Heading
This morning started off on the right note, with warm cheese quesadillas, sweet pineapple, and savory sausages. With full bellies, we packed up and left around 9:15 for Los Alcarrizos, a town just outside of Santo Domingo, ready for a full day of learning, serving, and connecting.
We boys spent the morning at the local youth center, where we rolled up our sleeves to help paint some of the walls and connect with local teens. It was a great chance to serve in a hands-on way and make some fast friendships through shared effort and laughter.
Meanwhile, the girls headed to the Days for Girls Center, where we spent a few hours packing reusable feminine hygiene kits and instructions. We worked alongside local women who patiently showed us the process — and even got to hang out with the organizer’s granddaughters, who definitely kept the conversation lively! After our work, we regrouped for a shared lunch with everyone which consisted of chicken, rice, beans and fried plantain! — locals, organizers, and teammates — under the blazing 35°C sun we made sure to stay hydrated!!
After lunch, Carlos– the organizer in Juan Tomas in partnership with Hungry for Life– gave us a ride to the gondolas which to our surprise is part of the Dominican Republic’s public transportation system. Floating above Los Alcarrizos, we got an amazing view of the city and surrounding mountains. Who knew such beauty was tucked right here?
We reunited with the boys, who had just won a volleyball tournament, and made our bumpy drive home. Back in Juan Tomás, we played a quick game of “kill” (a volleyball circle game) with some locals before digging into dinner: chicken wings, mashed potatoes, fresh salad — and a surprise, dessert!
So far we have been amazed by the rain that comes at around 6:00 p.m. every night, and as we write this it rains again, we are grateful for the refreshment however we also keep in mind those who don’t have a proper roof over their heads and we pray for them! We are thankful for the memories, and the way that God continues to provide for his people! Praise God today and always!
