Hit the Ground Running

Day 2: February 9, 2020

Today started with breakfast with our host families. We all met together at the Health Centre so we could take a walking tour of Yamasa with our guides/translators who are local high school students.

Our next challenge was to visit two Bateyes https://cotni.org/news/dominican-republic/2007/11/14/origin-dominican-batey and speak with the families who live there. We were told to prepare ourselves to see some extreme poverty. On three trucks, we travelled not far from Yamasa to 2 separate small villages. It is difficult to put into words what we actually saw. Although conditions have improved greatly over the years, for a first time visitor, it was definitely the most poverty I have ever experienced. Large families with small children living in small living spaces, with very little material items. When we arrived to the first Batey (Guazumita), there was a group of boys playing baseball. The students played tag with a group of children as well. There was a young woman who approached me and put her hand in mine, without saying a word. We continued on the next Batey where past groups have spent considerable time and money improving the conditions there. Two families graciously let us into their tiny homes so we could experience their living conditions.

We tried to focus on the people - talk to them, be with them. A humbling experience for all.
Back to our host families for lunch and a break from the hot afternoon sun. The late afternoon brought us back to the Health Centre where we dispersed into small groups to deliver “Friendship Kits.” These are large bags full of food (rice, oats, olive oil, beans, sardines, tomato paste, brown sugar, etc.). My group delivered 5 kits to families. We went into each home and spent some time visiting. Our translator was very helpful. Each family had their own unique story and we enjoyed our visits because the Dominican people were so thankful and happy for the visit and the much needed supplies. No matter what their situation, their gratitude and strong faith were clearly evident.

After a reflection on the day, we returned to our homes to get ready for supper. From 7-9pm, we all gather together for dinner with the group, our families, and guides/translators. The food is amazing and we are treated so well. After dinner, there was Dominican music and dancing! For the students, this is a fun, cultural highlight for them. 

Beginning the Journey

Day 1: February 8, 2020

This is the 31st year that the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board has taken a group of students and staff to Yamasa, Dominican Republic. Many teachers and students before me have experienced this trip and I felt called to go this year, not knowing what to fully expect, but I was assured that it would be life changing. So I packed up my fiddle and a carry-on for my personal items as well as a 50lbs. suitcase full of supplies for the medical clinic in Yamasa and off I went as the only elementary teacher.

16 students and 5 adults arrived at the Santo Domingo airport around noon on February 8. We were greeted by Dominican friends/tour guides/ translators who assisted us with luggage and they boarded us onto two small buses. We drove a short distance to a rest stop by the Caribbean Sea and were given lunch.

We continued the journey to the town of Yamasa by bus. I was not prepared for the amount of garbage I would see along the way. It was shocking! Around 4 pm we arrived to Yamasa and to the health centre that our schools have supported so generously over the years. We unloaded all of the medical supplies and clothing that we strategically had packed. It was a tremendous amount! We were all dropped off to our host families for an early dinner and some much needed time to relax. Jodi and I were staying with a family of a dentist and a supermarket store owner. They have 3 teenagers.

At 7 pm, we all gathered with our host families for Mass at Parroquia San Jose de Yamasa. It was so joyful even though I could understand very little in Spanish. There was a lot of clapping and very beautiful music. We were all recognized at the end of Mass for our contributions to their community. We all returned home with our host families for much needed rest!