Hey everyone,
It has been quite a hectic week, topping it off with our bus getting lost in the back country of the DR. We have served five bateys this week, each with their own flare, but all equally as rewarding. We have met some amazing people, both within the batey and within our group. Each individual has touched our lives in a way that is profound and whose influence is yet comprehensible. We have had our share of fun in our pool parties, beach, ice cream (and bus) adventures, but yet we now understand the importance of hardwork and service.
We can't wait to share our experiences with the rest of our communities at home, through pictures and stories.
Thank you all for your support and kind words; just know that this trip has meant so much to all of us.
- Liam and Marcela
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hey Everyone!
Today was our second to last day at the bateys. In order to get to the beach this afternoon, we got a very early start this morning leaving the hotel at 7:30 and going straight to the bateys! I worked as a scribe today helping Dr. Bliss and learned a lot while watching her work with the patients. Most of the problems that we saw were aches and pains (stomach, headache, you name it). Unfortunately the most we can do is give them some medicine to ease the pain, because things like CAT scans to figure out exactly what the problem is is not readily available. These people are extremely grateful even for this little bit of help, and it was great being able to see their happiness at finally having their problems understood and addressed. On the ride back we got to try some sugar cane which was DELICIOUS! Very sweet (obviously) but surprisingly different than what I expected. It tasted kind of like pears...and was very messy. I got sugar juice all over my scrubs! The rest of the day was spent at the beach soaking up some rays and playing a little bit of soccer (just to let you know the girls won 8-4!)
- Sherilyn
Alright so I'll try to not write a novel like everyone else, but a lot has been going on! In the beginning of the week, I took blood pressure for the first two days. This was great because I was able to interact with every patient that came into the clinic. When taking the BP of the pregnant girls, some of which were 15 and 16, I was able to hear the child kicking through the stethiscope. When talking to the kids of the bateys, my Spanish somehow just came out. Being out of the class room and in a real life situation where communication is key, I was somehow able to step out of my comfort zone and really try to talk to the kids (unless they spoke Creol!). During my time as a scribe with Dr. Miner, many of the patients and even the translator thought I was an actual doctor. Today, Liam and I were on de-worming duty and were able to play with all of the children. One of the kids called me over and whispered in my ear "thank you". Although very simple, this meant so much to me because a child went out of his way to let me know how thankful he was for what were are doing. I have experienced more here in a week than many do in a lifetime, and I look forward to my final two days in the D.R.
And yes mom, I am wearing sunblock!!!
-Kirk N.
Well, this week has been an amazing experience, as expected. I won't say much since much has already been said to consume your time. In a recap of the week, I will say it has been hectic. We have had a lot to do and time always seems to be against us, but the work we have done speaks volumes to the resolve and hard-working nature of this group. My work has been busy with the pharmacy for 2 days, scribing for one, and de-worming (giving children stomach medecine) today with Kirk. The pharmacy was intense, filling prescriptions and making sure that patients get the needed drugs. Scribing was great because I got a chance to talk to patients about their problems and even administer a diabetes test. De-worming basically meant playing with the kids all day. While throwing the ball with some of the children, I realized why so many major league baseball scouts seek talent in the DR. A 4 year old kid had an arm better than many of the Little Leaguers I remember playing with in Rhode Island. Overall, the trip has been exhausting but a real beneficial experience for everyone involved.
The thing that has affected me the most on this trip is the people. Everyone needs so much yet everyone is happy. They are proud people living on less than 7 dollars a day per family (try that in the states) who need so much help but yet only take what they are given and are always graceous. At home, I am a habitual Ibprofen user for headaches or pains. It has never been a problem for me to go to CVS and buy a cheap bottle of Ibprofen. It amazes me that when I feel a prescription for Ibprofen down here for one month, that will be all the pain meds they get all year. And they are working 10-12 hour days at least 6 days a week in the fields chopping down sugar cane, which is very physically intense work. It really gets me thinking of the way Americans demand so much but yet have such a good life in comparison to the people down here. This has been a wonderful experience, one that I wish that everyone in the US could have at least one in their lives.
-Liam Miner
Today was our second to last day at the bateys. In order to get to the beach this afternoon, we got a very early start this morning leaving the hotel at 7:30 and going straight to the bateys! I worked as a scribe today helping Dr. Bliss and learned a lot while watching her work with the patients. Most of the problems that we saw were aches and pains (stomach, headache, you name it). Unfortunately the most we can do is give them some medicine to ease the pain, because things like CAT scans to figure out exactly what the problem is is not readily available. These people are extremely grateful even for this little bit of help, and it was great being able to see their happiness at finally having their problems understood and addressed. On the ride back we got to try some sugar cane which was DELICIOUS! Very sweet (obviously) but surprisingly different than what I expected. It tasted kind of like pears...and was very messy. I got sugar juice all over my scrubs! The rest of the day was spent at the beach soaking up some rays and playing a little bit of soccer (just to let you know the girls won 8-4!)
- Sherilyn
Alright so I'll try to not write a novel like everyone else, but a lot has been going on! In the beginning of the week, I took blood pressure for the first two days. This was great because I was able to interact with every patient that came into the clinic. When taking the BP of the pregnant girls, some of which were 15 and 16, I was able to hear the child kicking through the stethiscope. When talking to the kids of the bateys, my Spanish somehow just came out. Being out of the class room and in a real life situation where communication is key, I was somehow able to step out of my comfort zone and really try to talk to the kids (unless they spoke Creol!). During my time as a scribe with Dr. Miner, many of the patients and even the translator thought I was an actual doctor. Today, Liam and I were on de-worming duty and were able to play with all of the children. One of the kids called me over and whispered in my ear "thank you". Although very simple, this meant so much to me because a child went out of his way to let me know how thankful he was for what were are doing. I have experienced more here in a week than many do in a lifetime, and I look forward to my final two days in the D.R.
And yes mom, I am wearing sunblock!!!
-Kirk N.
Well, this week has been an amazing experience, as expected. I won't say much since much has already been said to consume your time. In a recap of the week, I will say it has been hectic. We have had a lot to do and time always seems to be against us, but the work we have done speaks volumes to the resolve and hard-working nature of this group. My work has been busy with the pharmacy for 2 days, scribing for one, and de-worming (giving children stomach medecine) today with Kirk. The pharmacy was intense, filling prescriptions and making sure that patients get the needed drugs. Scribing was great because I got a chance to talk to patients about their problems and even administer a diabetes test. De-worming basically meant playing with the kids all day. While throwing the ball with some of the children, I realized why so many major league baseball scouts seek talent in the DR. A 4 year old kid had an arm better than many of the Little Leaguers I remember playing with in Rhode Island. Overall, the trip has been exhausting but a real beneficial experience for everyone involved.
The thing that has affected me the most on this trip is the people. Everyone needs so much yet everyone is happy. They are proud people living on less than 7 dollars a day per family (try that in the states) who need so much help but yet only take what they are given and are always graceous. At home, I am a habitual Ibprofen user for headaches or pains. It has never been a problem for me to go to CVS and buy a cheap bottle of Ibprofen. It amazes me that when I feel a prescription for Ibprofen down here for one month, that will be all the pain meds they get all year. And they are working 10-12 hour days at least 6 days a week in the fields chopping down sugar cane, which is very physically intense work. It really gets me thinking of the way Americans demand so much but yet have such a good life in comparison to the people down here. This has been a wonderful experience, one that I wish that everyone in the US could have at least one in their lives.
-Liam Miner
Hola Todos! We are very sorry for the delay in the recent blog. We didn't have any internet service yesterday. This was supposed to be sent yesterday around 3ish...
Hi Everyone! Since the last update, we have been quite busy. Yesterday afternoon, we visited the orphanage, truly an amazing experience. As soon as we walked in the gate, we were greeted with hugs and smiles from all the children. I immediately found myself holding the most adorable little eight year old girl who did not let go of me the entire time we were there. It was incredible to see how happy and welcoming they all were, given everything they have gone through. Even though we were only there for an hour, our visit really brightened their day and it was extremely difficult to say goodbye. After the visit to the orphanage, we had dinner and then headed out for a competitive game of basketball against another group from Kansas (Go Quakers!). Although the first half we were a bit rusty, by the second half we definitely came back a bit. We came back to the hotel tired, but some of us still had energy to run in the pool and do an ab workout! Needless to say we were more than a little tired this morning, but were all set to go out to another batey. I worked as a scribe to one of the doctors, which was a great learning experience. It was eye opening to see how many people had simple medical problems like headaches that would be a quick fix in the U.S. but had gone on for months because of the lack of medical resources. At the same time, I feel like the work we are doing is making a small, but tangible difference in these people’s lives. This trip has been an amazing experience and I wish we could stay for longer to help out even more. Hope everyone is doing well back home!
--Molly S
This trip has been absolutely amazing. It is truly a humbling experience seeing all these people. For example, the first day Kirk and I took blood pressures of all the patients. After seeing so many BP over 200, we were ecstatic to see normal BP and we were so enthusiastic when telling them that they were in great health. Needless to say, they were equally as thrilled. However, there were countless people with BP that were in the not-so-great range. When earnestly asked, “Is my BP okay?” (in Spanish of course!) when it wasn’t, it was extremely difficult to answer. We tried to reassure them as best as possible. It’s heartbreaking to see that these people have so little when we have so much. When you see the children laughing and playing and hugging us, and the adults begging for reassurance, all you want to do is give them everything you have. As we worked in the pharmacy, we all came to the realization that a tiny pill of advil can go so far, yet this is the only bit of medication they will get in a long time.
Today, a few of us gave out glasses to people, many of whom desperately needed them. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling you get when you see the widest of smiles stretch across their face when they are finally granted the gift of sight, something they have lived without for so long. It is so rewarding to help someone, and so devastating when we have to say no. The children are unbelievable; so open, so genuine, so happy despite all that have been through. This was especially prominent when we visited the orphanage. The person who ran the orphanage said that she had been praying for people like us to come and play with the children, and we were “answers to her prayers.” I cannot even begin to explain how rewarding it is to help someone. I just wish more people in the world would do this!
--Jenna
Hi everyone! The weather is awesome down here, right now I am sitting in the sun (with sunscreen on of course) and it’s about 82 degrees out. Other than the gorgeous weather we are having, I am having the time of my life. This is my second time out of the country and it has been such a positive experience. I really hope that they will offer this trip next year so I can have a chance to come back.
The first day we arrived I was really nervous, but after a fun time with a few natives and a one year old girl I relaxed completely. Although there is a language barrier here, it is still very easy to communicate with those that speak either Spanish of Creole. I take Spanish at school and it has been very fun to use my skills here, although there have been a few times where I have said phrases that were blatantly wrong. All in all, it has been so much fun working as a scribe, a pharmacist, and taking blood pressure. The orfanage was a great experience and all of the people here have been extremely nice and understanding, especially when I mistakenly said “yo puede” instead of “yo puedo.” ☺ Thank you so much to everyone who donated and made this trip possible. Now I don’t want to leave!
--Zoe
Hi Everyone! Since the last update, we have been quite busy. Yesterday afternoon, we visited the orphanage, truly an amazing experience. As soon as we walked in the gate, we were greeted with hugs and smiles from all the children. I immediately found myself holding the most adorable little eight year old girl who did not let go of me the entire time we were there. It was incredible to see how happy and welcoming they all were, given everything they have gone through. Even though we were only there for an hour, our visit really brightened their day and it was extremely difficult to say goodbye. After the visit to the orphanage, we had dinner and then headed out for a competitive game of basketball against another group from Kansas (Go Quakers!). Although the first half we were a bit rusty, by the second half we definitely came back a bit. We came back to the hotel tired, but some of us still had energy to run in the pool and do an ab workout! Needless to say we were more than a little tired this morning, but were all set to go out to another batey. I worked as a scribe to one of the doctors, which was a great learning experience. It was eye opening to see how many people had simple medical problems like headaches that would be a quick fix in the U.S. but had gone on for months because of the lack of medical resources. At the same time, I feel like the work we are doing is making a small, but tangible difference in these people’s lives. This trip has been an amazing experience and I wish we could stay for longer to help out even more. Hope everyone is doing well back home!
--Molly S
This trip has been absolutely amazing. It is truly a humbling experience seeing all these people. For example, the first day Kirk and I took blood pressures of all the patients. After seeing so many BP over 200, we were ecstatic to see normal BP and we were so enthusiastic when telling them that they were in great health. Needless to say, they were equally as thrilled. However, there were countless people with BP that were in the not-so-great range. When earnestly asked, “Is my BP okay?” (in Spanish of course!) when it wasn’t, it was extremely difficult to answer. We tried to reassure them as best as possible. It’s heartbreaking to see that these people have so little when we have so much. When you see the children laughing and playing and hugging us, and the adults begging for reassurance, all you want to do is give them everything you have. As we worked in the pharmacy, we all came to the realization that a tiny pill of advil can go so far, yet this is the only bit of medication they will get in a long time.
Today, a few of us gave out glasses to people, many of whom desperately needed them. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling you get when you see the widest of smiles stretch across their face when they are finally granted the gift of sight, something they have lived without for so long. It is so rewarding to help someone, and so devastating when we have to say no. The children are unbelievable; so open, so genuine, so happy despite all that have been through. This was especially prominent when we visited the orphanage. The person who ran the orphanage said that she had been praying for people like us to come and play with the children, and we were “answers to her prayers.” I cannot even begin to explain how rewarding it is to help someone. I just wish more people in the world would do this!
--Jenna
Hi everyone! The weather is awesome down here, right now I am sitting in the sun (with sunscreen on of course) and it’s about 82 degrees out. Other than the gorgeous weather we are having, I am having the time of my life. This is my second time out of the country and it has been such a positive experience. I really hope that they will offer this trip next year so I can have a chance to come back.
The first day we arrived I was really nervous, but after a fun time with a few natives and a one year old girl I relaxed completely. Although there is a language barrier here, it is still very easy to communicate with those that speak either Spanish of Creole. I take Spanish at school and it has been very fun to use my skills here, although there have been a few times where I have said phrases that were blatantly wrong. All in all, it has been so much fun working as a scribe, a pharmacist, and taking blood pressure. The orfanage was a great experience and all of the people here have been extremely nice and understanding, especially when I mistakenly said “yo puede” instead of “yo puedo.” ☺ Thank you so much to everyone who donated and made this trip possible. Now I don’t want to leave!
--Zoe
The joys and frustrations of technology
I am so pleased that so many people are following the blog this year! And commenting! It is awesome. Unfortunately it can be a difficult thing to blog in the DR. Basically there are two ways that the students are able to blog, either they are able to use the computer of an adminsitrator in the hotel when they return from the batey, or they are able to use the one business computer of the hotel. Both of these depend on one thing internet connection... Unfortunately the internet connection has been down...
Fortunately, I spoke with Jill tonight so I have a bit of an update. Everyone is doing a great job! They have been going to one batey each day. After the batey yesterday they went out to dinner at one of the resorts. This afternoon they went to the beach after their day of service. They also had time to celebrate David's 16th birthday with a cake! Tomorrow they will head out to one more batey and have time to reflect on their experiences together and celebrate their time with the people they have been working with all week.
They are hoping that their parents' won't forget to pick them up at the airport on Saturday night:) Jill said they will continue to try to blog tonight, and will try again in the morning. Thanks for your patience, keep checking the blog!
Fortunately, I spoke with Jill tonight so I have a bit of an update. Everyone is doing a great job! They have been going to one batey each day. After the batey yesterday they went out to dinner at one of the resorts. This afternoon they went to the beach after their day of service. They also had time to celebrate David's 16th birthday with a cake! Tomorrow they will head out to one more batey and have time to reflect on their experiences together and celebrate their time with the people they have been working with all week.
They are hoping that their parents' won't forget to pick them up at the airport on Saturday night:) Jill said they will continue to try to blog tonight, and will try again in the morning. Thanks for your patience, keep checking the blog!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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.
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
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
Monday, March 23, 2009
Joana & Dove: First Batey
Today has been like no other day of our lives! We woke up early had breakfast and rode the bus to the Hospital! At the hospital we met our interpreters who came with us to our first Batey. Our interpreters were extremely nice and helpful throughout the entire day. Our first Batey had an overwhelming amount of people. They were all so anxious to be cared for and especially to recieve donations. It was so hard to say no to the adults and kids when they wanted more. The children were so happy to get pencils and pens because they told us they really needed them for school. Many of the patients were in severe conditions. One that really touched our heart was a teenage boy who had been in a motorcycle accident and his arms and face were completely burned from road rash. This accident had occured a week ago and infection could had been prevented with medical care but he recieved none. His tounge was also parted and it was too late to transfer him to the hospital for stitches.However we were able to give him many antibiotics and bandage his wounds to help the healing and pain. We can´t begin to explain everything we experienced today. We are so excited to talk to you all about it when we get back in more depth! Mom and Dad WE MISS YOU!
FIRST DAY!
We're finally here!!!! Our flight(s) went well, though my ears don't handle altitudes well... I was never so happy to finally reach the hotel and our room so I can finally change my clothes after a longgggg day of travelling. I nearly forgot where my passport was as we went through customs, which would NOT have been good, but for the most part everything went smoothly.
So here we are, in the sunny DR, at the hospital before our first day at the bateys. We spent last night once we settled in sorting out all the toiletries, medicines and other toys. It was EXHAUSTING.. Sunday felt like a week itself within a day. I'm so excited to finally get out there today, though. I'm signed up to work in the pharmacy-basically helping give out the medications to everyone with scripts. It's supposed to be hectic, but we can handle it! It's been great so far.
So here we are, in the sunny DR, at the hospital before our first day at the bateys. We spent last night once we settled in sorting out all the toiletries, medicines and other toys. It was EXHAUSTING.. Sunday felt like a week itself within a day. I'm so excited to finally get out there today, though. I'm signed up to work in the pharmacy-basically helping give out the medications to everyone with scripts. It's supposed to be hectic, but we can handle it! It's been great so far.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
LESS THAN 9 HOURS!
AHHH WE WILL BE AT THE AIRPORT IN LESS THAN 9 HOURSSSS!!!!! I am so ridiculously excited for this trip (even though I am slightly bitter that I am not officially a part of this blog because I didn't see the invite until now and now it has expired..my bad)!! Working with the less fortunate is something I want to do as a profession later in life, so this is a great first glimpse through a window of opportunity. This is an experience that we will remember and value for the rest of our lives. As Joana and David have already mentioned, I too have been away (skiing in Canada -- now I am very excited to be out of the snow and into the sun!) and am eager to begin this experience! I have been looking forward to it since my brother came back from the trip two years ago and told me all about it, making me enthusiastic to participate in the same expedition.
As they say in Mean Girls: "I just wish we could all get along...I wish that I could bake a cake made out of rainbows and smiles, and we'd all eat it and be happy!"
...pretty much sums up what I hope/think will happen on this trip :)
(also SHYLOE made me put that there)
Sooo I can't wait to see you all bright and early!
-Jenna (even though this says Shyloe posted this because I don't have a blog yet arrghhhh)
As they say in Mean Girls: "I just wish we could all get along...I wish that I could bake a cake made out of rainbows and smiles, and we'd all eat it and be happy!"
...pretty much sums up what I hope/think will happen on this trip :)
(also SHYLOE made me put that there)
Sooo I can't wait to see you all bright and early!
-Jenna (even though this says Shyloe posted this because I don't have a blog yet arrghhhh)
Good to go!
It is hard to believe that the trip has finally arrived. I have been thinking about it all week, even during my various college tours! During my visit to Boston College, our guide made a point of how 90% of the students at BC participate in some form of community service. Traveling all over the world to help in some way or another, the students take service very seriously. This made me think about how important our trip is and how big of an impact we will have on the lives of those in need. These experiences will not only help us with the remainder of our high school days, but will guide us as we begin our lives as college students. We have an amazing group of people on this trip, and I look forward to sharing these life changing experiences with each and every one of them. Wish us luck!
-Kirk N.
-Kirk N.
Ready to GO
Similar to Joanna, I have also spent the first week of break doing a laborious task. After taking Driver's Ed from 8-3, Monday-Friday, I am ready to get out. I am very excited for the DR to be able to help, and leave an overall lasting impression. Having the past week to recover from the donation-packing was great, and now I'm ready to go. I cannot wait for the warm weather, and to to spend the week helping others with all of you.
See you all before sunrise tomorrow,
David
See you all before sunrise tomorrow,
David
Friday, March 20, 2009
Unas noticias de Senora Baez
Saludos!Some of you know how proud I am of you all for having the courage and heart to participate in this type of service in my parent´s native country. I hope for you all the best and thank you. I wanted to share with you the following website that my Spanish AP students visited this past week to learn more about the bateys. I find it to be well done and should remind you that you are a part of history. Also, feel free to ask your student trip leaders about the history and culture of the DR;>Here's the site: http://www.dominicanbatey.org/Much love,Señora Báez (aka Mariposa in honor of these ladies: http://www.el-bohio.com/mirabal/)
March 14, 2009 10:00 AM
March 14, 2009 10:00 AM
DR!!!
Looking back over the past few weeks, it still amazes me how quickly this trip has snuck up on me. Usually I start counting down the seconds until I leave home for a trip the minute I find out I'm going; but with school, collecting donations, and all the other obligations we all have I kept thinking of the DR trip as being in the far away future. Ever since last Friday when we packed all the donations, however, (I can't BELIEVE we have so much stuff, by the way) leaving for the DR has been on my mind.
Right now, with 2 days left to go, I can't wait to begin the trip. I'm excited for the obvious reasons: I've never been out of the country before and the DR is sure to be absolutely beautiful, as well as because the opportunity to help people living in a completely different culture is something I've never had before.
I hope to gain a new perspective on priorities and what's important. I'm expecting a bit of a culture shock, but I hope that I can appreciate how the villagers and people we will meet can live on so much less than what we have on a daily basis. Basically, I hope and expect that this trip will help me open my eyes to the rest of the world.
-Shyloe
Right now, with 2 days left to go, I can't wait to begin the trip. I'm excited for the obvious reasons: I've never been out of the country before and the DR is sure to be absolutely beautiful, as well as because the opportunity to help people living in a completely different culture is something I've never had before.
I hope to gain a new perspective on priorities and what's important. I'm expecting a bit of a culture shock, but I hope that I can appreciate how the villagers and people we will meet can live on so much less than what we have on a daily basis. Basically, I hope and expect that this trip will help me open my eyes to the rest of the world.
-Shyloe
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Trip
I can't begin to explain how excited I am for this trip. This first week of spring break I have been visiting colleges and the whole time I've had this trip on my mind. Last Friday when we were sorting donations I was surprised as to how much our Moses Brown community contributed to the trip and I want to thank them all for doing so. In just a couple of days we will be leaving for this trip. I believe this will be a great experience for all of us not just in the medical field but I am certain we will learn alot from just the lives we will be seeing. I am excited to converse with the people of the bates in Spanish. I am hoping that my Spanish will help me better communicate with the people. I am hoping that when we all return from this trip we are more than satisfied with the experience and wishing to return.
Getting Excited for the Trip?!
In 2007, I went on this service trip under the leadership of Katey Parker and Lindy Nash, unsure of what to expect and what to do. The trip turned into an experience that changed my life as well as the other students' lives. I wish that everyone had the experience that we will have, learning more about themselves as we travel to the bateys and about the completely different culture that we encounter. Each batey, we see different people, but no matter who you are helping, their smiles capture their appreciation for what we are doing for them. Two years ago, I learned from the children in the bateys that materialism, which is extremely prevelent in America's society, is unimportant, but what is important is to have dreams, to have your family, friends, and community, and to live life with as much happiness as possible.
I am excited to return to the Dominican Republic to experience everything again, as well as all the new experiences that await us upon arrival. I am excited to share this opportunity with a new group of students, all of whom are just as excited and enthusiastic about this trip.
As I just returned home from Phoenix, I am ready once again to be in a warmer climate.
We only have three more days until our arrival to Logan airport at 4:00 am on Sunday morning to embark on our trip. I know that is what I am most looking forward to... It's between that and seeing the smiling faces of the children as we pull into the bateys.
Marcela D.
I am excited to return to the Dominican Republic to experience everything again, as well as all the new experiences that await us upon arrival. I am excited to share this opportunity with a new group of students, all of whom are just as excited and enthusiastic about this trip.
As I just returned home from Phoenix, I am ready once again to be in a warmer climate.
We only have three more days until our arrival to Logan airport at 4:00 am on Sunday morning to embark on our trip. I know that is what I am most looking forward to... It's between that and seeing the smiling faces of the children as we pull into the bateys.
Marcela D.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Expectations for the Trip
It is my pleasure to join this trip in 2009. I went to the DR in 2007, an experience which changed my life. The outlook and perspective one gathers from an experience like this can only be considered life-changing. When you look into a child's eyes that is living in relative poverty but is still quite happy, you get a sense that the the trivial things we get upset about in the United States aren't really that important in retrospect. It has shown me what is truly important; family, friends, community. I can't wait to help a new group of Bateys in a week and experience this trip with a new, eager group that is ready to work. It will be an amazing experience for us all and I can hardly wait for next week.
-Liam Miner
Gathering/organizing all donations
On Friday, March 13 the group -- still at MB-- gathered together all donations and organized them. As you can see, the collection drive was very successful. Thanks to all that contributed to the effort!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Packing List
Have you forgotten what to pack? Lost the list? Here is a reminder...-G
DR Packing List- 09
Each student will bring his or her own carry-on up to 40lbs. They will also bring 2 50lb bags. One 50lb bag will be full of donations. The other 50lb bag will be composed of 20lb of donations and 30lbs of the student’s stuff.
(American allows two 50lb bags to be checked as luggage, one 40lb carry-on bag and a small personal item purse etc for international flights. )
Clothes:
You will be given two sets of scrubs to wear during the day. These can be washed out and worn again.
Light long sleeved clothes, conservative
Hat
Bathing suit
Comfortable, closed toe shoes (sneakers)
Socks
Sandals or flip flops
Light rain jacket
Underwear
Toiletries
Avoid heavily perfumed products.
Super strength insect repellent, at least 50% deet
Sun block
Handi-wipes/ antiseptic lotion
Bandaids
Large towel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Over the counter and prescription medications
Glasses/sunglasses
Other
Easily portable, wrapped snacks (ie powerbars)
Flashlight
Portable alarm clock w/ batteries
Woolite
pens
DR Packing List- 09
Each student will bring his or her own carry-on up to 40lbs. They will also bring 2 50lb bags. One 50lb bag will be full of donations. The other 50lb bag will be composed of 20lb of donations and 30lbs of the student’s stuff.
(American allows two 50lb bags to be checked as luggage, one 40lb carry-on bag and a small personal item purse etc for international flights. )
Clothes:
You will be given two sets of scrubs to wear during the day. These can be washed out and worn again.
Light long sleeved clothes, conservative
Hat
Bathing suit
Comfortable, closed toe shoes (sneakers)
Socks
Sandals or flip flops
Light rain jacket
Underwear
Toiletries
Avoid heavily perfumed products.
Super strength insect repellent, at least 50% deet
Sun block
Handi-wipes/ antiseptic lotion
Bandaids
Large towel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Over the counter and prescription medications
Glasses/sunglasses
Other
Easily portable, wrapped snacks (ie powerbars)
Flashlight
Portable alarm clock w/ batteries
Woolite
pens
2 Weeks Before We Leave
It is another snowy day here in New England and hard to believe that in 13 days we will be in the Dominican Republic, making new friends, offering ourselves in service, and bringing all we have collected.
As we prepare to leave I invite all the students to share a reflection on why you wanted to go on this trip? What are you looking forward to? How has the experience of gathering donations gone?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Trying out the picture feature
So I am very excited about posting, and thought I would include a picture as well. This is what I cuold find on my school computer.
Welcome
Welcome to the DR Blog! This is still in the new stages, but hopefully it will be up and running soon. Come back to see other posts, and exciting photos!
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