I have a new friend: his name is Beto, and he is the boss man out at a dump where I am taking a group of Hero Holiday students everyday this week. We go to the dump and we hand out groceries, meet the Haitian refugees that are there, and we learn to see life from where they are and realize that we are not all that different.
Today, Beto wrecked my world. He has kind eyes, and when he smiles, I see someone who I would like to be a little more like, because he is teaching me about making the most of a situation that wasn’t his choice. He gives leadership to about 100 people that work at the dump (which really means that they are the ones who sort through every bit of garbage that comes there, find food, supplies, and bottles to recycle. This is their sole income and they are left with little choice but to do this because they are illegal aliens in Dominican Republic and this is better than living back in Haiti). There are many hungry mouths to feed and life can be harsh for them. The air is stifling and dry, and the atmosphere is pungent. There are many women and children there trying to fend for their families, and many men just trying to walk with the only thing they can own, which is their dignity…
When our team brought water out to the people at the dump today, Beto came under the tree to help me hand out the water. I held the cups, and he pumped the fresh, clean water out for me. After a couple of cups, we were laughing and chatting (as best we could…my Creole and Spanish both kinda suck!) and I almost dropped the cup when I was laughing. I looked down to catch it and saw Beto’s hand…and what was on his wrist. I stopped…and looked again…I had to be sure…and then I kind of choked back the tears that were threatening to fall…
On his wrist was a bracelet…and it said “Make Poverty History”.
Yes, Beto, I agree. I will join my voice with yours. I will join my hands to the same work that you are doing to make a difference. My heart is linked with yours. I am choosing to ‘Make Poverty History’ too…
~Christal
Hi Everybody,
Cathy, thanks again for the blogs and the pictures. Thanks to all of you for choosing to make this journey to make a difference in folks’ lives, to reach out and wrap your arms around them and to make sure the world sees the gross injustices.
Wow. I actually just choked back a few tears reading the Sosua dump update. That is incredible.
Sounds like you met a great man. My thanks goes out to Beto and all the hard work he does for all the people around him.
I hope everyone is enjoying their time in the Dominican, we all miss and hope the rest of your trip continues to be a great experience!
A big hello to the girls from Sudbury….Katrina,Ashley and Lauren,….What awesome stories thus far…i am sure you are making your own special memories…Take care ,be safe and keep up the good work See you soon…. Mike ( and Dad ! )
It was great to hear your voice Emily. I went on the site right after talking to you and listening about your experience at the Dump today; read Christal’s story, Beto’s positive attitude and his campaign to “Make Poverty History”. It was very emotional and puts everything into perspective. Just remember Em, you and everyone else are helping to make a difference. Take care, all my love…
Mom
Hi all, wonderful work you are all doing. I am sure there has been many tears but it gives us all an appreciation for the difference we can make in the lives of so many people. We are fortunate to have what we have and we should share our good fortune with others. Love you Melissa, xxoo
Hi guys. I remember the trip to the dump as something that changed my life last year. Hard to believe unless you’ve seen it for yourself. And yet….the people living there seem to have a lot of joy in their hearts….again, hard to believe that is possible. You guys are all making a huge difference and we’re proud of you!
Thanks for organizing this blog, Cathy. Tony and I will be experiencing it all over again with you.
Take care all.
Kathy and Tony Silver
July 6/07.
To My Dear Daughters, Olivia and Kirsten,
Well, I guess you have another week there— I bet time is flying by quickly for everyone!!! I am hoping and praying that this will be one of the most important and influential events in your lives!!! I am also hoping that you are able to practice your French with some of the people there… do people other that Haitians speak French, as well??? Did we anticipate and pack your needs properly??? I hope no one has become significantly ill with any diseases!! I hope you are sharing your “Gaterade” with your buddies! Have you worked with the other students from other parts of Canada from week # 1 ??? What do you think has affected you the most, so far??? I have been collecting more things for the other students to take with them in week # 2 or #3. Well, I have been very busy at Grandma and Grandpas. Grandpa is coming home tonight— and Gillian, Anna-Marie and I have been busy bees!!! (But, at least we have air conditioning!!!)
Love you forever,
Your Mama XXOO
Well it sounds like you guys are doing amazing work down there. I really want to go on a trip like this as well. I heard about it at school and it sounds like a wonderful experience. My school actually does something similar called the Dominican Republic Experience, except it is on a much lower scale. We go for just a week and deliver medical supplies to a local clinic and food packages to those who need it most. We even did some painting last year. And this year I was fortunate enough to return to the same little town called Yamasa (approx. 45 minutes from Santo Domingo) with an adult group doing the same thing. This time we were able to do more hands on stuff, like set up clinics in three different bates and built a room to examine patients in. Anyway, reading the story about Beto reminded me of the people I met down there, and how all they want is to be noticed and touched. They seem to understand life so much better than us, it’s surprising how much we can really learn from them!