Day 11...We're Back!

Unfortunately, today was our departure from the Dominican Republic. Leaving the foundation at 10 am for our flight didn’t give us much time for goodbyes or everything we were going to miss about the Dominican Republic. Saying goodbye to Ben, Victor, Julio, and Miguel Angel was extremely hard for each of us and was about a thirty minute process because we all had to give them at least three goodbye hugs. Ben and the three of them also left us with some heart-warming speeches thanking us for our help and time to assist and run the camp for the kids. They also mentioned that they will all be coming to stay with us in the United States; something we all hope really comes true! The part of the speech that really touched me was when they said that we are a part of their circle of friends now and we each have a special place in their hearts. What I don’t think they understand though is what a BIG place they have in each of our hearts as well.  After spending 10 days and getting to know each other very closely, I have to say that this is one of the best experiences I have ever been a part of and these bonds that we have formed over our stay in the Dominican Republic will be with us forever.

Speaking for the group today as I write this blog, today was another emotionally hard day for us because we have had so much fun getting to know and spend time with the DPV guys. I have to say that looking back on the ten days; we have had so many incredible memories. To name a few; one of my favorites was on the first day when they taught us the “dynamicos”, activities to get the kids warmed up, and gave us some dance lessons of the Salsa, Machata, and Merengue. Another fun night was when we went to the beach after dinner and all of the girls tried to wrestle Victor to the ground. We were unsuccessful of course but by the end of the wrestling match, Victor’s jeans resembled a cross between a mini skirt and jean shorts! Amazingly, even with the communication barrier, we were all able to form close bonds with the DPV guys and all of the kids.

These experiences over the past ten days have shaped us in ways that we had no idea were possible. Ben told us today that we will not really understand how much this service learning trip has impacted us until a later time, and I think he is right. As I look back on this service learning trip to the Dominican Republic, I know how lucky I am to have had the opportunity and resources to have experienced this, and I know I am not alone when I say that I would do it over again in a heart-beat. But like Miguel Angel said, “It’s not goodbye”, it’s “See you later!” So until next time Dominican Republic, children of Veron, Batey El Prado, Victor, Julio, Miguel Angel, Liz, Kayla, and Ben (I could go on but I’ve already gone over the word limit) you impacted me more than I could have imagined and I hope we all were able to repay you in some way! Adios Amigos, Hasta Luego!

Brittany Boone


Trey's Dad did the honors and took our "welcome home" photo

Group huddle/pep talk before we headed home for the night