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Today began after a good night’s sleep. We felt rested, but we’re also starting to feel the finish line approaching. Hard to believe that including today, we only have three days of work left. Over the last two days in Batay Vasca, we’ve been slowly building trust with the parents through our parents’ group and women’s health training.
We went into today with open hearts, open minds, and absolutely no expectations. We understand that discussing violence—and even sitting for a full day of learning—is something completely new for many residents in this village. When we first arrived, we had no idea how many people would show up. We hoped for 25. At first it looked like it would be a very small group, but as people slowly trickled in, we ended up with 28 engaged participants, all ready to learn.
To break up the long day, we shared singing, dancing, and stretching breaks. During our discussion groups, when participants were asked to identify the causes of violence in their community, the room erupted into meaningful, thoughtful conversations. We were so proud to see all three groups identify multiple causes, speaking honestly and bravely.
One of the groups was made up of elders. They challenged us with their fears about speaking openly to foreigners, worried that discussing problems from the past could lead to serious consequences. Yet by the end of the session, they expressed gratitude, relief, and appreciation for the support we brought. Many of them gave me a big hugs as they left—a moment I’ll carry with me.
We also had so much fun with the children who joined their parents throughout the day. It was wonderful to share a meal with everyone and to be able to provide drinks and snacks for all. Even when the power went out and we lost our fans, it was still an incredibly meaningful and joy-filled day.
After returning to our guest house, we enjoyed a peaceful walk on the beach to take in some Dominican culture and the beauty around us. We ended the day with a great discussion session with the team—and we definitely weren’t upset about the delicious ice cream after dinner.
Another full, rich day in Batay Vasca. Our hearts are tired and full all at once.
