Ready to Serve

I am absolutely thrilled to get this blog up and running again for the purpose of recording and reflecting upon an upcoming service trip to the Dominican Republic.  I have the pleasure to leave Sunday, June 7, with the amazing Ms. Lopez and 16 wonderful  students from Telluride Middle and High School.  As I have gotten to know these students better throughout the year, the more excited I am to share this experience with them and REALLY get to know everyone (you know - that type of "knowing someone" that only comes through travel and hard work)!  Believe me kiddos - we will know one another VERY well by the time we return!

While gearing up for this trip, I realize how I have missed this element of service in my life.  Since moving to Telluride three years ago, I have done local service, but have been missing that exciting, new place type of service.  Some may think it's crazy to be excited about building latrines, but the feeling of helping improve quality of life for someone is a very unique kind of fulfillment.  Right before I moved to Telluride, I spent an entire summer traveling and working with Children's Global Alliance, a nonprofit out of Eagle County.  We worked in Cambodia and Nicaragua, and that summer was among the best of my life.  Needless to say, I am extatic to get back out there, explore a new country, learn a new culture, and lend a helping hand.


Linked here is our Group Itinerary

The Dominican Republic

This is a complicated country.  Similar to the United States, the D.R. is bordered by an unstable country, Haiti.  Many Hatians cross the border to work in the sugar cane fields.  These immigrant, agricultural communities, called bateys, are where we will be working.  I asked the students to watch a film called "The Price of Sugar."  It provides a good look into what the situation has been in the sugar cane fields, and some history of the controversial immigrant population.

Though the film paints a bleak picture of the sugar culture, it appears progress is being made.  The fact that these communities welcome volunteer groups such as ours is an indicator that they are open to change and progress.  I feel very blessed to be part of that change and progress.  

One step at a time.  Step one: Latarines :)