Thursday, February 16
Our much anticipated trip is finally a reality - today we leave for the DR. Two grannies, 6 suitcases filled with supplies, one backpack and one camera case.....hope we aren't overweight on any of our bags. We are almost holding our breath as each suitcase is placed on the scale. One of Karen's is about 8 pounds over, so we shuffle and make some quick adjustments. As my last suitcase is weighed in it tips the scale 20 lbs OVER! We knew the minute we walked up that our check-in attendant was not going to budge one inch on weight and after a unsuccessful attempt at appealing to her soft side we conceded and made some quick decisions. Needless to say, the Tootsie Pops for the students did not make the trip with us. For the most part we were able to take down everything we had hoped.
The traveling went smoothly and we arrived in the DR just before 10 pm as expected. It was heartwarming to see Karen and Carrie hug after not seeing each other since Carrie & Eddy's wedding in August, 2011. And Eddy being the wise man that he is greeted Karen with "Hello Momma!". We spent the first night at Eddy's sisters house sleeping on a double bed under a mosquito net. The walls in the home are built about 6 feet up but there are no ceilings. The tin roof shelters the home from the elements but does nothing to keep the sound contained to one room. We tried to keep our giggles down as we crawled under the net which is tucked tightly under the mattress on all sides. Turning on the light was not an option because that would luminate the entire house so the flashlight came in handy. The homes here are very simply furnished and are spotlessly clean. Most food for the day is purchased from local colmados and prepared the same day so many homes do not have a refrigerator and sometimes the cooking is done outdoors. The home we stayed in has no closets which is typical, but each family member has so few clothes and possessions that they are not needed. Eddy's sister has two daughters Adriani and Adriana and in the morning their little faces peaked into our room to see the Americano women who were their house guest. The language was a barrier but it is amazing what a candy bar and a few hugs can do. The Dominicans are a warm, caring people who go to great extremes to make you feel welcome and comfortable.
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| live, love, eat |
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| at o'hare, ready to go |
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| no suckers for the kids, thanks to this lady |
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| reorganizing suitcases |
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| arriving in the DR |
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| Karen and Carrie |
The group from Crown Point, Ind. Christian Reformed Church is here. Thursday, they finished their job of building a wall around the school and building cabinets in the office. Friday they go to the beach and we will be joining them. We are looking forward to hearing about their week and enjoying a little time of relaxation before we start our work project on Monday. - Ruth
So Day One Mission: Accomplished!
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