2, Ago 2016 (Posted one day late due to internet connectivity issues; photo to be attached later!)
Today marks our one week glimpse into the lives of the Dominican people. With today marking our 6th daily topic; Poverty. We got to experience what poverty looks like here.
The day was filled with tear jerking new experiences that allowed us to perceive how local Dominicans live their lives. We juxtaposed our lives throughout the day and came to a shocking realization that America and the Dominican Republic actually aren’t that different. Poverty presents itself in many shapes and forms; it may not affect us all in the same way but we are now aware that the cycle is hard to break. In the Dominican Republic jobs have been created in order to help employ some people at La Estacion de Transferencia. The people here work to sort trash before it goes to its final resting place at la Duquesa. One can imagine Estacion de Transferencia as a giant water bottle recycling site. Except, instead of just recycling bottles, people are going through bags on top of bags of trash that come from all parts of the country. They are looking for things that can be refurbished such as jewelry, paper, plastics, and cardboard. People work 12 hour shifts, just for the possibility that there may be something of value. On average there is only a 30% chance of finding something that can be resold. This environment is physically and emotional draining on the people that work here.
After we left La estacion de transferencia we were given a chances to internalize what we had just witnessed. We broke into our Self-Reflection groups and were able to discuss our feelings, a new perspective on how we in the United States live, and how we’d like to change ourselves and the world. Our question of the day was about the cycle of poverty and how difficult it is for families and individuals to break that cycle, and this was a strong reminder of how difficult this is, and what poverty looks like.
Hi Ally:
Reading Malcolm’s blog just brought tears to my eyes…….and I came to a realization of how we many times take our life here in the United States for granted. I was very touched to read further that you all are getting a small “glimpse” of a normal day for the locals. I hope your day was exactly what you had anticipated and more. Please get plenty of rest, so you’re ready for plenty of experience the next day.
Love you baby girl
Mummy and papa and the entire gang.
Hi,son
You wrote a great piece today. I also wrote you on the globel day, I hope you seen it. What an experience you all had today. Yeah there is poverty everywhere. I hope this day and the reflection of poverty helped you all to realize how important it is to excel in school, or just be ready to prepare yourselves to work hard in your adult lives so that hard times don’t fall on you. You all stay strong and always optimistic.
I love you son , keep up the good work and I hope to talk to you soon.
Mom
Hi Malcolm,
I’m extremely moved by your posting. You showed so much insight and reflection. I hope you are enjoying your experience. Can’t wait to hear about every detail. Miss you and see you soon!
Love,
Auntie Yvette
Hello??Jay,
I got worried for a little bit cuz I’ve been checking this blog every day & their was no post but now I can breathe? Reading this post got me all emotional. It reminded me of growing up in the Philippines. We didn’t have very much either! We had to work hard for what we needed & we appreciated on what we had! I am glad you got to experience & witness it! Sometimes we take for granted on how privileged we are to live in America! Be grateful & appreciate what you have because their are people out there who are still wishing they have what you got! Learn from this experience, work hard for what you need/want & you will achieve anything you set your mind to! We miss you mucho! Always be safe my son??
❤️Mama
Hi Claudia; like always, I’m late again, but I just wanted to say that this blog was so sad, just to think that’s the reality for so many people, I can imagine how hard it was for you guys to see, I think it’s also a way to open your minds and think about your future. How can each of you make your mark and make a difference in this life that can be beneficial for yourself and others.
Take care,
Claudia we love you and miss you so much.
I yo you☺️
Hey Nephew,
I’m so proud of you for embarking on this journey poverty is multifaceted and effects families all over the world. As you embrace and accept the inequalities that exists one can only desire to help those less fortunate than ourselves. True altruism can only be accomplished by an individual who dedicates themself whole heartedly to the people; you have started an endless lifelong journey of reaching this continue on your path and don’t look back. Les Brown says “life has no limitations except for the ones you make”, believe in yourself continue to keep God first in all that you do. I heard someone say the graveyard is the richest place in the world once people die with dreams not accomplished, talents wasted, inventions never invented all because someone was afraid to step out on faith. You don’t have to worry about this because you continue to press forward. I’ll see you when you get back my man stay away from the Domination girls stary focused keep your eye on the Prize!!
Much Love,
Uncle Will…
Hey Malc!
Sounds like you are learning a lot out there. I hope you are enjoying your experience! I can’t wait to see you little cousin. I miss you!
Love,
Kera