Today was a very fun day--probably the most fun day we've had the whole time. Early in the morning we went to a project. When we got there the kids were singing but soon it was time for recess. I'd love for my recess to be that long (though I think they made it much longer than usual because we were there). I played volleyball, monkey in the middle and a game where we passed a soccer ball back and forth. My dad helped some of the girls and boys skip. We also tried to play a game kind of like dodge ball. We served them their snack that was a kind of cornmeal soup or mush made with milk.
After this we visited a very bad neighborhood. When we got out of the bus we saw security guard right beside us carrying a really big gun! We went into the neighbhorhood and walked around. We saw lots of really skinny dogs and a dirty, gross stream that flowed right through the center of the community. The people were very, very poor. They must have been thinking that we looked very rich as we walked by. We went to a church that had a giant water filtration unit in the basement that had been built by Compassion. It costs just ten pesos to fill up a jug full of water there. This is important because the rest of the water in that neighborhood was very dirty and there was pollution in it from factories that gave the kids sores and fungus on their skin. So now the church can offer 9,000 gallons of clean water every single day and everybody in the neighbhorhood can have it.
We ate lunch at a nice restaurant. I had a mini burger and played murder wink with Paige and two of the Compassion staff from Dominican Republic (Keren and Ivan). Then we went shopping at a market. Shopping in Dominican Republic isn't like shopping here. If they have something that costs 10 pesos, you can say no, I'll give you 5. They'll say no 8. And then you say, no 6. And you keep going like that until you agree on a price. I thought it was a very interesting way of buying things. I bought a souvenir for myself and a gift for my mom. Dad bought gifts for Abby, Michaela and mommy.
In a few minutes all of the bloggers will have dinner together and then tomorrow morning we are going to head back home. I have had lots of fun here, but I'm ready to go home.
I am going to write a couple more times when I'm at home, so keep checking my blog. Bye for now!
And if you haven't done it yet, please read this post and think about sponsoring a child just like the ones I played with today!
After this we visited a very bad neighborhood. When we got out of the bus we saw security guard right beside us carrying a really big gun! We went into the neighbhorhood and walked around. We saw lots of really skinny dogs and a dirty, gross stream that flowed right through the center of the community. The people were very, very poor. They must have been thinking that we looked very rich as we walked by. We went to a church that had a giant water filtration unit in the basement that had been built by Compassion. It costs just ten pesos to fill up a jug full of water there. This is important because the rest of the water in that neighborhood was very dirty and there was pollution in it from factories that gave the kids sores and fungus on their skin. So now the church can offer 9,000 gallons of clean water every single day and everybody in the neighbhorhood can have it.
We ate lunch at a nice restaurant. I had a mini burger and played murder wink with Paige and two of the Compassion staff from Dominican Republic (Keren and Ivan). Then we went shopping at a market. Shopping in Dominican Republic isn't like shopping here. If they have something that costs 10 pesos, you can say no, I'll give you 5. They'll say no 8. And then you say, no 6. And you keep going like that until you agree on a price. I thought it was a very interesting way of buying things. I bought a souvenir for myself and a gift for my mom. Dad bought gifts for Abby, Michaela and mommy.
In a few minutes all of the bloggers will have dinner together and then tomorrow morning we are going to head back home. I have had lots of fun here, but I'm ready to go home.
I am going to write a couple more times when I'm at home, so keep checking my blog. Bye for now!
And if you haven't done it yet, please read this post and think about sponsoring a child just like the ones I played with today!
Isn't it amazing that children wouldn't have clean water like we do in North America? Our church supplied a water filtration system like the one you saw to another batey. I'm glad that you & your Dad & the others went to the DR & shared with all of us. Thank you for your service to those children & their families. I look forward to reading your other thoughts when you get home.
Aren't we blessed, Nick, to have clean water, good food, cozy homes? May we all remember that many people don't! Love, Mimi
I've enjoyed reading about your trip! Thanks for keeping us updated!
It's nice to be able to see what you've been up to every day. It goes to show just how much we take for granted here in Canada. Take care kiddo. Love Kristin
I enjoyed reading your entry for today Nick. Good for you for wanting to sponsor a child! This was a very educational trip for you to have.
I'll write to you again later.
Uncle Andrew
Nick,
So glad you've made the most of your time! I am amazed at how much maturity you show through your thoughts and writing...you are growing up so fast!!:)
We pray you have a safe, uneventful flight home and have fun seeing your mom and sisters again! I'm sure they can't wait to see you!
Love Auntie Susanna
You've done a great job of sharing your thoughts on every day, Nick. Thanks! I look forward to reading more when you return home. Amazing to hear about the church with water filtration right there. That's serving the needs of your neighbor, isn't it? Travel safely!
P.S. I'm sure your Mom is going to smother you with hugs - be prepared :)
sounds like another interesting day! What is murder wink?
Nick,
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. We were glad to experience the DR through your eyes. After reading your comments today my chidren would like to ask two questions:
Why did you need gurards when you visited the neighborhood today, were you in danger of being robbed or killed? Did you ever feel scared?
Also when you say you go to a project. What does project mean? Is a project different from neighborhood, or villiage?
Today we bought a book of poems. One of the poems is called:
Life Is Not Fair
Life is not fair. I have a sturdy dwelling.
I am well-clothed and very amply fed,
While many people shiver through the winter
And slowly starve for lack of daily bread.
Life is not fair. So many friends surround me
With gentle smiles, kind words, and helping hands,
While others live in lonely isolation
Without a friend who cares and understands.
Life is not fair. I have two loving parents
Who taught me of the Lord, His will, His way,
While many others know not of His love and mercy
And many die without Him every day.
Oh, God, I pray Thee, give a humble spirit,
A thankful, grateful spirit unto me,
And may I learn to share my many blessings
With heart of eager generosity.
--MARY MILLER 2002
My children sometimes say to me "It's not fair!" When they say those words they are thinking that someone recieved something special that they would like to have themselves. This poem helps us to put the unfairness of life in a different perspective. Now when my children say to me "It's not fair, I will remind them of this poem and of the children that you have shared with us who live in the Dominican Republic. Thank you Nick.
Nick, Thank you so much for sharing your story and encouraging others to get involved. Your words will help get other people involved in many areas of mission work. Take care & may God continue to bless you.
Great post Nick! It was so nice to meet you in person this week. You are an awesome kid.
Mary, mom to 10
Nick - you sure have done a wonderful job this past week. You are an inspiration to me. One day, I will have to take my son on one of these trips. God Bless!!!!
Nick,
I've enjoyed reading your blog. I would be very curious to get your feelings on coming back home? What do you think about when you think about your time in the DR now that you are back in America?
~~~Andrea G.
Hi Nick,
It's Liam. I just got back from the hospital last week and the tumour is all gone now and I am excited. My mom showed me your blog today. I read the whole thing. I liked your stories and your pictures. I think they are really neat. I learned lots. I don't like needles either and I had to have lots in the hospital. You should keep writing so I can keep reading and commenting. I gave away a couple of bibles today at the hospital and I gave away cookies. You should post again soon. bye.
Liam
Hi Nick. Remember me? You used to come to our house for home church and played with danelia in the basement.
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday.