Ain't Nobody Got Time for Titles

I cannot believe today was our last day of service! We have really gotten to know this community so well and they've become our new, unforgettable Dominican family. I'm also really proud of our AB group and all we have accomplished this week. In 4 days of service, we completed painting the entrance to the barrio, transferred two giant piles of rocks into the foundation of the houses, helped the students put on a play for their friends and family, bonded with the preschoolers in the Monetessori school, and had a bunch of other awesome adventures along the way.

Today was emotional but also a very productive day. It was really amazing to see so many people show up with enthusiasm to see the young starts perform in Little Red Riding Hood. They were clapping, cheering, laughing and video taping the whole time and I was just overwhelmed with happiness because of the huge sense of community Barrio Blanco shows.

It is going to be so hard to pack up and leave Cabarete tomorrow because it has truly been one of the most amazing, inspirational, and touching experiences I've ever had. The people I've gotten to know on this trip have taught me so much that I will definitely take back home with me. Watching the whole community smiling and waving to us as we walked out of the barrio for the last time today truly touched my heart. I will never be able to forget this incredible experience.

-Kristina   

I don't want to go home!!

This trip has gone by so much faster than I wanted it to. It is already Thursday night and I cannot even come to terms with myself returning home in two days. The community we have been working in (Barrio Blanco) has had such a huge impact on my life and how I view the world. Yesterday was my first time assisting in an ESL class consisting of mostly adults, seeing the smiles on their faces when learning with different activities really brought a smile to my face.

Today was a very emotional day for most of us, because it was our last day working within the barrio and seeing the people that we have all connected with on a personal level. The final project that I worked on within the school, was a production of little red riding hood. This was part of a new program called Young Stars, this was the first time that most of these children have ever participated in a theater production. The fact that everything came together in two days and seeing the excitement in the children's faces when performing was so uplifting. We invited people within the barrio to watch and the variety of people that attended really showed the dedication that the people have to their community.


When we said our final goodbyes and were leaving the barrio, a group of people from the community came out and cheered for us saying thank you for all of our work. That really touched me to see the impact that we had on the community and to see how we all learned things from each other, we basically formed one unit. It was so hard for me to leave the kids and this community, I know for a fact that I want to try and come back to see their progress and possibly volunteer again.  This was honestly the best trip I have ever been on!!!

-Kaylin

Wednesday!

Today was the first day of non-stop, hard work all day , or "chuckin' rocks" as its been called from time to time.   Several buildings are in the process of being built in Barrio Blanco, the flood-prone and lagoon-surrounded town we are working in.  Because of the danger of floods, the new houses that are being constructed are elevated, and their bases need to be filled in with rocks.  Much of the time was spent moving massive piles of stones into the bases of the buildings by literally picking them up and throwing them.  This is a much more intense workout than it sounds, especially when shovels, wheelbarrows and ramps are thrown into the dynamic.  After an awesome dinner, several of us went back to the school house to teach an English class run by Ron's wife, Margo. 

I've learned that the community's involvement in the trip is extremely important to the morale of our team.  For example, by the time 3 o'clock rolls around, one can be pretty exhausted from chuckin' rocks in hot sun all day.  All it really takes is a someone from Barrio Blanco to come and join you in the effort to find your second (or third, or forth) wind.  Also, the reflection sessions have been incredible.  Being able to process all the things that you had to take in during the day through talking and critical thinking makes the concepts stick.  It also allows for things that may be upsetting to be processed.  This is the beauty of the overall AB mission. It is really a full community service and learning experience that you can leave with and take with you forever.  Hopefully to do more good in a community down the road!

Midweek Slump...NAHT!

Evening y'all,

Everything is going great! We are powering through our service projects: both walls (about a quarter mile of concrete) are now painted a gorgeous sky blue, our performance of La Caperucita Roja–Little Red Riding Hood–is almost ready for opening night...well, afternoon, and Obi's house foundation is really coming along. Spirits are high, energy is through the roof, and we're getting some oh so very nice sun ;).

The group has really bonded so much this week. We're becoming more than a team, we're a family now. Everyone is an asset and I honestly could not imagine the trip without any one of them. I think we're all doing a great job of supporting each other as we step outside our comfort zones and really delve deep into what we're encountering in Barrio Blanco. I'm very proud of everyone and I cannot believe tomorrow's our last day of service! Eeeep!

Cheers,
Nicole

Dream Team, a haiku

Sunny day, good food
Serving the community
Blisters hurt ouch ouch

Ben Ozenberger

Breaking Down Walls by Painting Them Blue

Today, like every day here so far, has been special in it's own way because of the obstacles we've broken down by becoming more familiar with the community of Barrio Blanco. The obstacles I'm mainly talking about of course arise from the language barrier with the community. Even as someone who has spoken Spanish since I was five, I have found it difficult to communicate solely with spoken word, because I can't respond with the same rhythm as members of the community use to speak to me. Today however, I really felt a difference. I don't know if it was that I'm getting more comfortable with the community or if the community is more comfortable with our group as a whole. I'm going to say it's both. Not that painting hasn't been fun these past two days, but today I really started talking to and joking around with some of the kids that were painting with us, and the two and a half hours we painted absolutely flew by. Especially when one of the boys decided to play a prank on me by hiding his chicken behind his back and surprising me by shoving it in my face. That may sound sarcastic, but I love pranks and thought it was hysterical. It also gave me something to joke about with the kids whenever I saw them throughout the day.
I also have noticed the members of group that aren't necessarily that comfortable with Spanish, really trying to immerse themselves and learn the language in simple phrases and words. It's been really interesting for me to observe those members of the group communicate with the kids because it has to be on a non-verbal level. You really have to get creative sometimes, but usually simple gestures do the trick. It's much easier for me to communicate with the community because I can speak Spanish, but it's really inspiring to be around my friends who are so eager to learn the language and have really picked up an insane amount. I couldn't be any happier to be a part of this group and here in this community.
In the afternoon, we got to do an activity with the older kids in the Young Stars program that combined my three favorite things, so as you can imagine, I was over the moon. We combined Theatre, Spanish, and working with kids, in one by beginning to work on a small production within the class of "Little Red Riding Hood" or "La Caperucita Roja." The most wonderful part about working for the two and a half hours on this project was how excited all of the kids were about it, from the kids who are going to be the main characters, to the kids who are going to be the trees of the forest, to the kids who were making the costumes and helping design and paint the set. It was absolutely beautiful. I hope that their families come out on Thursday to see the show, especially because none of these kids have really done anything like this before and it's bound to be the most special. The joy these kids had while creating the world of the play was contagious and has carried me through the rest of the day, regardless of how exhausted I am.
I can't wait for Thursday!!

MUCHOS BESOS XOXOXOOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Naomi

I Had No Idea The Power of Immersing Myself Into Another Culture (Its just the start)

Today was, believe it or not, an even more exciting day! We began bright and 
early. Breakfast was an amazing omelette with ham and cheese, but just to 
clarify, everything is a little different here. I had a unique juice, I think it 
was called guapo or something. We started our day in the rain. It rains on and 
off all the time. This morning I worked with the Montessori preschool. The 
children are so tame and diligent. My little Haitian three year old was able to 
do some fun block pattern games that some volunteers couldn't figure out. Some 
people helped build houses. I contributed the beautification process by

 painting the entrance to the community. While in the community, I have periodically

 seen my friend who is deaf and mute. I began to make attempt at signing to her. 

We took pictures today on my camera.I was able to communicate with her through sign a little bit 
during that interaction. After working with the preschoolers, we had lunch, which was
food from a new catering business within the barrio, a mother and daughter pair. It was SO 
delicious. But we were back to work right away, our group is so productive that 
we keep running out of supplies. 
That's not all, in the evening we went on a trip with some of the Dominican 
leaders to this jungle tour where I met some lovely animals. 
Friends and family would be proud of the way I faced my fears to touch some interesting little 
guys. After that we took a boat ride, similar to air boat rides in Florida.  
This was amazing because there were so many farm animals along side the water 
that you would never have seen in the US. Pigs and cows were roaming free. After 
the boat ride we learned some more salsa and meringue dance. We drank 
"coco-locos" from fresh coconuts and had an amazing fresh Dominican dinner. 
I was able to watch them cook it. It is lovely how close the Dominicans and 
Haitians are in the communities we are visiting. They share a small island and 
often that brings conflict. The dinner was way more than we could have asked for 
and the family that made it seemed to be made up of a mix of both cultures.  
Following the dinner was a bonfire and dance performance. The acrobatics were 
similar to street performances with the addition of the children breathing fire 
and standing on their uncle's legs and jumping through his legs while he was in 
handstand position. 
After all of the activities for the day are over we have a daily reflection and 
including very  informative and sometimes political discussions/activities. 
Today we defined service, helping, and fixing. We also discovered more 
commonalities.  The reflection actives are fun but sometimes extensive. I am 
learning a lot about everyone's personality, and about many political issues. 
Luckily they give us luxurious down time to enjoy ourselves for 45 minutes after 
each meal. 
This has really been an experience that has already opened my mind and made me 
more grateful for what I have and what I can give back. Two men who lead the 
program retired and chose to do something life changing instead of vacationing 
once they turned 55 or 60 years old.  These are our guides at the project. They 
impress me each day. These people are truly inspirational. 

Never Forget.

To start on a comical note, I realized that I have underestimated the power of sunscreen. However that is probably the only complaint I have about this extravagant adventure.  My focus is on Monday, the 18. Our group completed one wall and we were able to get some hands-on experience working with the kids. I am so humbled by every aspect of Dominican hospitality. Literally almost everyone treats us like family and the two Dominican friends of ours Otto and Oby are some of the nicest people I have ever met.
Nothing is perfect, and there are some flaws with this program. However, I have learned to take everything with a grain of salt as I know the other perspectives have legitimate issues that are being dealt with as best they can.
Lastly, the jungle tour was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever lived to see.
- a zoo
- a boat tour of a Dominican river
- docking the boat at the beach with pavilions and a BBQ
- a bonfire at night with a dance show
I hope I never forget this experience with some amazing people.


Cyrus

Day One ... from Paulina

Wow ... How can I even begin to describe our first day in the Dominican Republic. Nothing anyone said could have prepared me for the five minute walk that took us from our sea side hotel to the Barrio Blanco, a neighborhood that is the textbook picture of poverty. As we walked through the wide walled alley that took us into the barrio, the sides were littered with plastic and bottles, and people wandered smiling and waving through the uneven muddy streets. First in line was our tour to look at the neighborhood, the largest school building with the small room in the back that was the health clinic, while Angela explained to me how delighted they were to finally have access to basic medical care and a doctor two days a week. Our first task was to clean up the large walkway through which we had just entered, and I looked skeptically at the 50 or so yards waiting our small teams of volunteers. I walked a considerable distance up the road with my trash bag and gloves, to start on a large pile of torn up plastic bags, plants and bottles. To my surprise, one by one the people in the barrio, young and old came out to help us scoop and dig all the trash and litter, and we finished at an alarming rate compared to what I had originally thought. The enthusiasm of the town .... wow. I could not feel more blessed and amazed, after just one day.

The Eternal Knot

Welcome to the Dominican Republic, home of platanos, tostones, some of the most beautiful beaches, gorgeous people, fast Spanish accents, bachata, and some of the biggest disparities that exist in terms of livelihood. The gap between the rich and the poor is extremely noticeable as soon as you walk around the streets and get familiar with the neighborhood. Barrio Blanco, a neighborhood that is more or less a 10 minute walk from La Punta, where our hotel is, is in extreme poverty conditions in comparison to the nice hotel we stay at. Barrio Blanco has clear evidence of poverty, from the shanty houses that surround the Montessori School run by the DREAM Project that we will be working with, to the lack of clothing that the children have, and lack of resources and opportunities that are available to the people in this community. Despite being born in South America's poorest country and being aware of inequalities that exist there, which are very similar to the realities of the Dominican Republic, it is still heartbreaking to see how prevalent poverty is and the effects that it has on a community.

Yet despite being in what seems to be like a hopeless situation, there is so much hope in the eyes of the children in Barrio Blanco. Their smiling faces, motivation to work and help their community, and their contagious spirit is unlike anything I've ever experienced with complete strangers. I can't exactly explain what this feels like, it's one of the things that you have to experience for yourself and be in the moment to fully understand. I'm extremely excited to work with the children and to see what impact I can have on their lives. I can't wait to see their enthusiasm in school and in other areas as the week progresses.

Something that was sort of the highlight of my day besides the amazing cute and inspirational children, had to be Ron. Ron is an American from Oregon that had came to Cabarete with his college buddies to do some wind sailing (something that Cabarete is known for). Then one day, while drying off after hanging out in the bath tub at his hotel, he noticed Barrio Blanco which was the neighborhood right next to the hotel. He couldn't believe what he saw and eventually he decided that he wanted to contribute more and to really use his life to make a difference in a community that really needed it. His story was heartwarming and inspirational and it was amazing to see how humanity comes together at the end of the day to help each other out. Ultimately, we are all connected to one another, and one's suffering is also the suffering of another person, and one's happiness is also another's happiness. If this day has taught me anything it's that despite one's circumstance, one's background, and one's experiences, we are all interconnected. I'm really excited to see what this experience teaches me about me and about the people here in La Republica Dominicana. :)

-By: Karen Guzman

Wide Smiles and Blue Walls

Hey everyone!

After getting in last night at about a quarter after 11 and going to sleep at about 1am, we woke up at 7:45 ready to get to work. First thing, we ate a wonderful breakfast with some delicious coffee on the side (likely to be my favorite time of the day).

Then, after a quick introduction to the leaders of the Dream Project, we went to our work site to see the buildings will be working on as well as the wonderful people in the community of Barrio Blanco. We were welcomed with open arms by the community and so I'm ready to help out and see our projects through to the end.

I think my favorite moment of the day was when I was talking with one of the Dream Project organizers about the history of Haiti and the Dominican Republic (the two countries share the island of Hispaniola). He told me that the community of Barrio Blanco has a number of Haitian people living there, but it is still a majority Dominican community. Some people in Barrio Blanco speak Spanish, Haitian Kreyòl, and English helping to bridge the gap in culture between the two groups. I was very glad to see this history first-hand, and speak in a mixture of French, Spanish and the two things that I know how to say in Kreyòl with a man that helped us paint a wall.

My favorite thing so far has been playing beach soccer with the children of Barrio Blanco. Although I'm rubbish at soccer, I enjoyed running around kicking a ball (getting hit in the face included) on a gorgeous beach. Oh, and second favorite was playing catch with another child during some more free time, only to be abandoned by him for ice cream. To be fair, I would've picked the ice cream over me too.

Also, now I know how to make really awesome green plantains. Coming soon to a kitchen near me!

Hola! Me llamo Nathan

Hello everybody! My name is Nathan Dize (pronounced like 'size'), not that hard to figure out but you'd be surprised by some interpretations I've heard. I'm a senior French and English major at UMD. Some of my hobbies include running, reading, baking, eating bacon, and biking. One could say that I exercise to eat and drink whatever I want, and that's mostly he case.

This is my first time travelling to South America/the Caribbean, but I have travelled internationally before to Europe. I'm super excited to dive into Dominican culture, and into the Caribbean Sea for that matter. I'm writing this while in transit, so I have to admit this trip has already gotten off on the right foot, except for the fact that I forgot to pack my sweat pants. Someone must have stolen them... The caper of the missing pants will have to wait for later, but in the meantime I'm super psyched to write about my experiences on the ASB Domincan Republic trip.


Disclaimer: I'm a total language nerd and I will likely post my many mistakes and common linguistic follies as I try to navigate my first experience in a Hispaniphone country. So if you don't find it funny when I mess up and say "I'm pregnant" instead of "I'm embarassed," then you needn't go any further. Como se dice bacon?