Boston Airport Send off

As most of you know my wife went into the hospital last week so I was unable to go with the trip this year. Of course I was totally bummed when I realized I couldn't go, but so relieved when Jill Stockman volunteered to go in my place! I was able to make it to the airport for the 4am send off and of course my favorite the last minute shuffling of items in the bags to make sure that each bag did not exceed the 50lb limit. Leaving from Boston was much easier than leaving from Providence because they did not individually check each bag at security so it was a lot less stress. I think the biggest sadness for me in not going this year is that for the first time in the trip's history, there are 3 siblings of former DR trip participants, and several students who came through the middle school wanting to participate. As I waved goodbye as they passed through security the loss I felt was knowing that I wouldn't see the amazing and transformational experiences that these 12 students were about to have; but I am looking forward to hearing all the stories when they return.

Fortunately, my wife was discharged yesterday and now I get to practice my nursing skills at home.... So I will be following the blog every day! Hopefully we will get to see pictures tomorrow?

Hope the b-ball game goes well, and of course that you beat Kansas! I'm so proud of each of you and can't wait to hear all the soties upon your return! Much love to you all. -Galen

David and Graham´s Batey Adventures

We will not be repetitive because we want to surpass the previous dual blog entry. Yesterday was an first day in a world very different from the East Side. Kirk said it perfectly as we roamed into the dense sugar cane to empty our bladders. He said something like, "Graham, this is surreal". I (Graham) looked up to see miles of emptiness. My job as trafficer in the clinic was completely negated and I was defaulted to being a sort of amusement for all waiting patrons. I became lost in my primitive three years of Spanish yet I gained confidence as I played baseball with children who may never go as far as Santo Domingo. We do not have much time and I want to let David write his entry. Today we saw the face of poverty. Even my decent Spanish could not break the vast barriers between the Creole speakers and me. I worked in the pharmacy and attempted to use my nonverbal communication. I had trouble finding the optimism today as once again I scrambled toward the cane as the ground was lined by a layer of can and plastic, but I wil continue to remind myself that although we can not cure the tumor on the old woman´s neck or the oral infection of the little infant, but we can make these Dominicans feel that someone cares.

As I (David) started yesterday on the eyeglass station, I did not understand what I was getting myself into. I was given a card similar to those found in pediatric Doctor´s offices for recognizing the strength of visi0n. Although I have no experience in the Spanish language, my study of French has helped in my attempt to communicate with the Creole people. For the most part, the Creoles speak in a dialect that is rooted in French, which allows me to communicate basic vocabulary, and being able to give the gift of sight.

Day 2!

Hi everyone,

First off, Happy Birthday mom! I hope you enjoyed your birthday.

Now about today: today I worked as a scribe with Dr. Miner. We saw many of the same things; most of the men complained about headaches and ithcy eyes. One man had cancer of the bone in his knee, so he had no leg. He had crutches and still maintained to keep a smile on his face throughout our consult. The children were absolutely adorable. Today we saw many infants, all who were responsive and smiley. Willingly, the parents would hand us their infants and just watch as they smiled and held our hands. Jill was almost the first one to hold an infant; you can tell she loves children. Most people in this batey spoke Creole, but I think that everyone´s Spanish is improving, even those that don´t take Spanish. It´s an amazing experience as a student leader to watch everyone truly enjoy and grow from our trips to the bateys.

Tonight, we are playing basketball, and in about 5 minutes, we are heading to the orphanage. It has been an amazing day; this whole trip has gone so smoothly and is wonderful.

I appreciate all the support that our parents give to us and thank-you for supporting us on this wonderful trip.

I love you mom and dad.
xo Marcela