Dominican Republic Recap!

The flag shown above is that of the Dominican Republic, or República Dominicana in Spanish. I left with a group from Grove City College for 2 weeks (May 19-31) to a town called Jarabacoa, and after the 2 week trip I lived with Brian and Sissy Entrekin until the 24th of June. While there I spent my time working with a missions organization called Students International. I helped out in construction, sports, art, education, and optometry. I had a wonderful time and can truly say it was a life changing experience. Let me tell you about it :)

For the first 2 weeks, while with my Grove City group, I worked on construction with two other guys. The work included constructing a house, doing yard work for a special education school, and working around the Students International Site. Overall the work was tough and hot, but I survived. I worked closely with a group of Dominican Workers and enjoyed time in conversation and just spending time together working hard!

After coming home from our work sites every day we had an activity in the evening. For Tuesday we had a cultural night, which included dancing Meringue (the national dance of the Dominican Republic), listened to the history of the DR, and played a local game. Wednesday we had team time and discussed our expectations for the trip. Thursday we ate dinner in the community with a person from our site. Friday we worked on our outreach night (which would be next Wednesday). Saturday we went to a waterfall during the day and shopped and ate in Jarabacoa in the evening. Sunday we attended church and had a prayer time, and in the evening listened to the director's testimony and how he got to the DR. Monday night we had a poverty experience that included role playing a poor family and almost not eating anything. Tuesday we had team time. Wednesday we had our events, and I worked as a puppet prompter and translator for a girl who gave her testimony. Thursday we had a re-entry team time, and Friday we had our banquet and final good-byes! That was just the first 2 weeks! Another post on the other 3 weeks is soon to come :)

Chappy