Today we started off a little slow, but breakfast (pancakes and eggs) got us all back on our feet. We began the day heading to Santo Domingo, a suburb of Las Tablas, to begin our journey living with a local. Everyone split up into four groups, each group having one Spanish speaker to translate. One group went to a field owned by Lucila, one group went and worked in a store with Maralina, and another group did house chores with Martha. The goal of the day was to see what an average Saturday was like in Santo Domingo.
My group went to “Negra’s” house. Negra is not her real name, but people in the town like to give people nicknames based off of physical character traits. No one in our group knows her real name. We began walking around the small town, and I immediately noticed how welcoming and sweet everyone was. We were greeted by lots of “Holas” y “Buenas.” That warmed my heart because you realize that it is not about how much money or stuff that you have, it is about how you appreciate the little things and embrace those around you that is important. You always have to make the most of what you have.
After greeting pretty much everyone in the town, my group took a long (hot) walk to “cerra la teta.” This is a landmark for Santo Domingo because that was the original name of the town. Next, we had sandwiches for lunch and mangos that my group picked from a tree. Then, we took a bus back to our hotel. We rested, had meetings, and of course, played Uno. Even though I got 16+ cards, it was still fun haha. Before dinner, we took a tour of our city, Las Tablas. At the end of the tour, we got Popsicles! What a pleasant surprise at the end of a hot day.
Dinner was chicken and chow mein with a fruit drink on the side. After dinner we had our nightly meeting and then it was bed time. We were all exhausted, and after a few more games of Uno,we were out.
Overall, it was such an amazing day and I loved learning about what it was like to be a local. What I will take from it, is that I will appreciate the little things I have and I will embrace my connections with those around me. Happiness does not come from your personal situation (whether you are rich or poor), it comes from what you make of it.
I’m so proud of you sis! You are such an amazing and giving person I’m so glad you get to help out the community like you do for me. I love and miss you but I’ll see you soon! Have fun <3
Hi, Rebekah!
I can’t wait to hear all about your experience living like a local.
Love,
Mom
Hey Bria,
I am so proud of u B!! Chris, Gabe, Raylynn, Lailonnie, Nana, Dar Dar and Nat miss u so very much. We can’t wait to see and hear all that yr doing there.
Love U!!
Love,
Mom
Hola Riss! I love seeing these pics of you guys. You all look like you are enjoying this amazing experience! I love and miss you so so much!!
Xoxo,Ma
Hola Riss
That’s a cute shirt you’re holding. Wish I could go shopping there. Have fun
Love you lots!!!
Grandma
Hey Kaitlyn!
Love the pics and daily reports. Looks like you’re all having fun and getting into the local life. Hope the shaved ice you had the first day didn’t give anyone problems! HA!
Have fun!
Love you!
xoxo Mom & Dad
Hey Kait!
Morgan Hill isn’t the same without you. Words can’t describe how much I miss my bestie right now and I have so much tea for you lol. Hope everything is going amazing and I can’t wait to hear about this amazing experience when you get back! Wish i could of gone but I love you and I hope you are having loads of fun (:
Julie M <3
Hi, Mya-Booie! Love the pics of you & your fellow travelers…what a great thing you all are doing in volunteering your summertime…VERY proud of you. Embrace the remainder of your time there and looking forward to seeing you soon & hearing all about it.
love ya!
Gung-Gung & Paw-Paw
Hi Kaitlyn,
Nice to see you’re leading the group to learn about saving turtles & developing relationships as you “live like a local” & yes, happiness is a choice you make every day – independent of the situation you are in. Appreciate all the little things throughout your journey & we look forward to seeing more of your pictures & hearing about your adventures when you return – Safe travels…
love you, uncle steve & auntie Barbara