Dominican Republic Spring Break: Day 4
Monday 3/7/16 - First day in our new home
I slept long and sound Sunday night in the room I shared with Paulina, Kate, and Alexa. I awoke early Monday morning, full of excitement for our first day. After getting dressed and eating breakfast, we all headed to pick up kids and spend the day at the preschool. It was interesting seeing how the school is run. The students have so much respect for their teacher. And as much as learning is an important part of these children's' school day, getting two meals a day while at school is equally, if not more, important for these children to thrive.
My favorite part of the day was probably playing with the kids. They're such sweet kiddos with huge smiles and even bigger hearts. I was a little surprised at my difficulty in conversing with them, however, playtime outside with them came so easily. I was shown that love has no language and should not be a barrier to accepting and loving one another. Their carefree and kind spirits reminded me of the joy that can be found in each day. Being able to play with the kids and catch them in my arms as they jumped off the tires they climbed across brought me such indescribable happiness. I never imagined just a small gesture or a simple smile would leave my heart feeling so full. The appreciation and acceptance I felt was something I never expected, but was so utterly overjoyed with.
Despite the acceptance from the kids, I had to laugh when one of the children yelled "Americana" at me to get my attention while we were playing ball and our student leader Nick quickly stepped in to tell him my name and remind him to show us respect. This kind of gesture really made me appreciate the hearts of those around me and reassured me that I was with the right people, and it was with these people that I would get the most out of my experience.
Only my first full day in this foreign land and I already felt at home. The simple beauty and serenity experienced thus far on the trip had already took my breath away. I already felt myself growing closer to not only the Dominicans I was with daily, but also my fellow peers who I was worked, talked, and lived with.
I slept long and sound Sunday night in the room I shared with Paulina, Kate, and Alexa. I awoke early Monday morning, full of excitement for our first day. After getting dressed and eating breakfast, we all headed to pick up kids and spend the day at the preschool. It was interesting seeing how the school is run. The students have so much respect for their teacher. And as much as learning is an important part of these children's' school day, getting two meals a day while at school is equally, if not more, important for these children to thrive.
My favorite part of the day was probably playing with the kids. They're such sweet kiddos with huge smiles and even bigger hearts. I was a little surprised at my difficulty in conversing with them, however, playtime outside with them came so easily. I was shown that love has no language and should not be a barrier to accepting and loving one another. Their carefree and kind spirits reminded me of the joy that can be found in each day. Being able to play with the kids and catch them in my arms as they jumped off the tires they climbed across brought me such indescribable happiness. I never imagined just a small gesture or a simple smile would leave my heart feeling so full. The appreciation and acceptance I felt was something I never expected, but was so utterly overjoyed with.
Despite the acceptance from the kids, I had to laugh when one of the children yelled "Americana" at me to get my attention while we were playing ball and our student leader Nick quickly stepped in to tell him my name and remind him to show us respect. This kind of gesture really made me appreciate the hearts of those around me and reassured me that I was with the right people, and it was with these people that I would get the most out of my experience.
Only my first full day in this foreign land and I already felt at home. The simple beauty and serenity experienced thus far on the trip had already took my breath away. I already felt myself growing closer to not only the Dominicans I was with daily, but also my fellow peers who I was worked, talked, and lived with.
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