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Student Trip Blog

Community Day

Buenas Tardes Familias,

Today we woke up at the villa at 7 a.m. We started off breakfast with having toast, eggs, cheese, and ham. Everyone enjoyed the breakfast. After breakfast we went to the lower villa to talk about how rural areas have less clean water and trash collection. After that talk, we drove for 25 minutes to a community called Cañada de las Palmas, where we were able to meet 5 different families. We split into groups where some of us helped with chores, played with kids, or just talked to the families. We found some similarities with the kids and among us, the way they all cared for each other and there families. We then went to go eat lunch with community where we were able to eat some of the potato salad that we helped cut up. While having lunch we spent more time with the kids and talking to them.

After that we were able to play a few more games with the kids before it started raining and we had to go back to our villas. On the way back we stopped by a store where we were able to get some souvenirs and some games. Once we got back we had group reflection where we talked about what we thought about the community, for example we spoke about them not having health care in the community and also how most of us are privileged with many things unlike them but even without being privileged they still show how happy they are. After the reflection we celebrated the fourth of July by having a small party, playing pool, dancing, and enjoying some cake.

We had so much fun today at Cañada de las Palmas with the community playing with the kids and sharing with families. Thank you for reading our blog post today. Signing off Ashley and Anyelica.

P.S. We met many adorable cats and dogs today as well as some chickens and roosters.

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Comments (29)

Elizabeth Peck

on July 5, 2026 at 1:30 am

The Kitties 🐱😍😍😍

Cinthia Estrella

on July 5, 2026 at 1:33 am

Que experiencia tan hermosa que están pasando! Que la pasen muy bien, aprendan mucho más y disfruten! Hola nina Cindy de tu ahijada favorita ☺️🫶🏻

Cinthia Estrella

on July 5, 2026 at 1:36 am

Que experiencia tan hermosa que están pasando! Que la pasen muy bien, aprendan mucho más y disfruten! Hola nina Cindy de tu ahijada favorita

Manuela Gomez

on July 5, 2026 at 1:51 am

Abigail we miss you, people were asking for you at Dimas and Crismelly’s bday get together. Pastor Reyes and sister Juanita send you a hug. See you soon!

Love ,
Mom 💕

ABBYYY

on July 5, 2026 at 2:14 am

KAYCEE AND CLAUDIE omg I just realized you guys went on your trip😓 im so sorry I didn’t see earlier BUT YOU GUYS SHOULDVE TOLF ME :3 anywho it looks like you guys are having a blast so far. And also that your group has clicked pretty quick🥹 I hope you guys are happy and genuinely enjoying dont miss any chance to bond or have fun. Enjoy it while it lasts. MY GOAT KAYCEE CONGRATS ON BEING THE FIRST LDD im so proud of you,thats my girl 🫶🏽. I’ll try my best to check in again LOVE YOU GUYS 💜.

-Abby your awesome senior who graduated sadly😓

Madison Stone

on July 5, 2026 at 3:17 am

AGHHHHH YALL SO CUTE I hope you guys enjoyed playing with the kids I hope yall used your nonexistent spanish skills to communicate with them. Anyways you guys are making me so proud I love you guys mwah 😙

isabella thompson

on July 5, 2026 at 4:31 am

hi sophia!! you and olivia look too cute with the little ones!! sophia, i hope u put your spanish (that you somewhat know) to use!! it’s so beautiful the work you two are doing! and olivia ur killing it!! i love you both!

Rehana

on July 5, 2026 at 6:53 am

Salam Ayesha you guys look you’re enjoying! Miss you so much baby hope you’re learning some bachata and listen to merengue 😂 I’m so proud of you baby we all are!! Missing you and you all and making a big difference it’s a blessing 💕besos

Nicole Block

on July 5, 2026 at 2:28 pm

Looks like a fun day!! It’s also super important to be reminded of the things we take for granted, and yet still don’t have easy access to. I’m sure you’ll keep those lessons with you.

We miss you Anna! Can’t wait to hear about your project.

Abdur Rehman

on July 5, 2026 at 5:25 pm

Good job Ayesha!

Shanneell Skrine

on July 5, 2026 at 6:21 pm

Thank you for sharing your experience. It was wonderful to read about the meaningful connections you made with the families and children in Cañada de las Palmas. I love how you recognized that, despite different circumstances, the values of caring for one another and supporting family are something we all share. It also sounds like such a rewarding experience to work alongside the community and then enjoy a meal together. Thank you for sharing this inspiring reflection!

With love,
Shanneell

Shanneell Skrine

on July 5, 2026 at 6:22 pm

Thank you for sharing your experience. It was wonderful to read about the by meaningful connections you made with the families and children in Cañada de las Palmas. I love how you recognized that, despite different circumstances, the values of caring for one another and supporting family are something we all share. It also sounds like such a rewarding experience to work alongside the community and then enjoy a meal together. Thank you for sharing this inspiring reflection!

With love,
Shanneell

Mateo Rodriguez

on July 5, 2026 at 9:24 pm

Hi Anna seems like you’re having fun! It makes me so happy to see all the cool activities that you’re doing and also the cats that were very cute. Not as cute as you tho. Ok I love you so much bye bye💗💗💗💗

-Mateo 🙂

Isela Gomez

on July 5, 2026 at 9:27 pm

Hey Chita!

I hope you are well and are enjoying your time in DR. I just know you’re being a blessing to each person you cross paths with, May God continue to bless and protect you!
You look beautiful with that red pancho btw!

I miss you so much sister, i love you Abby<3

Yanira Ginez

on July 5, 2026 at 9:29 pm

Hi Jeremy
Wow!
How nice to see you are enjoying your time with the kids and learning about the community you’re at 😍. Even though we miss you a lot, we are happy you are there and see you are getting different life perspectives.

Amira

on July 6, 2026 at 1:14 am

SALAM Ali- wow I can’t believe it’s been almost a week since you left! Feels like it’s been so much longer! I hope you’re having a great time and can’t wait to see and hear about the amazing project you’re working on!

Plzzz take pics of anything and everything (especially animals 🫶🏼)

Love, Mom

Laura Pawson

on July 6, 2026 at 4:08 am

Middle College! We are so incredibly proud of you and all the work you’re doing in the Dominican Republic. I hope you are having the best time, stepping out of your comfort zone, learning new things about the land and yourself. I’m excited to hear all about it when you come back. Be safe!

Gennesys

on July 6, 2026 at 5:54 am

Hi MCHS peeps! I am so happy to see you guys having such a fantastic time!

Ali, I know how excited you were for this moment, I am so proud of you— I am sure you are being a leader everywhere you go, as per usual. Wishing you an all an amazing trip, and wonderful stories to tell upon your return.

🙂

Cheryl

on July 6, 2026 at 11:29 am

Hi Christoper and Ali!!!!
What an exciting journey. Looks like you’re already having SO much fun! Enjoy every minute, learn everything you can, and be open to new experiences! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures in September!
💚 Cheryl

Cheryl

on July 6, 2026 at 11:59 am

Loaii! Leave those cats alone!😂
Two awesome trips in one year?! I am so excited for you! I know you are enjoying every minute and making new connections. Have fun! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in September!

Cheryl

on July 6, 2026 at 12:02 pm

Ali and Christopher!
Have so much fun on this amazing adventure! Can’t wait to hear about it in September!
💚 Cheryl

Andrea Ramirez

on July 6, 2026 at 1:47 pm

Hi sissy,

I hope you’re having an amazing time, miss you so much. I love you and God bless you. Jaxx says “hi” and the twins don’t say anything but they are thinking it.

We love you

tasnia

on July 6, 2026 at 3:17 pm

LOAAIII my brotherrr have fun on your trip!!! stay safe and don’t pet stray cats 🙂 love ya

melissa gitlin

on July 6, 2026 at 3:21 pm

Hey Ali and Loaai-
We are so proud of you both! Can’t wait to hear about all of your amazing adventures!!

Be in the moment as much as you can!!

Carm Gregory

on July 7, 2026 at 1:09 am

Claudia, my sweetheart, I can’t wait to hear all about your days! You all are doing an amazing job👏🏾. Cherish every moment. We miss you. Continue the great work. See you very soon. Love, Mom , Dad, Vic, & Ruby

mia cofresi

on July 7, 2026 at 1:54 pm

GALLARDOO!! i miss you so much i hope you’re having the time of your life i’m so proud of you!! i can’t wait for you to get back and you tell me all about how much fun you had!! love you so so much!!

mia cofresi

on July 7, 2026 at 1:57 pm

olivia!!! hope you’re having the time of your life in DR can’t wait to see you and hear all about your trip love you!!!!

Anyelina Padilla

on July 8, 2026 at 1:08 am

Anyelica I mess you so much me imagino lo feliz que estabas con los gatitos. ya estoy contando las horas para que regreses.

Chevonne Torrecilla

on July 9, 2026 at 12:03 am

Have the best time Ali, Chris, and Loaai!!!

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