An experience we were not expecting…
Today was a life-changing day, it was day two of building and making a change. As we went into Arroyo Secco, Garcia was waiting our arrival with five women. We broke up into pairs and each went with one mother or grandmother to their house. These women were incredible. They were so happy to see us come into their homes that they gave us a tour and showed us every detail of their home. I went into a home that would have been the size of my kitchen area back in Canada but they have made it into four rooms with six people living there, (a grandmother, her brother, the father, and three sons). Seeing how the grandmother worked around the house was an eye opener. There was no dishwasher or laundry machine, everything was done by hand. The way she cooked was like she was making a new creation. No recipe or measuring cups, just her mixing different ingredients in and tasting it, adding the things she felt was missing.
It amazes me how mature the children are in the household. They do not have to be asked to clean something or pick something up and they always keep everything so tidy. As we were watching and helping the grandmother cook lunch for the family, the nine-year-old boy mopped the floors while a six year old did the dishes. Back home most of us as seventeen and eighteen don’t mop the floors or do the dishes and if we are asked to do something we complain. This shows how much we take for granted.
The grandmother walked around with so much pride in her house and was so glad we came. When we left the boys and grandmother gave us big hugs and kisses and told us to visit any time.
After leaving the grandmother’s house, we made our way to the building site, which has made a huge progress. All the walls are up and have been covered in meccla. I cannot wait for the rest of the week. Tomorrow we are at the garbage dump, which will also be a life changing experience!
– Melani
The first two days in Dominican have been absolutely amazing! The weather is beautiful, the people are so friendly, and the house we are building is going up fast. When we arrived Saturday, we toured Sousa and the surrounding areas. We drove to a community called La Union and were able to tour a part of the neighborhood where many of the children of the workers from the dump live. The instant our group stepped off of our bus we were bombarded by love and affection from these children! They ran to give us hugs and everyone was just touched by the trust and love these kids had shown. One thing that amazed me on the first two days was just how kind everyone is. Everyone we say hello to instantly smiles and waves right back. Just knowing that one simple word can make someone who doesn’t have a lot a little bit happier amazes me!
We later met the family we would be building the house for. The family of eight (five young girls, a grandmother, a grandfather, and father) were living in a house the size of my living room. I felt guilty knowing that my family of four live in a house with so much space to spare, and that a family double that size are living in a small house, covered in mold, and made of tin panels.
Today we went to begin building and to play with the children at the local church. Even though it was so hot and the work was very hard, I was motivated and ‘adrenalized’ to work hard, because I knew I would be making a difference. Once we got to the church which is just down the road, I was excited to jump right in to play with the children. Even though it is difficult to communicate with them, through their actions they were able to show us that they were grateful no matter what game they were playing or what person they were with.
I cannot wait for the rest of the trip and all the adventures we will go on! Tomorrow night we are going to be watching the movie ‘Tangled; with children in La Union and continue building the house and will make a change!
– Courtney
Tuesday was another beautiful day in Puerto Plata and a day off for all of us. Many WestJetters felt they needed to be onsite but realized the time off was much deserved. We also needed this time to reflect and process all that we have seen and learned. Not to mention we needed to rest our bodies from all the lifting, carrying, mixing and pouring.
Today was garbage dump day. THE day I equally feared and looked forward to most. Who would have known it would turn out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Hands down. Bar none.
It is day 2 of building in Aguas Negras and the feeling of joy and happiness is in the air. WestJetters, contractors, translators and the owners of the homes have been hard at work in all conditions, from scorching heat to rainstorms. To see the sense of determination in everyone’s eyes to complete these homes is inspiring.