Somos Accion Days 3-5

Today's (7/10) campamento (camp) began as any other. All 75 children were outside on the cancha (court); standing in lines as they sang the national anthem and rose the flag. Afterwards, was a series of short--but very fun--activities. One of those activities was led by Maria, Sonya, and I...the Macarena! We had just spent that morning trying to teach the dance to Sonya. For a dedicated church-going woman, she's got moves! However, when it came time to teach the kids, they seemed to enjoy watching us dance a little more than participating in the dance, but it was still fun!

Since it was Wednesday, my group was in the sports area called Campeones de Diversion (Champions of Fun). The kids got into two teams and participated in a relay race that included the egg and spoon race, three-legged race, sac race, and some other race than involved standing on buckets (not really sure how to explain that further). It was so funny seeing the kids attempt all the races; some of them clearly take it more seriously than others. Four of the neighborhood boys (14, 14, 17, and 22 yrs old) that regularly volunteer at the community center helped facilitate the games. Time flew by fast, but luckily, we were able to squeeze in a little dance practice before the campamento ended for the day.

What made today so different from the rest was the camp in the afternoon. Today was the start of the mother's camp which is Wednesday through Friday of this week from 2:30-4:30pm. This brand new camp offered to the women in the community had about 15 mothers ranging from the ages of 23 to 60 years. The campamento started off with some of the same games and activities we did with the children that day which made it even more silly and fun. However, soon after we got to the serious stuff.  The same neighborhood  volunteers from the children's camp were also here for the mother's camp. They led a short lecture followed by an open discussion on HIV/AIDS statistics and prevention. The women shared what they knew on the topic which was a welcomed perspective that complimented the hard facts. Then, we were all handed condoms and told the do's and do not's on how to use them properly. At this point, it was hard not to laugh when one of the mothers attempted to put the condom on a wooden penis. The women were a combination of wisdom, sass, and inappropriate jokes. For the community center's first day of their first ever mother's campamento, I would say it was a huge success. It will be fun to participate in the other activities the center has planned for this week.

The next day (Thursday 7/11), my group for the children's campamento was in the creativity area called Soy Capaz de Crear (I Am Able to Create). The kids were making muñecas (dolls), mariposas (butterflies), and abejas (bees) out of toilet paper rolls. I love the center's use of everyday items for the kids to create crafts with. It is both creative and environmentally friendly! After the children's campamento ended at 12, we had a couple hours before the mother's camp at 2:30pm. The activity for the day was a lot less serious than the day before, but none the less useful. We were learning how to sew a bow to clip in hair. The mother's picked out their ribbon materials and Belkis--one of the center's workers--led the workshop. For a girl who always chose playing outside with a soccer ball over playing inside with dolls, I was totally out of my element. My bow came out horrendous. However, one of the center's workers--Carmen--saw my struggles and made me a new one! Que chulo!

Friday was the last day of summer camp for both the children and mothers. Today both campamentos had a special surprise: the pool! At the children's campamento, all three of the groups presented their song and dance. I was excited to see the Zumba routine that my kids had been preparing for all week.

Afterwards, all 75 kids went for a quiet, tranquil dip in the pool. Sike! It was madness! There were kids all over the place; jumping into the pool; splashing all about. It looked like so much fun that I just had to join them!

Each year, the children receive a memento that encompasses their experience at the camp. Unfortunately, this year the community center was not allocated enough funds to cover the cost. However, Maria, Joan, and I weren't going to let this year be any different. After calculating pesos into dollars, we realized that 1500 pesos could be split between the three of us pretty reasonably. I was so happy we did because when we handed the memento to the kids, they just lit up trying to find themselves. You might have guessed it already because this year's memento was a picture of each camp group with the teachers and volunteers. A picture (of my picture) is soon to come! They were so fun to work with.

In the afternoon, all the mothers came for their special pool day. I had changed into my dry clothes after swimming with the kids, so I had already decided that I wasn't going to swim again in the afternoon. Luckily for me, I didn't have a choice. The neighborhood volunteers along with Joan picked me up and threw me into the pool (will my clothes still on!). The music was blaring, the mothers were dancing, and the water felt so cool in the hot sun. I was secretly glad I got thrown in. However, my incident began a long line of similar attempts. One of the volunteers chased a worker onto the roof, another worker attempted to lock herself in a room, and a third--Pao--surrendered and walked herself over to the pool after realizing that fighting back wasn't worth the effort. Honestly, I had so much more fun than I was expecting to have this day. It has also made me appreciate some of the things I take for granted. For instance, in Florida, I have access to pools and beaches whenever I feel like it. Even so, I don't go that often. However, seeing how excited the mothers were, I realized that this wasn't something they got to do very often. This really was a special treat for them and I was glad to be a part of it.

*Photos courtesy of Joseph Jerome

Somos Accion Days 1 & 2

Today (7/8) starts the week-long summer campamento (camp) at the community center for children 6-10 years of age. The camp was advertised to the community through the posting of signs in local colmados (convenience stores which are located everywhere). The camp was 25 pesos (a little more than 50 cents). The staff at the community center spent the week before planning for this camp. After much deliberation, we came up with the camp name Junots y Juntas Somos Accion y Diversion which translates to Together We Are Action and Fun. The kids are separated by age into three groups: the 6 year olds, the 7 & 8 year olds, and lastly the 9 & 10 year olds. Each age grouping is made up of 25 kids. However, the first day, all 75 kids were together. Maria and I were responsible for teaching the kids a dance. We decided to go with the easy and ever-so-catchy Cupid Shuffle. We described it as a popular dance in the United States. To be honest, I was intimated speaking Spanish to a group of that many children, but as soon as the music started, I was in my element. Luckily, the kids picked it up pretty quick and seemed to really get into it. It was the most fun when they added their own moves. Here's the original video on Youtube if you want to learn for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h24_zoqu4_Q

The campamento is only from 9-11:45am, but in that short time, we plan to squeeze in a bunch of fun activities. Each day, one of the groups will be in one of the three activity areas: a sports area called Campeones de Diversion (Champions of Fun), a creativity area called Soy Capaz de Crear (I Am Able to Create) and a reflection area called Creciendo Juntos/Juntas (Growing Together). Maria and I helped a lot in preparing for the last area by making animal-themed pencil holders, creating the bulletin board (above) as well as drawing the sign for the door of the classroom. Check out my artistic skills!

Tuesday 7/9 was the start of the first rotation. I will be helping two of the Accion Callejera teachers with the 7-8 year olds for the rest of the week. Our first area was Creciendo Juntos/Juntas. In the reflection area, the kids watch a 10 minute animated video about gift giving and friendships. Then, the teachers lead a discussion on what was just watched. The kids are then given time to draw their interpretation and expression of friendship. However, no one is supposed to put their names on the drawings; it's completely anonymous. When they are finished drawing, the kids get in a circle and place their creations in the middle. One by one, the teacher hands out a drawing to a different child at random; almost as if they are receiving a Secret Santa gift. Then the kids got to open up their drawings/gifts. All the kids were very creative. There were flowers, houses, animals, etc; just about anything and everything was drawn. And just about any and every color was used.

Following the activity was merienda (snack) and then back to our groups as we practiced our dance routine for Friday--the last day of campamento. On that day, the kids will be performing their group routines followed by a swim in the pool. My group was dancing to Don Omar's song 'Zumba'. I could see how important music and dancing is to Dominican culture just by observing these children. No one really hesitated at the thought of dancing. Most of them had crazy good rhythm and picked up the routine rather quickly.  Many already knew the song and were singing along. It will be exciting to see what the other groups are preparing for Friday. But for now, I am dusting off my synchronized dancing skills because tomorrow Maria, Sonya (AC worker), and I will be teaching the kids the Macarena. Ay!

Birthday Weekend in the Dominican PART 2

For my birthday, everyone kept asking the big question, "What would you like to do today?" However, this July 6th was unlike any I have ever experienced in my now 20 years of life. My gift was coming to the Dominican Republic, so as far as I was concerned, just being here was enough. However, taking advantage of the fact that the community center still had the inflatable pool from yesterday, I decided to go for a swim. I was accompanied by Maria and Joe (another Accion Callejera volunteer). The sun was shining extra bright today as I enjoyed the cool water. We were out there for much of the day; so much so that  I began to feel like a baked potato. I was floating in a pool, on a bright and sunny day, in the Dominican Republic. I couldn't complain. I especially couldn't complain when I saw the view from the roof of the community center. Joe led the way as we climbed up the intimidating, but not-so-treacherous path. Less than10 seconds later, I was in awe. With over 3,000 people living here, la Yaguita is a big community. I have been living in la Yaguita for a few weeks now, but I felt like I was seeing it for the first time. I could see as far as the monument at the center of Santiago; I could see the white cross that stood tall at the top of the hill; I could see the intricate maze that is la Yaguita and the many places each path leads to. It is true that some paths will lead you down dark streets, unfamiliar areas, and dangerous neighborhoods, but there are just as many paths that will lead you to good friends, new opportunities, and some will even lead you back home. My home was in the barrio with Joan and Katie: the best host parents I could have ever asked for. They have opened up their home and hearts to both Maria and I. I love them both very much and was happy that I could be with them for my birthday!

[Left to right] Paola (host Aunt), Joan, Me, Katie, Maria

You can have your cake (all over your face) and eat it too!

The next day (Sunday), one of my birthday wishes came true! I have been to the Dominican Republic twice before, but never left Santiago. There is so much to see and experience in this country; I did not want to leave again without attempting to broaden my travels. My birthday weekend was the perfect chance to explore because 1) we had free time and 2) I had final decision over the plans. Maria and I left our casa at 9am in order to get to the Metro bus station early. Afterall, we had a 2 and a half hour bus ride to Santo Domingo. The taxi dropped us off at Parque Colon (left).  The plaza features a statue of Christopher Columbus who Dominicans refer to as Cristobal Colon. Upon arriving, I could immediately tell that we were in a tourist destination spot. There were so many foreigners everywhere that people just assumed I was Dominican--which I took advantage of while we avoided the tour guides. We had 5 hours before the last bus of the day was leaving for Santiago. Luckily, Maria read up on the travel guidebook because we knew which streets to walk down to avoid all the tourists. We first walked by the Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral (below). Completed in 1540, this was the first cathedral built in the Americas. And if that wasn't already impressive, Christopher Columbus's bones were once kept at this location.

After seeing the more touristy sites, Maria and I decided to walk off the beaten path. We came across a market of artwork and jewelry. There were about 10 stands selling everything from mirrors framed with stained glass to jewelry made from semillas (seeds). Everything was so beautiful. All the artists were very friendly; one even lived in Florida at one point and knew where we were from in Fort Myers! We continued on in search of food. The guide book told of a place with good food that was relatively barato (cheap): El Taquito. However, when we got there it was closed. Lucky for us, the owner lived literally across the street, so he opened up the restaurant 3 hours early just for Maria and I! The food was delicioso; I ordered combo numero dos which was a chicken burrito, french fries and jugo de chinola (passioin fruit juice).

With food in our bellies we decided to ditch our guide book and go with our intuition. We came across an monastery called the Monasterio de San Francisco (left). It was built around 1508 with the arrival of the Franciscan fathers. However, the pigeons called it something else: home. There were hundreds of them hiding out in the crevices of the wall. To give them their space, we decided to continue walking and found local kids practicing baseball. We sat down to watch them as the formed teams to play a game. It was nice being able to see how the local Dominicans spent their Sunday. 

Afterwards, we continued on allowing our intuition to lead the way. We came across so many historic structures and buildings. One of them was Alcazar de Colon (below). It was built by Cristobal Colon's son between 1510 and 1514. This was one of the first structures built in Santiago which is the oldest remaining European city in the Americas. 

However, one of my favorite buildings was the National Pantheon. This 18th century Jesuit church is the resting place for many of the greatest Dominican heroes. The beautiful mural on the ceiling  (above) reminded me of Michelangelo's--my favorite artist's--mural on the Sistine Chapel; however, not nearly as intricate. The large chandelier (right) was made up of miniature human figurines each holding a candle. I have never seen a chandelier constructed like that; I wondered how many people noticed that as well. 

Before ending our trip, I just had to stop and pose with one of the many canons we passed (below). Afterwards, we took the Metro back to Santiago and arrived at about 8:30pm. I was exhausted when I got back, but it was only testament to how fun of a day it was. Hands down, this was one of the best birthdays I have ever had!

  

Birthday Weekend in the Dominican PART 1

This week, we have been super busy at the community center with campamentos (camps) for both children and mothers in the community. I will try to update everyone as much as possible about all that has happened since my last post. 

Upon planning this trip, I knew that I would not be home for my birthday. At first, I was a little sad that I would not be with family and friends back in the States. However, I lucked out by having my host family and new friends in the Dominican to celebrate with. My birthday weekend started July 5th  when 30 of the boys from the Accion Callejera (AC) Juvenile Center came to the community center for a day of fun. They were playing in the pool, shooting hoops, kicking the soccer ball around, and dominating in dominoes. I saw so many of my old friends from the times I volunteered at AC during spring break. I considered it one of the best presents I could have received. I assumed the kids saw so many volunteers come and go that they would not remember me, but they did! Many called my name from across the cancha (court) wanting me to watch them flip into the pool or shoot a basket. It was such a fun day; many of the boys asked if I was going to visit them at the Juvenile Center and I said I would try. I have been in the Dominican Republic for over three weeks and most of my time is spent at the AC community center in la Yaguita. I would like to see the boys at the Juvenile Center at least one more time before my stay in the DR comes to a close. After all, if it were not for them, I would not be back in the DR today. 

That same night, a bunch of AC volunteers went out dancing. We danced the night away to bachata, reggaeton, and merengue. One of the new friends I made was heading back to the States after being here for 10 months! She has been with a couple different organizations in the DR teaching English as well as dance to children. Earlier that day, she was saying her goodbyes to everyone at the community center. People joked and kept saying, "No llore" (don't cry) and she stayed strong and didn't. However, there was a moment when she walked into the office as I was sitting down at the computer and I saw some tears in her eyes. I could only imagine how she was feeling; knowing that all the things that are important to her right now (AC, the children she teaches, her Dominican friends, host family) are about to undergo a drastic change. By the end of my trip, I will have only been here a month and I can already imagine that I will react in a similar way. It is amazing how the places you go, the people you meet, and the memories you make stay with you as much as they do. I am getting to the point in this trip where I am reflecting a lot about my time here and how I will be better for it. However, that Friday night while we were all dancing, I didn't think about any of this; I was just in the moment. I almost forgot what day it was as the "Happy Birthday" song blared across the speakers. I remember saying, "What? How did they know?" and thinking "This really is a magical place".

**Later, I found out one of my friends requested the song for me. However, it was nevertheless magical :)

Happy July 4th Dominican Style!

Happy 4^th of July! Sorry for the late entry, but I am on Caribbean time. Yesterday Maria and I were definitely thinking of home. Everyone at Accion Callejera asked how people back in the States usually celebrated Independence. We told them. parades, fireworks, and barbeques! 

Monchi's Pizza Place

Along with our host parents--Joan and Katie--Maria, Titilola, Ariel, and I (basically, all the Americanas volunteering at Accion Callejera) gathered to celebrate our Independence together. We spent our 4^th of July eating Monchi’s pizza for dinner, walking down Independencia Ln, watching light up Frisbees in the park (I pretended they were fireworks), and putting barbeque sauce on platanos. But of course, our celebration would not be complete without a little Dominican flare. Bachata and Reggaeton music in the background (and foreground), climbing the monument overlooking the city with all the lights at night, and the craziest concho (taxi) ride I have ever been on. Our concho ran out of gas so we literally had another car pushing us. It was like playing bumper cars all the way to the gas station. It was definitely a night to remember. Excited for my birthday on July 6th!

View from the Monument

Cultural Note! The Dominican Republic won their independence February 27,1844. However, their Carnival is celebrated the entire month of February. Each town or barrio will have their own unique customs but they usually always consist of parades, competitions, costumes, music, masks, and more!  To me, one of the most interesting aspects of Carnival are the vejigas. Vejigas are balls traditionally made of either cow or pig bladders and filled with air (nowadays, they can be made of rubber). These become weapons as they are used by those in masks and costumes to hit people that happen to get in the way. It is said that getting hit brings good luck...and a whole lotta pain. 

Living in the Barrio

While living in the barrio, one of the things that Maria and I experienced early on is that agua y luz (water and light) is not guaranteed everyday. There are certain preparations families take when these two things aren't available and we are no exception. We have a barrel of water in the kitchen and the bathroom and a couple flashlights on hand. For some, it may be uncomfortable living without what many consider necessities. However, when the lights go out before dinner, we are still able to use the gas stove and cook up plantanos. When the running water is off, we can still use the bucket of water to clean ourselves. Everyday upon returning from Accion Callejera, those are the first two things we check. And if there happens to be luz, agua, or both, it truly feels like a gift. High fives are everywhere and smiles are all around. I realize that I am the fortunate one because I have learned to see the true value of these things. A couple nights ago we experienced the lack of light and all I could think about was...

                            The irony of needing a flashlight to translate the word flashlight (it's linterna)

**By the way, the thing on my head is a tubee. It is often worn by Dominican women to keep their hair from frizzing...I like to immerse myself in the culture as much as I can :)

There are other things I have experienced while living in Yaguita de Pastor: life. Doors are open wide; women skin vegetables on the patio; motor scooters and conchos drive by; men play dominoes; homeless dogs lay on the grass; reggaeton music blares; roosters cock-a-doodle-do; couples sit outside the colmados; and children play baseball in the streets. The barrio is never empty. There is always so much going on; so much life. The other night, Maria and I saw another side to the barrio. We attended a Catholic-Chirstian church service with one of the workers at Accion Callejera. Of course, we stopped for a quick picture on our way out.

The service was unlike those I have attended back in the States. When we walked through the doors of the church, the Dominican influence was all around.as people were clapping, dancing, and singing with hands held high.  The service wasn't led by one single person. Both men and women stood in front of the congregation to chant and sing into a microphone. They encouraged others to sing and clap with mas fuerte (louder and powerful). At one point, two young girls (around 14) walked front and center and were encircled by four individuals who lightly touched the girls' heads and backs while repeating a chant into their ears. Everyone else in the congregation stood with their right hand raised towards the girls. I certainly did not understand every word, but I certainly could feel the energy from the singing and drumming. We were later told that the Monday service we attended is less formal than the one held on Sundays. During that service, no one dances or even claps! It will be interesting to also attend the Sunday service to see the contrast. 

 I am lucky to have a travel buddy who is as interested in immersing herself in the local culture as I am. We plan on visiting the regional campus of the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo located 10 minutes walking to see our college student counterparts in the DR. 

Vivo para aprender "I live to learn"

The Moments That Lead Up To It All

So much has happened in the days since my last blog! Where I last left off, we were preparing for the graduation of about 50 pre-premarios (pre-K). My participation in the preparation included painting a mural for the graduating class and creating all of the garden-themed decorations for the event. Since the 2012-2013 class were the abejas (bees), we had to make around 50 bees. We were creative and environmentally-conscious as we formed these insects out of Malta Morena bottles (a popular soft drink in the DR) and toilet paper rolls. These were hung all around the community center along with about 40 double sided flowers which we also helped to make. After the graduation, all the kids wanted to take our creations home with them. Maria and I managed to keep one of them which we now hang in our room.

Now, the graduation project that I was most proud of was the mural. While most of the picture was penciled on the wall, I was still able to add my creative input. Me and about three others were outside working on the mural for a span of three days (4-5 hours each day). At first, we would only work on the mural in the afternoons when the sun wasn't so hot on our backs. However, with the graduation fast approaching, I took an even more personal interest in the mural coming out perfect. Regardless of the sun, I knew I had to continue on through. So did my fellow painters. Sounds intense--I know--but it was all worth it. Check out what we created! Even the tree seems a little lifted by the sight of our mural. 

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER AFTER

Friday 6/28 was the big event for the graduating children at Accion Callejera's community center. When I say big, I mean big! The Dominican Republic's National Army band led a desfile (parade) which included baton dancers and the 50 pre-kindergartners that were about to graduate. And to think, this was just the beginning!

Below is the room where the graduation was held (minus the black trash bags). The banner in the back reads "Once upon a time in a garden".With about 150 family and friends all dressed up, the children received their diplomas and ribbons, got their pictures professionally taken, enjoyed a delicious slice of graduation cake, and got to watch performances from the community center's dance/step group. There was even one point where all the staff got called up in front of everyone. I stood in the back clapping for all the teachers, cleaning workers, directors; everyone who contributes so much to the success of this center. For some reason, I wasn't expecting my name to be called. However, there I was, trying to weave through people after it finally settled in that my name was called too. I have only been here a week and I already feel such a part of the Accion family. I was so happy in this moment because I knew that it is not every day that one gets recognized for the work they do especially in front of so many people. For me, that moment was not just for the work I put into the graduation, but all the work I have put in this past year as President of the Dominican Republic Outreach Program. Work that included organizing four fundraisers, collecting 60+ bags worth of school supplies, and planning for 15 students to spend a week in the DR volunteering with Accion Callejera. Work that was at times stressful and difficult, but that I always felt was worth it. It's moments like these--standing in front of the people who I work hard for--that remind me of this. All in all, this was hands down the most impressive Pre-K graduation I have ever been to. 

There was a lot of hard work that went into this graduation and everything that led up to it. It's all thanks to the wonderful Accion Callejera staff. Tomorrow  (7/1) we start planning the two week summer camp at the community center that begins July 7th. Maria and I are lucky to be able to participate in this process. The first week of the summer camp will be with the children and the second week is with the mothers. More details to come regarding this. Thanks for reading!