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.