It was the last day at the worksite, and everyone was putting all they had into it. I spent the morning at the school/community centre, then the afternoon on the worksite. It was a really fun day because the kids kept some of us really busy.

 

 

There was something that I experienced this morning that I will never forget. Joy, one of LiveDifferent’s staff, and I were invited to Francisco, Frankelly, and Frankabelly’s house. When we got to the house we helped the three of them herd and milk cows. It was all a learning experience for the both of us and an eye opener. They are only 6, 7, and 9 years old, and they did all of this without a problem. Joy asked me while we were there, “can you imagine living this kind of life?” I thought about it and I said that I could never imagine it, but I believe I would really enjoy it. It would be a very interesting lifestyle; I almost wish I could have grown up on a farm. With all that said, I am proud of where I was born. It has allowed me to have many opportunities, including this one.

 

 

I have learned to avoid feelings of pity since I have been on this trip, and instead work on creating hope – hope for the people living in poverty here in Dominican Republic. I am holding strong on the idea that what we are doing with LiveDifferent is sustainable and creating a better future with positive hopes and dreams for the amazing people we work with, including the family we are building for. We finished all of what we could do today at the house; the last thing we did was lay the floors. It felt awesome to actually walk away knowing we did all we could do to help in building the house. The family will put the finishing touches (painting) on the house tomorrow during our excursion day/day off. We will be preparing for the house dedication over the next day and a half and taking some time to relax. I am looking forward to sleeping in, relaxing, and most of all handing over the keys to the family!

 

Reggie – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Intern, Dominican Republic 2012