way back to the hotel and had the leadership meeting with the next student leader of the day.  We then had our nightly meeting which was completely very comedic because of our new student leader.  We’ll see how he does tomorrow. 

Now all that is left is the nightly blog with the current student leader of the day and then bedtime since it will be another exhausting day since we’re back at work tomorrow.  

Buenas noches and hasta luego.

Day 16: Free Day at the Mayor's Estate!

Oh no…my LAST Saturday here in the Dominican and it’s lined up to a memorable one.  Got up early at 7 AM since breakfast was served promptly for 8 AM.  This morning, probably has been one of the most appetizing breakfasts thus far, bread, ham, hard boiled eggs, melon and coffee! Yeah, one hearty meal for us, since it was going to be a FUN and EXCITING Day! 

After we were well-fed, we had to prep our CAP groups since we had to go to exchange money.  Interesting yet sad experience at the money exchange place, since I had two people beg for money, one telling me she was short 20 pesos to buy medicine and another person asking me if I speak English and then asking for 50 pesos.  I unfortunately, had to tell them that the money I had  was not mine, which wasn’t a lie but it was just an experience that one hardly can forget.

Once we were done exchanging money, we went shopping as a group for our materials for our CAP project, the main reason we bought everything a day before was because most shops are closed on Sundays here in the DR, but there are a few exceptions.  We went to the hardware store and went to town purchasing stuff…I think what made this a memorable experience is that I was seriously helping out the groups not haggling or negotiating but more like a overseer of what was going on, and of course speaking with the workers that were helping us just so they know.  I must say that they must love us, because we definitely cam e in under budget even after we had priced checked everything before.  Maybe getting mistaken for a Dominican or Puerto Rican has its advantages…LOL! 

Once we got our supplies it became an interesting feat to bring that stuff back to the hotel, but with 10 people we were able to manage.  Once everything was put away in my room we had to wait until the other CAP group made it back to the hotel so we could go to our field to the MAYOR’S HOUSE! Yeah, you read that right.  Our delegation got a personal invitation to spend some time and lunch with the mayor and her family.  The walk there was pleasant, but what was an eye sore was her house.  I have not seen a house like that ever…it was grandiose and elegant.  The fact that she is an architect and we later found out that she designed it herself…truly means a lot.  Her backyard was awesome, with a Flinstone’s theme pool we definitely had a blast…playing in the pool, learning how to play Carivana, playing dominos and talking with her family was truly a surreal experience.  Lunch again, was to die for…literally she cooked the appetizers we ate, but of course ordered the food from a local restaurant, but nonetheless the food was finger lickin’ good….HAHAHA! 

Of course all good things must come to an end and we made our way back to the hotel for some downtime and more shopping time for materials.  My group has been so efficient that we were done in two hours, but had an adventure since it started to down pour and we had to walk through the streets with cardboard boxes on our heads so we wouldn’t get drenched…yes we looked ridiculous and people were laughing at us, but it was priceless.  Especially, when you have your students saying, “This is an experience of a lifetime” or “I’m having the time of my life.”  We made it back and literally just chilled at the hotel until dinner.  Yeah, you know what that means…more SLEEP TIME! 

At 8 PM, we headed out to dinner, where I lost 3 times in a row in speed…which is completely abnormal…but I am sure I’ll bring my “A” game tomorrow! After dinner made it back to the hotel for our regularly nightly meeting and finished writing both blogs.  I even managed to have a late night snack, thanks to a student.  Now need to go to bed, since we have to implement our CAP tomorrow!

Can’t believe it’s my last Saturday here in the DR!?!?! Buenas noches!  

Day 15: Aid & Development

Today was again an early wake up call from our student leader of the day.  We had to eat breakfast earlier than usual because we had to have our LAST academic seminar on Aid and Development…YAHOO! After our aid and development seminar that James and I conducted we had a guest speaker Gertrudis from Fundasep an NGO that works with three counties Aswana, San Juan, Elias Pina and help virtually anyway possible through many departments such as education, housing, health, etc.  She was talking to us about how Fundasep has helped many people in the poorest area of the DR, which happens to be the southwest.  She gave numerous examples far too many for me to remember but it appears that this is one of the largest NGO’s here in the country. 

After her talk we had a field trip to one of the communities where Fundasep has help establish numerous projects.  We boarded the guagua and headed on our 30 minute ride to the community of El Batey.  Our first stop at this community was a bathroom break…too bad the restrooms were locked so we ended going to the church and used theirs.   After our pit stop, we were asked to go to the adjacent building of the church where we were introduced to many of the leaders of the subdivisions of El Batey.  Once all the introductions were done we were treated to a traditional song and dance “El Palo.”  It truly was memorable because I don’t think anyone was expecting that it would sound like the way it did.  The community was so thankful that we had arrived and paid them a visit that they played another song and invited our students to join in and dance.  That for me was nice to see, and it appeared that the students had fun.  As that came to a close a couple of community members recited a few poems and we made our trek throughout the community to see some of Fundasep’s projects.  

We split into two groups and the group that I was in saw the latrines that they were install throughout the community.  From there we went to see the stoves that they are constructing in the houses that use barro and have chimneys so the smoke doesn’t fill the house!  We then went to learn about the hydration program they have for kids and adults so they learn about dehydration.  Our last stop was going to see the aqueduct but we were running pressed for time because of the show the community put for us so we decided to head back to San Juan and go to lunch.  Lunch like always was amazing and so filling that we all said we’re eating too much.  I know for a fact that I have eaten more everyday here that I do on a normal basis…I guess it’s time to hit the gym when I get back! :)

After lunch my CAP group decided to do more price checking for materials for their project.  I am pretty impressed thus far since the students seem to be way ahead of the curve on this and have allotted time and are being very efficient with the budget.  We had some down time once we got back from the hotel and I wanted to go out and get some stuff from the market.  Was it my luck or an omen…but the market was closed…really at 3 pm?!?! Wth…anyway so I came back to the hotel to actually get some rest, which I’ll be honest was nice.  By the time I woke up it was time for dinner, which wasn’t that great…you know me and pasta…but beggars can’t be choosers.  Had a great time with my table group and got in some games of speed and played a round or two of burro. 

After dinner we came back to the hotel and had our nightly meeting, which was nice since it was short and sweet.  We finished early, my student leader of the day wrote the blog and believe it or not I was in bed early yet again…the downfall of the night was the part that I was bit twice while in the lobby as I was waiting for her to finish.  But otherwise it was a chill last Friday in the DR. 

Can’t wait for tomorrow though…FUNDAY at the Mayor’s house!

Day 14: Tropical Storm Chantal

Waking up this morning to grey skies and rain, is not the way one wants to wake up in the Caribbean, that’s for sure.  But apparently, the worst of the storm hit are area late last night, which honestly wasn’t too bad at least as far as I can see.  We ate breakfast inside in the third floor restaurant since it was still sprinkling outside.  As for breakfast, we had a pretty hefty meal which was interesting since all of our breakfast meals have been pretty light.  

Since we had to cancel our second reality challenge due to the in climate weather we had our Appreciation Letter seminar where Lucy explain what the purpose of the letter is and what should be included in the letter for our donors.  As the students dispersed around the hotel they were allotted one hour to work on their first draft.  After they are done with their first draft they have to submit their letter to the GG leaders so we could edit them and return them back with our corrections and suggestions for a second draft and then their final. 

After our Appreciation Letter Seminar we got into our CAP groups and head over to the community to see get a better picture as to what can be done at the location.  The group I’m overseeing is working at a a recreational play area for the community—basically a safe place where the kids of the community can play.  We took dimensions and pictures of the area and made our way to a hardware store to start pricing the stuff that we are using for the project.  We made our way to lunch since on the schedule it said 12:30 PM…too bad the other CAP group was 40 minutes late so that definitely did not bode well with us; especially when we saw that they had passed by the bakery to get some stuff.  But it was all good, since our group was first to get lunch and yet again…it didn’t disappoint.  

After lunch made it back to the hotel, where we had some free time…YAHOO! My original plan was to go out and run some personal errands…but instead some of the kids asked me if I would go with them and get ice cream and pollo rey…of course I said I would and had to postpone my errand run.  Once we got back from our trip, we made it just in time for CAP meeting…my group being the ever so diligent we finished our part in 30 minutes and had a bit more free time to get ready before we headed to the palace of fine arts to watch the movie The Life of Pi.  It was my first time seeing it and I totally enjoyed the film…not to mention that for two hours I was in an air conditioned room, which is always a plus! 

After the movie we walked to dinner and had a great time since some of the students decide to put on a little bit of a dance routine to help us pass the time.  Once dinner was over we made it back to the hotel and had our nightly meeting.  We finished the nightly meeting pretty fast, because the girls of the group decided to have a “girls night” as for us guys we decided to opt for free time and just do whatever we wanted until it was time for bed time and lights out.  

The fact that this may be my third night in a row that I will be going to bed early is totally worth it, since tomorrow is yet another early day and I totally can use the extra time to rest and relax.  On a separate note can’t believe that two weeks have flown by.  It’s bittersweet that time has flown by…students and leaders are bonding…even though some of them can are bit much at times…and I personally am enjoying the country, learning so much.  But on the other hand, I know that I have to go back home and get back into the groove of things…you know face reality.   Nonetheless, have to enjoy the one week left that I have here in the Dominican Republic and make the best of it…even with the copious bug bites that I have.   Well got to go and take my malaria medicine, before I forget.

Hasta Luego and will be seeing the USA in one week…T-minus 7 days and counting!