Immigration (No. 2)

Today was a day that hit home for most of us, especially being from families of immigrants. We woke up at 6 and prepared for the bus ride that brought us to a hotel called Fior Di Loto in Juan Dolio. We arrived around 12 pm and had lunch.

We then headed on over to an NGO (non-government organization) called ASCALA. They talked to us about how they helped out the immigrant community of Haitians who are looking for a better life. They are also partnered up with a women’s shelter that helps women who are going through domestic violence and protects them until they are safe. On a yearly basis, this organization helps out over 2,000 Haitians to attain citizenship in the Dominican Republic. After that all of us gave big love to the very lovely lady who talked to us about the institution, we headed off to the sugar cane fields where we were taken to the middle of nowhere. We met 2 of the workers who told us about their working conditions they work from 6-4 pm and they make around 150 Dominican pesos per ton. The downside was that rainy days made it harder for them to do work which in turn meant that they couldn’t make any money. They let us try out some of the sugar cane which everyone loved but our hands were all sticky after. We then got back on the bus to come back to our hotel where we had our free time, dinner, and then nightly meeting. Everyone was pretty tired after all the traveling but with the help of our Leader John, we enjoyed some great music which we all sang our hearts out to.

PS: Mami if you’re reading this I miss you soooo much and I hope my baby Mars hasn’t been too bad of a dog and I can’t wait to see you guys again. but I’m really enjoying it here. -Rachelle<3

PSS: Sethis if you are reading this, I MISS U! I can’t wait to talk with you again soon and see you in about a week. I’m having a great time, it’s just really hot and humid. Love you – Vanya