Well, at least some of us slept this morning. The construction site next door began just as I lay my head on the pillow to have a little sleep. The weather is a bit “cool” today, only about 35 celsius today (45 with the humidex)! After lunch we all jumped on the trucks to take a tour of our projects for this summer.
1. School in Arroyo Seco
We are continuing our school project from last summer. When we pulled up to the school, we were a bit emotional, seeing the product of our labour and I think I even saw a few tears. After we left last summer, a few teams came through and did some finishing touches on the first floor. It’s all painted inside and out, and being used quite extensively as a school, community centre and church. Remember all the digging it took for that pit? Now it’s a real functioning bathroom! There were lots of reunions with the kids we all grew attached to last summer. This trip will see the completion of the second floor, stairs to the second level, an addition to the existing structure which will function as a medical clinic and pharmacy and put up a fence around the property.
2. Cangrejo School
This is a new project, starting this summer. We are starting a new school in the community of Cangrejo. This community has been burned twice. The “streets” are basically alleys and the people are very poor. Most of the residents are Haitian refugees, who because of the governmental system, are not able to obtain residency in Dominican Republic, even if they were born in this country. With no residency, they have no access to public education or health care. With the building of this school, we are giving these Haitian children an opportunity for education and essentially hope of a better future.
We have other activities going on at the Puerto Plata and Sosua dumps as well as the orphanage in Santiago. I’ll keep you posted on those as well. It’s been a great first day. I’m still looking for mangos.
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to wish everyone luck in their latest project, as well give a special hello to Brianna and Andie. You guys missed some pretty sweet fireworks on Sunday, but I’m sure everything you’re doing way out there totally blows it out of the water.
Hope you’re enjoying the “cool” weather!
Hi StephaNie! I thiNk we saw you iN the picture! We miss you lots but kNow that you are haviNg aN experieNce of a lifetime! Keep Cool! Love Mom, Dad, Jeff, AaroN, Missy and Gizmo
ps Do you miss Not driviNg yet?
Hey Courtney:
Well…what can I say but that your Dad and I are incredibly proud of the work all of you are doing. It sounds like you are keeping busy. Hope you are taking lots of pictures!!! We missed you on Canada Day but know that what you are doing will impact on Canada and our relationships with other countries for years to come. Take care - you too Lea - your plant is doing well by the way.
Miss you lots,
Love,
Mum and Dad.
WOW! The Blog will be my saviour…makes me wish I was there even more. Thanks for the card I’ve read it probably 30 times already.You guys are the greatest! Have a great day.
If you haven’t already opened your journal please do.
Around the world & back again. Your biggest FANS
Hey there Amy and Krista. I am so glad to hear you have arrived safely. This is such a wonderful idea to keep us anxious parents informed on what’s happening. I pray you are both well rested to start on your great adventure. I know that this is going to be a time of real spiritual growth for both of you. All the hard work baking baking baking to raise the money was worth it now that you are actually there. I am proud of you both. Love and miss you already. Hi from all your furry friends. Love Mom, Dad, Amanda, Rachel and Reuben.
Hi Kristen! You finally made it after a year! Have a great time and don’t forget the sunscreen. We are so proud of you for what you are doing. Love Mom and Dad
Hi Kristen! You finally made it after a year of waiting. Good luck on your projects that you will be doing. We are very proud of you. Love Mom and Dad.
aaahhhhh the pit! How could anyone forget! Hae they been using the first floor yet???
Hi Caroline,
Glad to hear that you arrived safe and sound. The projects sound quite interesting. We’re still waiting for the first e-mail.
Mom and Dad
Wow! Interesting…I think that was you Em in the group picture above. Everyone’s back is facing us, but I think you are at the back, all in black wearing your “Club” hat, hair up. Love you..
Mom xxoo
we are so proud here in newfoundland to have you guys for our heros.may god bless you guys, and everything you touch,we all love you guys..aunt ger xxoo.
hey jamieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee……hope you’re having a blast…find some mangoes…take lots of random pics for meeeee!!!!!!!!
luv ainsley…
holla/shoutout to rebecca, ashley, and kelly
oh p.s…..jamie wear something really bright, so i can see you in the pics!!!!!
luv snowebird
Hey! This is for Sandy Windover!! Hun, I love you and the Dominican is lucky to have you there!! How’s it going? Can’t wait for you to be back here so we can hang out. :)I hope you are having an amazing time! Keep smiling beautiful and love love love!! MUAH! miss you! ps. Jenn says hi! +lots of hugs!! (Keep me updated!)
Love, Britt!!
Hey all!!! Wow, I can’t believe how amazing the school looks and how far it’s come since last year! So proud of all you heroes and want to send a special “shout out” to Christal, Cathy, Kelsey, Krissie and Sydnee and anyone else that I’m forgetting!! LOVE YOU GUYS and wish I could be there with ya’ll….
love,
Sara B.
Awesome, Cindy and Justine!!
I’m so glad you’re loving it there. How hot is it? It looks like everyone is very busy. It’s awesome that this year’s project includes another school. Your building experience should come in handy, eh? Grandma and Grandpa would be so proud of you, Cindy…hey,we are too!
Be sure to bring back lots of pictures AND coffee!!
Looking forward to the week at Manitoulin Camp with you,
Love & God Bless,
Yermommmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!
Heyy Jamie! I missed you so much at the fireworks. Your the best pal ever! I hope that you know that. Any way everyone down here misses you. Hope you enjoy the mangos and “cool” weather eh?
It’s getting hot over here
hithere miss katrina how are you doing today i am thinking of you imiss you
a whole lot how is the weather where you are is it really hot there
today its not a very nice day today its raining how old are these kids that live in the place where you are what have you been doing there since you got there dont forget to take lots of pictures for me to see
i hope you are having lots of fun @making new friends there i cant wait to hear all the detals when you get back home be safe hope to hear from you real soon love from christine oxoxo say hi to all of your friends for me ok
wellbye for now until than have a great day i willtalk to you soon
keep me posted of what is going on there …..
Hi, Justine
I was looking through the pictures and some of them just break my heart to see such proverty, but it also makes my heart feel great that young people such as yourself are thinking of helping these people. It is the hard work and dedication of your love for God and his people that really at the heart of life. I God will bless you and the people you are helping. I am proud that Absolute heros is out there trying to make a difference. I loved the picture and I so glad you are doing okay. Nice picture of you and Cindy. I read Canada Day in a NY Minute - it was good - said it was by Justine.
Love MOM