We have made it safely back to the United States. Currently we are riding back to New Wilmington with Ralph Hawkins and Dave Dawson. There are a few quick observations we have made in our short time back in the USA:
- It isn't hot here. Not even close
- we can flush our toilet paper
- people don't seem to be as kind...
- the roads are smoother
- it's quieter here (and not in a good way)
- most of us have caught ourselves trying to speak Spanish to people...
We are happy to be back, but also extremely sad to have left the Republica Dominicana. We had a wonderful time and made many memories that will not be soon forgotten.
Rob
Monday, July 17, 2017
Friday, July 14, 2017
Undertow
As an avid swimmer in Lake Michigan I have definitely dealt with the undertow and waves quite a bit. Water is amazing and powerful, but definitely not safe. We need water to live and the Earth and our bodies are over 75% water. But that doesn't mean that water is not able to surprise us at times. And that time for me was yesterday.
After cleaning up garbage in a neighborhood with the local members of CHE (community health evangelism) and Jenny and Mark, our team headed to the beach. We were accompanied by seven of the Dominican members of CHE who we worked alongside earlier in the day. This beach was phenomenal. We drove up a mountain and then down to the water. There were no tourists there, so it was clearly a spot for locals. The beauty on the ocean and the waves did have one downside - rocks. There was not a sandy beach, but instead a rocky beach and rocks in the water. The rocks, the waves, and the undertow made swimming difficult, but not impossible. We all got in the water immediately and started playing in the waves. Within 5 minutes Lolo, one of the Dominicans, came out toward the water and asked me to get out so he could talk to me (he wanted to remind me to tell the team to be safe - the Dominicans were always worried about our safety. It was very thoughtful). As I was getting out of the water to go talk to Lolo I was hit by a rather large wave and I decided walking out on the rocks was silly, so I started to swim/crawl to him. Of course, I was immediately hit by another wave, but I continued on. I made it to Lolo, talked for a minute and sat in the waves near the shore. I saw another wave coming, but being a Lake Michigan enthusiast I sat there and anticipated the fun of the wave hitting me in the face. As the wave crashed over my body and past me, I loved it. But then the water was drawn back into the ocean and attempted to take me with it. I held my ground and my body remained safe. But somehow I left my hands open. I felt it happening, but it was as if it were in slow motion. I was not able to stop the pull. The water was powerful and although my body was firmly planted, my wedding ring was not fully planted on my left ring finger. It slipped past my first knuckle and I made a lame attempt at snagging it as it slipped past my second knuckle. It was gone. A gem lost to the sea. I can only hope that it's picked up someday and added to a collection of dinglehoppers and snarfblatts.
Rob
After cleaning up garbage in a neighborhood with the local members of CHE (community health evangelism) and Jenny and Mark, our team headed to the beach. We were accompanied by seven of the Dominican members of CHE who we worked alongside earlier in the day. This beach was phenomenal. We drove up a mountain and then down to the water. There were no tourists there, so it was clearly a spot for locals. The beauty on the ocean and the waves did have one downside - rocks. There was not a sandy beach, but instead a rocky beach and rocks in the water. The rocks, the waves, and the undertow made swimming difficult, but not impossible. We all got in the water immediately and started playing in the waves. Within 5 minutes Lolo, one of the Dominicans, came out toward the water and asked me to get out so he could talk to me (he wanted to remind me to tell the team to be safe - the Dominicans were always worried about our safety. It was very thoughtful). As I was getting out of the water to go talk to Lolo I was hit by a rather large wave and I decided walking out on the rocks was silly, so I started to swim/crawl to him. Of course, I was immediately hit by another wave, but I continued on. I made it to Lolo, talked for a minute and sat in the waves near the shore. I saw another wave coming, but being a Lake Michigan enthusiast I sat there and anticipated the fun of the wave hitting me in the face. As the wave crashed over my body and past me, I loved it. But then the water was drawn back into the ocean and attempted to take me with it. I held my ground and my body remained safe. But somehow I left my hands open. I felt it happening, but it was as if it were in slow motion. I was not able to stop the pull. The water was powerful and although my body was firmly planted, my wedding ring was not fully planted on my left ring finger. It slipped past my first knuckle and I made a lame attempt at snagging it as it slipped past my second knuckle. It was gone. A gem lost to the sea. I can only hope that it's picked up someday and added to a collection of dinglehoppers and snarfblatts.
Rob
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Barahona
Today was a tough day. But not in the normal sense. During the day we worked with a local church and Mark Hare and Jenny Bent (the two PCUSA mission coworkers) doing health checks for the children. They have a program already in. Place where they teach about healthy living and healthy eating. They also check the children's height, weight, and hemoglobin levels twice a year. We worked through about 75 children today. It went well (not smoothly, but well!)
It was after that when we had a rough experience....we found our way to the basketball courts in Barahona. We found our first real challenge. Our first game was a breeze, but then the real players walked on the court. I am not exaggerating when I say one guy was 6'8", one was 6'5", and another was 6'6", 250 pounds with shoulders that could be confused with basketballs due to the similarity in size. They whooped us. Three times in a row. They made us keep playing and we were exhausted. But it was a lot of fun! And Jimmy went into the fetal position midair after unsuccessfully trying to defend an alley-oop and I saw the whole thing! (translation - HE GOT DUNKED ON!) Oh, and andrew had a sweet dunk as well. Overall, it was a lot of fun, but they definitely let us know it was their court!! We will study some film and go over our defensive rotations to be ready for a rematch tomorrow.
Rob
It was after that when we had a rough experience....we found our way to the basketball courts in Barahona. We found our first real challenge. Our first game was a breeze, but then the real players walked on the court. I am not exaggerating when I say one guy was 6'8", one was 6'5", and another was 6'6", 250 pounds with shoulders that could be confused with basketballs due to the similarity in size. They whooped us. Three times in a row. They made us keep playing and we were exhausted. But it was a lot of fun! And Jimmy went into the fetal position midair after unsuccessfully trying to defend an alley-oop and I saw the whole thing! (translation - HE GOT DUNKED ON!) Oh, and andrew had a sweet dunk as well. Overall, it was a lot of fun, but they definitely let us know it was their court!! We will study some film and go over our defensive rotations to be ready for a rematch tomorrow.
Rob
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Traveling to Bani
Eleven people and all of their luggage in a ten person van. That is how we started our day. We crammed all of our luggage into the back row and then crammed ourselves into space for six individuals (there are nine of us). But there were eleven of us total in the van this morning. Luckily, we all know and love each other so much, because to say we were crowded would be an understatement.
We were able to cram ourselves and our luggage into the vehicle (with a guitar literally in my lap) and we started on our way. The A/C was working in the van, so everything was totally okay. First we stopped for gas and made it through that without any hiccups. We pulled out and were officially on our way. We drove for about 3 kilometers and then it happened. We all heard it and we all felt it. The driver quickly pulled over and we all climbed out of the van to inspect the damage. Yep. It was an extremely flat tire. It had been completely punctured by something and there was a 6 inch rip on the top of the tire. We attempted to change the tire, but we could not find a spare. Luckily "la pastora" was with us and she made a few phone calls. After about 45 minutes someone in the large, off roading, tourist truck showed up to drive us back to the mission house in Samana. It was 11am - exactly two hours from we left in the morning to start our trip. We were told we would wait until 2pm and head over to the bus station to take public transportation to Santo Domingo. So, we got comfortable and starting lounging and hanging out.
But then at 11:50am a large charter bus showed up outside of the mission house - our ride had arrived. We loaded up got onto an empty charter bus. We immediately began discussing whether or not we would have the whole bus to ourselves for the whole ride and what we do if we did...but alas, only a few minutes later we arrived at a bus station and more people got on the charter.
We continued to chat and hang out on the charter as we waited for our departure. Then we heard it. We looked around at each other to confirm what we heard. Were we going crazy? Was it a ringtone? Then we heard it again, this time louder. As we laughed we continued to discuss the veracity of what our ears told us they heard. Then we heard it again. It had to be real. Then we heard two at the same time. Andrew had had enough. He had to get up to check. He walked up to the front of the bus to investigate. We anxiously waited for him to return with the verdict. He checked, walked back towards us with a smile on his face and said, "Yep. It's in a bag up there." We all responded, "WHAT?!" He looked at us incredulously and said, "Imagine taking your laundry bag and throwing a couple of roosters in it and getting on a bus. Yep."
We were able to cram ourselves and our luggage into the vehicle (with a guitar literally in my lap) and we started on our way. The A/C was working in the van, so everything was totally okay. First we stopped for gas and made it through that without any hiccups. We pulled out and were officially on our way. We drove for about 3 kilometers and then it happened. We all heard it and we all felt it. The driver quickly pulled over and we all climbed out of the van to inspect the damage. Yep. It was an extremely flat tire. It had been completely punctured by something and there was a 6 inch rip on the top of the tire. We attempted to change the tire, but we could not find a spare. Luckily "la pastora" was with us and she made a few phone calls. After about 45 minutes someone in the large, off roading, tourist truck showed up to drive us back to the mission house in Samana. It was 11am - exactly two hours from we left in the morning to start our trip. We were told we would wait until 2pm and head over to the bus station to take public transportation to Santo Domingo. So, we got comfortable and starting lounging and hanging out.
But then at 11:50am a large charter bus showed up outside of the mission house - our ride had arrived. We loaded up got onto an empty charter bus. We immediately began discussing whether or not we would have the whole bus to ourselves for the whole ride and what we do if we did...but alas, only a few minutes later we arrived at a bus station and more people got on the charter.
We continued to chat and hang out on the charter as we waited for our departure. Then we heard it. We looked around at each other to confirm what we heard. Were we going crazy? Was it a ringtone? Then we heard it again, this time louder. As we laughed we continued to discuss the veracity of what our ears told us they heard. Then we heard it again. It had to be real. Then we heard two at the same time. Andrew had had enough. He had to get up to check. He walked up to the front of the bus to investigate. We anxiously waited for him to return with the verdict. He checked, walked back towards us with a smile on his face and said, "Yep. It's in a bag up there." We all responded, "WHAT?!" He looked at us incredulously and said, "Imagine taking your laundry bag and throwing a couple of roosters in it and getting on a bus. Yep."
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Basketball 🏀
I love how much basketball is appreciated and enjoyed in the Dominican Republic. Two days ago I was at the supermercado and I overheard a cashier and a customer discussing the Chris Paul trade. And today I had the opportunity to go and play basketball with quite a few Dominicans and two members of the summer service team. We were at the gym for over three hours and there were still people playing when we left. We had quite a few awesome games. We played three on three and then the court opened up and we had a couple of games of five versus five. It is still a very similar style of basketball and it was a great deal of fun. I am definitely still working on my Spanish and I am no expert. But I am getting a fairly good at communicating on the basketball courts and of course trash talking when necessary. And all of this is done in Spanish. I am very proud of myself! Hahaha.
Rob
Rob
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Painting - does it matter?
We started painting today! We painted a few rooms and a long hallway. We get to finish up the painting job tomorrow morning. Often times when we paint (especially in other countries) we wonder if we are helping. Whether it is needed or because they are just trying to give us a project to complete to make us feel good about ourselves because Americans like to "accomplish" tasks. Well, after we finished eating dinner the Pastor came up to me to thank me for the group painting the school (inside and outside). She explained to me that it would be rather expensive to hire a group of men to come and paint the school. She was so happy that we were able to paint today. Oh, and the whole conversation was in Spanish. Yeah, I surprised myself too.
Rob
Rob
Friday, June 23, 2017
History of Samana
Tonight we had a short history lesson on Samana as well as a longer dance lesson. We were taught about the African American immigrants who came to Samana in the 1820s (when Dominican Republic was under the rule of Haiti). This has created a culture that is a bit different in Samana as compared to rest of the country. They have some different traditions, food, cultural norms, and dances.
Tonight we learned three of those dances. It was informative and fun. All of the dances were partner relate and also communal. All of the dances are done with the dancers and audience in a circle. We learned this communal aspect of dancing is extremely important in Samana. The ladies also all wore traditional dresses.
In general it was definitely an experience and not one I will forget anytime soon.
Rob
Tonight we learned three of those dances. It was informative and fun. All of the dances were partner relate and also communal. All of the dances are done with the dancers and audience in a circle. We learned this communal aspect of dancing is extremely important in Samana. The ladies also all wore traditional dresses.
In general it was definitely an experience and not one I will forget anytime soon.
Rob
Samana
So, we have been in Samana for a couple of days now. It is definitely different than Sabaneta, but beautiful and glorious in its own way. If you have not looked at it on a map, it is a peninsula. So we are right on the coast basically everywhere we go. There are so many beaches and sea life is very apparent here.
There are also a lot more tourists and someone. There are a great deal of large hotels and this is due to the fact that whale watching is a really big deal. It is not well watching season right now so everything is not as busy as it would be during whale season. But the tourists are still here. This is a new experience for our team. We have not seen a lot of non-Dominicans before now.
Two days ago we took a boat out to a small island. This is a favorite spot for tourists and Dominicans alike. The boat ride was intense… The waves were choppy and the boat did not slowdown. But once we got to the island the sun was out and it was absolutely gorgeous. We played in the water for quite some time and walked around and just enjoyed having a bit of relaxation. One of our team members had never been on a boat before, so that was definitely an experience for her.
Overall, we are having a wonderful time in Samana. Yesterday we ran a vacation Bible school for about 60 young kids and today there is going to be a festival or party for the schoolchildren that we are helping with. We hear rumors that it might be a water party, so that could get very interesting very quickly.
Rob
There are also a lot more tourists and someone. There are a great deal of large hotels and this is due to the fact that whale watching is a really big deal. It is not well watching season right now so everything is not as busy as it would be during whale season. But the tourists are still here. This is a new experience for our team. We have not seen a lot of non-Dominicans before now.
Two days ago we took a boat out to a small island. This is a favorite spot for tourists and Dominicans alike. The boat ride was intense… The waves were choppy and the boat did not slowdown. But once we got to the island the sun was out and it was absolutely gorgeous. We played in the water for quite some time and walked around and just enjoyed having a bit of relaxation. One of our team members had never been on a boat before, so that was definitely an experience for her.
Overall, we are having a wonderful time in Samana. Yesterday we ran a vacation Bible school for about 60 young kids and today there is going to be a festival or party for the schoolchildren that we are helping with. We hear rumors that it might be a water party, so that could get very interesting very quickly.
Rob
Monday, June 19, 2017
Last night in Sabaneta
So, tonight is our last night in Sabaneta. We have been in this location for 10 days and it definitely feels like home. We love them and they love us. Their hospitality is unmatched; they cook for us, play games with us, worship with us, and let us invade their lives and their space. It has been a wonderful and will not soon be forgotten.
At this exact moment we are having a going away service with the community. We are singing songs, sharing our experiences together, and exchanging gifts. We are here with the adults, the teens, and the young kids. It really is a community. I speak for everyone in our group when I say we will greatly miss Sabaneta and we hope to return...
Rob
At this exact moment we are having a going away service with the community. We are singing songs, sharing our experiences together, and exchanging gifts. We are here with the adults, the teens, and the young kids. It really is a community. I speak for everyone in our group when I say we will greatly miss Sabaneta and we hope to return...
Rob
Friday, June 16, 2017
Alone time
So, we don't get a lot of alone time here in the DR. One doesn't realize how precious alone time is until it is stripped away. We are constantly on the go and usually entertaining and hanging out with the Dominicans. Now, obviously, I love this. I know that I get energy from being surrounded by people and always on the go. But that is not the case for all people. It has been good for me to recognize this and to help the students take time for themselves when they need it. We all need to remember to take care of ourselves so we are more equipped to take care of others.
Today is our 12th day in country. Time is already flying by. This place is amazing. The people are amazing. The culture is amazing. Let's remember to take a deep breath and take it all in as it will definitely pass us by very quickly...
Rob
Today is our 12th day in country. Time is already flying by. This place is amazing. The people are amazing. The culture is amazing. Let's remember to take a deep breath and take it all in as it will definitely pass us by very quickly...
Rob
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Correction
Yesterday, we were not stung by jellyfish. That would've been preposterous. Many of us stepped on sea urchin. Which makes way more sense because they left splinter like stingers in our hands and our feet. I am currently soaking my feet in vinegar to try to get the deep stingers to come up to the surface so that I can take them out. It has definitely been an arduous process and a lot of pain. But I am certain that it will be over soon.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
The Ocean...
The whole team immediately got in the water and swam around and had a wonderful time. The water was clear and beautiful and there were not too many people there. It was an awesome experience. The only downside is that four of us got stung by jellyfish. I got it the worst because I stepped right on top of one and had at least seven stingers in my right foot. So, this evening has definitely been eventful dealing with a jellyfish stingers.
But the ocean is wild and the ocean is dangerous. That is the beauty of the ocean. It was a beautiful, glorious day at the beach. Being from Michigan I am still getting used to the salt water. But the ocean is beautiful. I might argue that freshwater is still better, but the warmth of the ocean and the warmth of the air might challenge the freshwater.
Teenagers and Culture
Talking to teens in the DR has been extremely interesting. I am
Realizing it is very Similar in trying to talk to American teens. I am not saying this as a negative, but instead a reality. My Spanish is definitely not good and trying to make and keep conversations is not easy. But I have noticed that it is the most difficult with the teens in the DR: one word answers, no reciprocal questions, completely disinterested, etc. for any of you with experience with teens in the USA I am sure this sounds familiar.
Moral of the story - some things don't change. Many things transcend culture and location. I guess teenage angst is one of those things.
Rob
Realizing it is very Similar in trying to talk to American teens. I am not saying this as a negative, but instead a reality. My Spanish is definitely not good and trying to make and keep conversations is not easy. But I have noticed that it is the most difficult with the teens in the DR: one word answers, no reciprocal questions, completely disinterested, etc. for any of you with experience with teens in the USA I am sure this sounds familiar.
Moral of the story - some things don't change. Many things transcend culture and location. I guess teenage angst is one of those things.
Rob
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Dominican culture
I have been pleasantly surprised and impressed by the culture in the Dominican republic. I was not expecting it to be as influenced by The USA as it is. I spend a lot of time in Latin American countries, specifically Guatemala, and the culture here is intensely different.
One of the big differences is this country's obsession with basketball. It is so fun to be able to play basketball every day as well as talk about and discuss the NBA and basketball in general. The games are intense and real. Referees how up when we start playing. People come to watch pick up games. The atmosphere is perfect.
If I am being completely honest, the other thing that I am really enjoying is the diversity of the culture. People who are Dominican do not all looks the same. Many of them will look like they're from Spain while others will look like they're from Africa and everything in between. It is an awesome sight to behold him and I think I like it because it makes it look like I can walk around and blend right in as a Dominican… If it weren't for my awful Spanish speaking skills.
Overall, we are having a great time in the Dominican republic and the time is flying by. It is a wonderful place with wonderful food wonderful people wonderful weather and wonderful culture.
Rob
One of the big differences is this country's obsession with basketball. It is so fun to be able to play basketball every day as well as talk about and discuss the NBA and basketball in general. The games are intense and real. Referees how up when we start playing. People come to watch pick up games. The atmosphere is perfect.
If I am being completely honest, the other thing that I am really enjoying is the diversity of the culture. People who are Dominican do not all looks the same. Many of them will look like they're from Spain while others will look like they're from Africa and everything in between. It is an awesome sight to behold him and I think I like it because it makes it look like I can walk around and blend right in as a Dominican… If it weren't for my awful Spanish speaking skills.
Overall, we are having a great time in the Dominican republic and the time is flying by. It is a wonderful place with wonderful food wonderful people wonderful weather and wonderful culture.
Rob
Friday, June 9, 2017
Leaving the City
We also had the opportunity to work with a local pastor while painting the inside and outside of a new seminary and manse. We worked with Peter and Luis (two Dominicans) both days and Alessandra one of the days. Getting to know them and trying to speak Spanish was a great experience for sure.
FOOD
We have been eating a lot of rice and beans and fresh fruit. All of the food is fantastic. I believe we can learn a lot about a culture by what they eat and we are definitely learning.
We are currently driving out of the city and to Sabaneta for the next 10 days. There we will be staying at a mission house and continue working with the IED. We are not completely sure what we will be doing yet, but we are looking forward to it.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Dominican Republic
Hey hey hey!!!
I am heading out to the Dominican Republic in the morning for six weeks with a group of eight college students being sent by the New Wilmington Mission Conference.
We are excited and have been in New Wilmington for training and and orientation for the past three days. We are ready to get out of here and get to the DR tomorrow. I will do my best to keep you updated with pics and stories and everything else throughout the trip!
Stay posted...
I am heading out to the Dominican Republic in the morning for six weeks with a group of eight college students being sent by the New Wilmington Mission Conference.
We are excited and have been in New Wilmington for training and and orientation for the past three days. We are ready to get out of here and get to the DR tomorrow. I will do my best to keep you updated with pics and stories and everything else throughout the trip!
Stay posted...
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