Let Your Light Shine

Day 5: February 12, 2020

After breakfast, our host father, Jose, motioned for Jodi and I to put our shoes on and come outside to the backyard. We had no idea they had a little hobby farm back there! They have about 30 chickens (Dominicans eat A LOT of chicken), a large pregnant pig and about 10 rabbits (7 baby bunnies too!).

Our whole group met at 8 am at the Health clinic. We boarded a bus to take us to the Marguerite D’Youville centre (a community college for women). We toured the facilities and then the girls had an opportunity to get their hair braided. Me too!

The young woman who braided my hair had her young daughter with her. I had the opportunity to give her some Canadian swag and entertain her a little bit while her mom was busy braiding.

We boarded the bus again and took a 30 minute drive into the mountains, crossing a mini river on the way!

We arrived at Brigido Nolasco School (sister school of St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Renfrew). This high school is smaller and more rural compared to the other schools that we have visited. Canadian students played volleyball and basketball with the Dominican students before going inside for presentations and lunch.

The true friendship between our two countries and two schools was solidified further today. There were beautiful performances and words spoken by both Dominicans and Canadians at the presentation ceremony. 

After the performances, Mia donated her ukulele to the school. I was so proud of her! The principal was so proud to receive it from her. I’ve already thought about coming back here another time and what I would want to bring or contribute to improve things further in Yamasa. Next time, I won’t bring my personal fiddle, but one that I can play and then donate to a school. Who lights a candle and then hides it? Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew, 5:15-16.

The lunch was made with pure love, all outdoors - no kitchen facilities here. So delicious! 

After our traditional evening meal, we took all our host families and Dominican friends out for ice cream to show our appreciation for helping us this week. 

 This is Jocelyn (my host sister) and I having some ice cream. She is so sweet! I muddle my way through with some broken Spanish in our conversations, but we mostly just enjoy each other’s company when we are together. She’s got some serious Dominican dance moves and always lets her light shine!