Final Day in d.r! waterfall, bonfire, dinner and so much love<3
Student Trip Blog
Top of the morning, mate! We woke up bright and early today at 7:00 AM sharp for a filling breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and watermelon. Oh, did we mention hot chocolate? After loading shovels, hammers, gloves, and water jugs onto the bus at 8:45, we set off for our Community Action Project (CAP). Our task was to build Altagracia’s house from the ground up after the previous group of Global Glimpsers tore it down in an effort to improve her inhumane living conditions. Altagracia is partially blind and deaf. The goal of our CAP is to build in a sustainable way that will help not only Altagracia but the entire community.
Under the guidance of our engineer, Edger, we began by drilling holes for the wooden support beams that are crucial for the house’s durability under weathering conditions. The soil was very rocky, and we often had to use a pickaxe to deepen the holes. Meanwhile, another group brought up the wood that would form the bottom frame of the house. We made sure to take breaks for water, snacks, and to reapply sunscreen and bug spray. Then we rode back to the hotel for lunch, which was deliciously seasoned rice with corn, pork chops, and vegetable salad.
Returning to the site after lunch, we divided the crew into three groups to finish digging holes, mix concrete, and retrieve water from the local irrigation canal. Once the dry concrete mix was combined with the water, we poured it into the holes around the wooden support beams, adding rocks for extra strength. Afterwards, we moved the excess wood and covered it during a brief rainstorm. Meanwhile, another group was establishing the wooden frame at the base of the house using hammers and nails. After leaving our CAP site, we rode back to the hotel and all took much-needed showers. #westanky
Highlights of the day were our effective communication and teamwork while building the house. Everyone stayed focused on the task at hand and worked incredibly hard.
Check back tomorrow for your next blog by tomorrow’s Leaders of the Day.
For now, signing off—your three Leaders of the Day:
Kai I-J., Ella H., and Asher R.
Comments (4)
Tania Thibault
Joey, my heart is bursting with pride. You are literally changing lives with your hands and your heart. Building a home for someone like Altagracia this is what it means to live with purpose. You are compassionate, strong, and so damn capable. Keep shining . You were made for this. So proud of you love you Mom
Hillary Bucs
Great post! You all are doing amazing and important work!
So proud of you all,
Marissa’s mom
Arlene Vero
Joey you are an incredible young man. To spend part of your summer break helping others is something you should be so very proud of. I hope you look back on this experience with great memories new friends and a feeling of pride. You are filled with kindness and love and it shows in what you do for others. I am keeping you in my prayers to be safe. So very proud of you love Arlene and Frank
Elisa Rose
Asher I am beyond proud of the you and the work you are doing in the DR. Your impact on Altagracia’s life is immense. Tons of hard work with so much reward. Way to go!
You are all amazing individuals and should be proud of yourselves as we are of you.
Love you, mom