Dia 3: Empathy and community in Batey and Sosua

Hi everyone my name is Arthur or Arturo Delgadillo and I was one of the Leaders of the Day today! Being the third day of our delegation’s trip we were graciously able to visit a local community to learn about their lives as well as have some fun at the beach. While we were there we learned to have less assumptions about those who appear to be different than us. For us travelers it really hit us hard in the emotions to see that no matter where one is, we’re all just kids trying to enjoy our time and take life one hardship at a time.

Hola, my name is Mateo Escoberdo. Being one of the leaders today, I was most proud of how I didn’t complain about the heat and the environment as a tourist would do. I am really learning how to be a savvy traveler. As most tourists seem to be ignorant and complain a lot about the countries they’re visiting. I am also more proud of my peers stepping more out of their comfort zones. We’ve seen people trying to swim for the first time, talking to people they haven’t spoken to before, and trying new food. The most inspiring person we met today was the Haitian professor Mr. Kerolle. It was most inspirational about how proud he was of what he does as an active physician helping vulnerable communities with education and public health. 

Hello! My name is Erianna Herrera. Today I learned that I am not very confrontational when it comes to gathering people’s attention. I also discovered some assumptions I’ve created over the years without noticing, especially when it came to visiting a less fortunate community. I wanted to help them in a way that I was unable to do at the time, but now I want to find more ways to support them and make connections with the people, especially the kids who are so welcoming and eager to learn.

Hi friends and family, my name is Mariana Renteria and I was one of the four Leaders of the Day today! One thing that I was most surprised by today was how open the community of Batey was. My experience was very humbling seeing how all of the parents work every day, with no breaks, and their daily reliance on how many gifts they sell. I find these people to be very strong and brave for maintaining this lifestyle and all still having a smile on their face when random 17 year olds from the Bay Area walk in drenched in sweat. As for being leader of the day, I felt like I was working again through my internship with kids since I had to do headcounts, water checks and lead meetings with my delegation. I found this to also be a strong learning experience for myself since I got to work on my commanding and coaching leadership skills. Anyways, I hope you all continue to read our blogs and look at these with smiles on all of your faces. Luis, Karla, Felix and Jeske have been a huge help and I hope that when we get back you all give them a thank you as well. Enjoy the rest of your day! 

Mariana’s P.S.: We all have been talking about how homesick we are since we can’t call our family, I miss facetime y’all especially my Mom 🙁 . Don’t worry I got souvenirs and I also splurged in the markets since I felt giving back and supporting all of the community, so all of y’all are getting a gift. Also, someone please show these photos and read my messages to Grandma and Grandpa so they know I am having fun and being safe. I so far have not gotten burnt and only have one irritating bug bite! I also wanted to tell my Mom that once I got off the phone with you they started singing Atrevete Te Te, and I was instantly reminded of you getting ready to this song and me asking you to turn it off lol. Anyways, I will see you all on the 3rd! (someone please send this blog to Nate I forgot to). I LOVE YOU ALL<3!!!