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!!

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

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?

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!