With an opened mind and a welcomed heart

Today was our orientation and awareness tour.  Our team got to visit the school in Arroyo Secco, the worksite and to meet our new family.  

This year we are building for a lady named Lucia and her six children: Domingo who is 20, Jose Ramone who is 17, Rutester who is 12, Jose Betone who is 8, Antony who is 7 and Emily who is 3.  This family of seven has been renting a house which is probably about half the size of my bedroom.  We had the opportunity to visit their old house, as the new one is being built in a separate location.  Only three of us were able to fit inside it at a time and the walls hardly looked strong enough to hold up against a rough storm.  It is impossible to comprehend how this big family must have been living in this tiny little shack.  The conditions were devastating.

 

 

Despite not having much space, the family was so appreciative of all that they had.  It was amazing to see how each member of the family was helping in every way they could, and how well the community comes together to support each other.  Even-though I went on this trip last year I was blown away by the absolute love and support offered by each member of the community. There is an unexplainable sense of welcome that I felt as I returned here. 

 

Today was a extremely important day for me as we also had the opportunity to visit the two families Gonzaga had built homes for in previous years.  The first community we went to was Agua Negra.  This is where Gonzaga had built two years ago for Elias’ family.   What really caught my attention was when Elias said that he was especially grateful because the past couple years he has not had to worry nearly as much about his children falling ill because their living conditions are significantly better now.  Seeing the positive change in their lives really got me thinking about our family from last year and how different things are for them. 

 

 

After this we drove out to Arroyo Secco to finish the rest of our tour.  Before anything else we stopped at the home of Fredi and Ramona, where we built last year.  This was my favourite part of the day because as we were pulling up in front of the house, and the family saw who we were, there was an unmistakeable look of recognition which crossed all their faces.  It was so amazing to me that the family still remembered who I was.  It completely reinforced that we had truly made a difference in their lives.

 

Being in the communities today really made me realize how much I had truly forgotten since last year.  It opened my eyes for a second time and reminded me of the happiness radiating from everyone here and how contagious their smiles are.  Seeing how appreciative these people are for all that they have is truly inspiring.  They value so greatly the intangible things in life and have such a united community that you cannot help but want to be a part of the experience.  

 

 

Overall, today’s awareness tour really helped to prepare me for the days ahead.  Having met everyone i feel so comfortable and amazingly welcomed into this family. I am so excited to start working tomorrow! This is going to be an unforgettable trip!

Friends are the family that we choose ourselves

Today was a day of celebration as our families received the keys for their new homes. Each tear shed was a mark for hope, prosperity, longevity, health, and happiness. This, like all experiences previous, was a mixture of emotions not unknown to any of us as we laughed and cried on our roller coaster ride. 

The final preparation for our families was a trip to the grocery store. Each team had $75.00 to spend per house to outfit them with the necessary supplies to start out a home. I was quick to volunteer, as those of you who know me know how I love a bargain! Nettie gave us a list of groceries, highlighting the essential ones, like soap, brooms and mops, rice and beans, etc. Once those where bought, any remaining money could be used for non essential items on the list. Just so you know…everything on the list to you and me would be essential. Finding the best deal was easy, deciding what to buy was difficult. When you have nothing every little thing is a bonus. With enough money left for one more item at a $1, we decided on a can of vegetables. One can of vegetables not two.

When we arrived back at the resort we excitedly put together their gift basket of groceries and started on our ride back to Nuevo Renacer. We placed the donations and groceries in their homes on their brand new beds. Not on a mattress that is ripped, wet, and filthy but a brand new queen size mattress. These families will be dry from now on, but there definitely was not a dry eye in sight. 

When I looked into Tony’s eyes, the man who would be receiving this new home and all the supplies we brought, I knew that this is the most that they have ever had. He embraced me in a tight hug numerous times, as well as each one of the team members. The joy, gratitude, and love from our families was absolutely beautiful. They will be dry, safe, and cared for now and this is is exactly why I came. To give my heart and soul. I am proud. Watching and listening to my team dedicate the keys to these 5 amazing families was amazing. The gap is closing. Speeches where made, God was blessed, friendships were shared. 

If I had one more thing to say to my new families I would say, “Although you’re receiving your homes means that it is time for us to go, only our bodies will be gone. Forever you will stay in our thoughts and hearts, just as we hope we will stay in yours.”

Rhonda ~ Hero Holiday Volunteer, Dominican Republic, 2013

The nights are long but the dreams are longer

Our day began with what I can honestly say was felt by all – anxiety and nervousness. Today was the garbage dump day, or better described as, “In their shoes.”

Our team is a mix of first time visitors and others on their second or even third trip to the Dominican. The briefing Nettie provided for us this morning was a reminder for some, while a blank canvas to others. “The garbage dump day is by far the most impacting day you will experience.” As you looked around the room, the expressions on our faces, the bowed heads, the tears streaming down cheeks….you couldn’t tell which ones of us were new and which ones were returning.

As our truck approached the dump you could hear a pin drop. Words were not spoken, just the odd glance or nod of “we will get through this together.”

The purpose of this day is to try and help the people of La Union, mostly Haitian refugees who work at the dump, collecting plastic bags and bottles so they can earn a few dollars. With our help for the day, they can possibly earn a few more dollars towards their dream of a better life. We were each assigned to either a man, a woman, or a child, given a clear plastic bag, and were on our way.

Being my second time to the dump, I found myself not so focused on the site of garbage and awful smells, but on the people. I was constantly distracted in hopes of coming across those I met on my last trip. Looking around over heaps of endless waste, I found my distraction was actually a dedicated team of locals and gringo’s, engaging in conversation, smiling and digging through oceans of garbage in hopes of filling at least one large bag of plastic.

Today LiveDifferent provided gift bags for the people who regularly work in the garbage dump. Those people got a ticket and when called came to collect a bag that included rice, oil, chicken stock, toothbrushes and soap. The look on their faces as they collected these things for their families was that of hope and happiness.

It was time to leave and just as my first experience, we were all slow to board the truck. In our hearts we didn’t want to leave as there was still so much we could do. The ride back to our hotel was much like how we approached, silent.

During our debriefing it was prevalent; it didn’t matter how many times you’ve been to the dump, the feeling of anger, hopelessness, frustration, sadness, and wanting to do more doesn’t go away or get any easier. In fact, it empowers you to fight harder and speak louder for change!

We then had some free time to unwind, reflect on our morning and prepare for minds for a celebration of unity.

Three Haitian couples had a dream to one day be married. They didn’t care about where they’d marry or what they would wear, for them the meaning of marriage was sacred, a commitment of their life-long love…their dream as one. This evening, on the grounds of our hotel three couples dreams came true! We had the honour of not only witnessing their wedding ceremony, but we all pitched in to ensure their union was complete with new wedding rings and a wedding gift. The ceremony lead by Frantzo was heartfelt by all; once again there was silence and a few tears but this time heads were high.

A day of remarkable highs and lows was felt by all, no matter who you were or where you came from. As Cole shared with us from one member in the community of Nuevo Renacer, ” the nights are long but the dreams are longer.” We are all free to dream, but with a little help, kindness, and inspiration we can all make each others dreams come true.

Terese ~ Hero Holiday volunteer 2013

A crazy, wonderful day

What a another crazy, wonderful day today was. Second day on the build site and things were running like a clock. Almost all of the concrete walls were put up by the end of the day. I was so proud to see how hard everyone works on the site. If someone needs something, it just gets done. My wife Donna and I talked today about how well the whole LiveDifferent crew including the contractors are able to keep things so organized. Tonight we washed off the work grime and were treated to an incredible meal in the town of Cabarete.  Lots of great food and a chance to catch up with all of the week so far.

It has been very interesting to see how the culture works here. I still have not been able to figure out how this country truly operates. There is no well defined industry here besides the tourist industry, and I am still not sure who is a citizen or who is not. I am not even sure how the government raises money to pave the roads, or decides who gets a paved road or not. Amongst all of this there, is a very beautiful thing going on. This country has an amazing sense of community within its borders. Whether it be the Dominicans or the Haitian refugees, you constantly see smiles on peoples faces, a wave or a warm handshake from perfect strangers. Don’t get me wrong, not everyone is like this, this place has its bad apples too, however I have found most are welcoming and friendly. It brings back memories for me when I was younger and this type of community was seen in my neighbourhood where I grew up in Saskatoon. We played hockey in the street, neighbours knew each other, we looked out for each other. I miss this in my community. This place has left me with the realization that for all we have back at home in Calgary, I am truly missing this sense of community in our society. Just a little food for thought.

I love being here in Dominican Republic, I love being with the people I have met and most of all love be here with the love of my life, my wife Donna.

Tom ~ Hero Holiday volunteer 2013

What a difference a day makes

Yesterday was gut-wrenchingly hard. I cried my eyes out more times than I care to share, but thank goodness I left the mascara at home. I am a small town girl living in a big city, so I can change my own tire and chop wood, but I can also rock a dress and killer heels. I thought I needed to give back, appreciate what I have, and learn about the world, so here I am. I am ready to experience something new and learn from people who live a life so different to mine.

When I toured around on day one I thought, this cant be real. This is staged. So many children, lonely, hungry, dirty, and all on their own. How do they live here? I was emotionally rocked and went to bed doubting my choice, my ability, and my person. “Who am I and what can I do?” Was on repeat in my head. The things I saw made me question so much about what I knew at home and also challenged me in ways I never imagined possible. I saw so much beauty and yet so much that was so wrong in my eyes. The children smile and laugh with such happiness, yet do not wear shoes, and seem to go without things I think they should have.

I woke up today with love in my heart but fear in my eyes. As we got to the job site I thought I was going to throw up from the nerves. I got of the bus and decided to dive in, it’s sink or swim time. I sifted, I lifted, I laughed and I played. The first brick I laid today, yes that I LAID, shot sparks through my veins and I felt every ounce of joy that I had seen on so many faces. I can do this, I will do this and I can change a life.

I’m just a girl but I made a difference today.

Heather ~ Hero Holiday volunteer 2013

Punched in the heart by love

Carson Graham – An Amazing Adventure

Today was an amazing adventure, we started off the day with an hour drive to a beach in a small bay. We spent all day tanning on the sand and drinking piña coladas (virgin ones, of course). We swam and snorkelled along the shore and saw tiny fish almost everywhere.

Later in the day, we took a small boat ride down a canal. From there we went to a reptile zoo, and as soon as we got there the owner brought out 8 week old puppies. One of the boys that worked there was joking around and pretended to feed a puppy to a crocodile; I screamed my face off as tears ran down my cheeks. I really believed he was going to do it, but he was just kidding. We finished off the day with a yummy dinner on the beach.

This trip has been just as amazing as last years, full of laughter, hope, and many tears. I will always remember this trip in a part of my heart. The Dominican has been so life changing and has given me many different outlooks on the world. The trip is nearing an end but I’m just as excited to be home and continue my journey to help.

Megan – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Volunteer, Domincan Republic, 2013

Carson Graham – Keys for a couple and caring for people

Today was a very hard and emotional day. We did the dedications for the dental clinic at monkey jungle, as well as Freddie and Mamas new home. We all got onto our busses at one o’clock and went to the dental center. The final project was so amazing it warmed my heart, everyone there was so happy and full of life. Chuck and Candy, the operators of Monkey Jungle where we were building the dental clinic, were both so happy about what we all accomplished there. I can’t put into words how it felt to walk into a room that would be saving peoples lives and helping people in need who never got the care they truly deserved, and then on top of that knowing that I contributed in making that happen. I am forever changed and will see things with such a different attitude and mindset, I am hoping to take that home with me and keep those thoughts and memories with me for the rest of my life. A couple of people were chosen to prepare a few words for Chuck and Candy as well as the head dentist at the clinic. Listening to what the people had written inspired me and made me so emotional. It was so nice to see those three people’s faces light up as well as everyone around them who contributed to make this all happen.

Carson Graham – The Ultimate Thrill

There’s nothing better than working together, alongside a group of people all for a common purpose. A rush of wanting and needing to complete the task overwhelms, and in that moment nothing feels better. I sometimes find myself complaining at home, whether it’s about school, work, or ‘there’s no food in my fridge’. On this trip, I’ve come to realize all of those are trivial and I should be so grateful. In the Dominican and many other parts of the world, there are kids who can’t go to school, Haitians who work in garbage dumps in order to make an income, and families that don’t even own proper refrigerators since they only get electricity 4 hours a day. 

Sophie – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Volunteer, Dominican Republic, 2013

Carson Graham – Things to Ponder…

Today was interesting! I really enjoyed my time at the medical clinic today! The mixing of the concrete was tough as usual and personally I have never seen a bigger concrete mix than the one we made today! The two different sites are very different from each other because of their location. Mama and Freddy’s house is completely remote from many other houses in the area. Monkey Jungle is some distance away, however with the medical clinic being so important it becomes a distance people are willing to travel. I had a weird moment today also, when I was hungry and I chose to buy a twix bar. This made me stop and think, because I didn’t realize how easy and normal it seemed for me to stop and buy a chocolate bar, but then I felt a sense of guilt come over me when I thought about how out of the ordinary it would be for Mama and Freddy. This was something so insignificant, but helped me see the reality of what poverty really means for so many people. Even more motivation to finish the clinic which will help thousands in the future!

With this being my third trip and my second one to the Dominican Republic, I have to address the comparisons between the trips. With Mexico being very different in many ways it is hard for me to make many connections although the two Dominican trips are very different. In my last trip I was building a latrine for a small village and this time a house for a beautiful couple. These projects are different yet similar in their own ways. I have really enjoyed both these trips although I credit the first one as being the most life-changing experience as it was the first time I was exposed to extreme poverty. This evening is the movie in a village and my recollection is that it will be truly amazing for both myself and the others with me!

Lucas – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Volunteer, Dominican Republic, 2013