Today we had an Academic Seminar about the Batey. Bateys are communities in the Dominican Republic that developed around the sugar industry and are some of the most impoverished and isolated communities in the Dominican Republic. Our group went to the Batey Libertad and met some people that lived in the community of the batey. We did a warm up activity and it was very exciting to meet these people and to see the excitement on their faces to meet us. We got spilt up into groups and had lunch with our host families. While we were in their homes we also got a chance to get to know them a little bit better. We got a chance to get a tour of the batey and got a chance to ask questions and see their community. Our group got spilt up into smaller groups to talk to the people that lived in the community and got a chance to ask them questions about their daily lives. Some of them expressed how they don’t really have that much support with their identity. Another thing that uplifted the group spirit was having a chance to play with the kids. We played games and we read to the kids and to see the smiles on their faces brought us joy and made the day even better.
Throughout the day it was good for us to get to know about the batey and what their community is like. While we were in our groups we asked questions about themselves, but something that really got my attention was about their identity. They told us how long it takes for them to become a citizen of the DR. They told us that if they get stopped by the police and they have no documentation on them being a citizen in the DR, they would get sent to Haiti. It was a depressing moment to have to see these people live this every day and nothing is being done about it. It made me realize how lucky we are to have the life we have, because people are struggling every day and we watching it happen made me appreciate everything that I have.
Carter,
Looks like another amazing day. Loved seeing smiles on your face, the GG and the all the children. Keep up the good work and enjoy your last days in the DR. Still really jealous but can’t wait to hear about your trip soon. Love you mom and dad
PS you aren’t missing much back home so enjoy DR
Aww so happy that your getting this opportunity to see and hear what others go through and how good you have it. This is an important lesson for humanity. We tend to take things that we are blessed to have for granted. I love seeing the pictures and the group interacting with one another. I can’t wait to see you and hear more about your journey. We love and miss you so very much. I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments. You are doing a good job …Mommy on the count down make everyday something spectacular. Love forever and always Mommy brother and LJ
This sounds like another eye opening experience for all. Thank you for sharing your days with us at home.
Bronte, we hope you are enjoying your final days in Moca. See you soon ;).
Hey Tam!
I’m so sorry for not being able to keep up with your trip blogs but I’m catching up on it right now! I hope you’re having LOTS AND LOTS of fun in the DR. Remember the convo he had about whether it’s hotter than VN? Is it really? IM SO EXCITED TO HEAR ALL ABOUT YOUR TRIP WHEN YOU COME BACK! Enjoy the remaining days and REMEMBER, NO REGRETS, SO do put in your all and try everything you want! (Of course it has to be legal though HAHA)!!! HAVE FUN TAM!
“B Im Gone” :))
PS! LO SIENTO for missing your blog when you were el Lider del dia! 😀