Good Night!

Greetings readers!

By now we all have made it safely back to the states and are having a bit of time to relax before classes start back up. It was hard to leave such a beautiful island and say goodbye to all the wonderful children at the Alpha Centre, but now I need to use what I learned from the trip in my daily life. So I thought I would share will all of you several things this trip has taught me, besides discovering my new favorite fruit is soursop...

• Welcome others to happiness! All the people I was able to meet during the trip were simply happy. Their bright smiles and welcomes to strangers showed their happiness, and showed that they wanted to share it. They faced struggles in their lives and knew things were not perfect, but they all were so glad to live in Dominica where there is such a strong a community and appreciation for each other. The people of Dominica, from the children at the Alpha Centre, people walking the streets, or the men and women that welcomed us into there homes, always welcomed us with open arms friendly waves and kind "Good Days".
• Appreciate the beauty of life! The first couple days I was busy snapping pictures of anything that caught my eye and I didn't want to forget. The pictures quickly added up because the island is so gorgeous, so I tried to slow down. It wasn't until my camera stopped working that I truly was able to stop and observe the beauty that surrounded me. I was able to just look, not through a camera's lens, and appreciate the flourishing rainforest, the smell of the ocean breeze, and the laughter of the children. I could see, smell, and hear just how beautiful life truly is!
• Strengthen the relationships I am lucky to have. This experience has allowed me to learn so much about others. I learned about Victor's family and passions, I talked to a vendor named Pablo about his life and culture (and he gave us a recipe for bakes, yum!), I was able to meet and know a group of one-of-a-kind students I will never forget, and I created real friendship with my fellow Trinity ASBers. I was able to step outside my comfort zone and talk to people I just met or barely knew and I am so thankful this trip provided that. I quickly learned everyone has a story that is unique and wonderful to learn.

These three points don't describe everything I have learned but I do believe they give a good idea how special and amazing this trip was for me. I want to be able to remember these things and keep them with me as I adjust back to driving on the right side of the paved roads and try to stop converting the price of things from East Caribbean to American dollars. It was an experience I will always remember and as Dominicans would say "Good Night".

Hasta La Vista, Dominica

My grandma always says, "You know it's a good trip when you feel ready to leave". Well, tonight is the last night and I feel ready to leave for the most part. Although I will miss the slow-paced life of Dominica and the pure beauty constantly surrounding me, I am ready to take what I have learned back home and share it with the Trinity community. The hospitality and genuine kindness we have received on this lovely island filled me with the motivation to finish my semester strong!

One thing I have learned throughout this trip is the vital importance of education. Working at the Alpha Center and visiting the primary school showed me how powerful teaching can be. I am so excited for the futures of the girls that plan on being teachers in our groups! They have such a bright and rewarding future ahead of them. Undoubtedly, the lessons we learned on our trip will benefit them in the classroom.

Alright I have to go pack up my clothes and souvenirs and try and get some sleep before I have to wake up at 6 in the am to catch a plane! But who are we kidding? I plan on spending the entire night under the vast blanket of stars and chatting about my week with my friends. Sleeping is so over-rated.

Look! We're on TV

Hello Friends,

Today was another full day. At the Alpha Centre we split into groups and taught the students about hygiene. We sang songs, drew pictures, and read books about how to wash hands, brush teeth, and shower. With a generous donation of tooth brushes and tooth paste, we then practiced brushing teeth and washing hands.
This evening we watched the National News. The Alpha Centre was the feature of the second story. The clip began with an image of the children singing. Paige and I were right there as well! I was quite surprised to see my face on National television. The news story talked about what we were doing at the Alpha Centre and included an interview with Edwin as well. This shows how much of a community this entire island, entire country, is. Word travels fast on the island, and hopefully this will increase publicity for the Alpha Centre so that they can reach out to more children. They are truly doing remarkable work.
Our afternoon adventure included a trip to Scotts Head, on the southern part of the island. We started to drive onto the rocky strip of land at the point. We ventured on and soon heard the wheels spinning. I know how to get unstuck from snow, but not from rocks on the beach. We were told to go to the back of the bus. In a flash we piled up, Victor drove us right out, and cheers for Victor erupted. We then walked out where we were able to stand with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. A few of us took a nice walk up a hill where we could see for miles. Then a chilly swim in the Caribbean. Leah and I pulled out our mask and snorkel. Staying close to shore we saw small fishes, big blue fishes, and a camouflage fish with spikes (we think this may be the fish the locals refer to as the boo-boo fish).
It is hard to believe that tomorrow is our last full day, but I am thankful to work with the wonderful students of the Alpha Centre tomorrow.

Learning to Dance

Wednesday already... Wow! This week has flown by and tomorrow is our last day at the Alpha Center. Today we were able to plan the lessons and organize the games around the idea of personal hygiene. My group taught about the importance of handwashing. One activity was to help the children to trace their hands and color what they thought their hands look like when they are dirty. The kids pictures of germs and dirt were very colorful and creative! After the lessons we walked to a park and played! It was a great day and I was able to learn much about teaching the children. We ended with lots of smiles and hugs.

We then headed to several different places around the southern part of Dominica. My favorite being St. Luke's primary school. It was so colorful with old tires painted as flowerpots. The school day was over but students were still around working on skills from the piano, dancing, reading, drums, and much more. As soon as the children saw that we were a group of vistors they sang us a wonderful welcome song! The school was fantastic! There was a group of boys, third grade and under, playing some of the most beautiful music on the drums. Next to the boys was a group of girls dancing with bright smiles. The girls quickly showed us the steps and we were all able to laugh and dance together. When it was time to leave I was surprised by the kindness the girls extended to me as stranger with lots of hugs and "Good Days". We then were lucky enough to finish up our day with a swim in the Caribbean Sea and bakes as a snack. Now are about to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean 2, which was largely filmed here.

Pictures as Promised

Obligatory first day of school picture- taken at Holy Redeemer

Working on the library books

Annie working on the PEC books- a really awesome tool for non-verbal kids

Jahim leading Avery through the tunnel

Yikes! This was on our hike to the falls. And, yes, I did climb over giant boulders in a skirt. A SKIRT! Impressive? Yes, I think so.

Nope. We are most definitely NOT boat people.

My apologies for a delayed posting. Last night I was very tired and mildly dehydrated so I chugged a full water bottle and promptly went to bed to the sound of crickets and birds chirping. What a great nighttime soundtrack! I think the other gals covered the basics of yesterday but, of course, I would like to add my two cents. So the Alpha Center is a lovely, happy place. The staff there is excellent! The best part of the day occurred when a majority of our group was waiting to leave on a sidewalk that led to the kitchen. Because it was lunchtime, the kids were going in and out to get their food. I then had the members of our group form a tunnel with our arms for the kids to walk through. They all loved it as we cheered for them as they passed. One boy, Jahim, went through again and again and brought a new friend along with him every time.When we went back today a lot of the kids wanted us to form the tunnel again. Most of them signaled this by taking our hands and raising them up and then cheering. I hope the teachers don't find this to be a nuisance for the rest of the year...

Another thing I would like to tell y'all (by the way, this is my first time publicly saying that bit of slang, be proud to be apart of this moment) about our awesome bus driver named Victor. On the super steep drive up to the falls, I sat next to him in the front and engaged him in conversation. I told him that his country is beautiful and so different than where I came from. As I described the flat lands of my native Nebraska, his jaw literally dropped. "You mean there are no mountains?!" he asked. He couldn't imagine land that was flat. I then told him that a few of my aunts and uncles are farmers and that the land in my home is very good for farming. He said, "Aaahhh. Your family must be very hard workers." I couldn't agree with him more.
Alright alright alright. I will move on to today. As you have noticed, brevity is not my strong suit. But I am tryin' my best, that's for sure!

When we got back to Holy Redeemer last night, we met a group of priests from the 11 Catholic Parishes here in Dominica. They are all very friendly. Paige and I woke up early this morning to hear one of them jovially singing in the shower in the room below us.

Today we got to be assistant teachers in the classrooms at the Alpha Center. I was in a classroom with four boys who were all gems. We worked on reading, writing, and the concepts of big and little. The story we read was about a princess. I asked one of the boys if we looked like princesses and he said, "Duh. Of course!" Perfect answer. The teacher of our classroom is simply amazing, as are all the other staff members. I have grown to admire all of their complete dedication. It's truly inspiring. The teacher we worked with had a crazy busy life, much similar to all the other teachers I know! After the Alpha Center she picks up her two-year-old son, goes to teach sign language to first and kindergartners, tutors one child, and then tutors another. And then, as she says, "Only then, Shelby, do I finally get to go home!"

After lunch we went into the capital city and walked for quite a while. It was interesting because a massive cruise ship had docked and tourists infiltrated the city (myself included, of course!) Paige, Leah, Katie and I all got juice from the world-famous Juice Man. While he was mixing a concoction of various fresh fruits and carrots (who knew they could be so tasty?), I asked how long he had been working there. He said, "I have been here for eleven years. I meet people from all over the world. I am very famous." He was really charming and amiable. We were all wearing the same shirts for our program and he said, "You are not from the boat, are you?" We asked him how he knew and he said, "You see, all the boat people dress so rich and you, you do not look like that." Obviously, the image of poor college students transcends cultures and nations.

It was so much fun to engage the local vendors and even a large group of primary school boys in conversation. A common theme is that they are very proud of their country and very aware of how beautiful it is. Many of them were very interested in our work at the Alpha Center, a resource which most of them had never heard of. They also told us to invite our friends back and all of them were so hospitable and happy to chat. We also got some attention from the men as we walked by. This is one moment in which I will chose not to elaborate.

This is a PSA: If anyone out there in the world's widest web has skills in wood shop and feels compelled to serve, the Alpha Center is in search of a new teacher. They have a lovely shop at the school and children that are enthusiastic and ready to learn. Also, they would like some hand-crank sewing machines because the children take sewing class. Just thought I would shout it out there!

For those of you that I have stuck with me to the end, bless your heart. And I bid you adieu. Nighty night!

New Friends!

I think it's safe to say, we're all pretty worn out! But in the greatest, most gratifying sort of way. Finally getting to really interact with the kids was a treat. They are so kind and loving, and their smiles could melt the heart of the abominable snowman. We got a tour of the facility, and learned that some of the children travel from opposite sides of the island to get to the Alpha Center everyday. One in particular travels 2 hours (one way) to get there, and it almost broke my heart to learn. But at the same time, we were very pleased to know that some local companies have donated transportation for the kids, like the lovely young lady across the island. After playing/working with the kids and doing some book categorizing for their new library (many thanks to our new friends of the Rotary Club of Ottawa, Canada!), we spent the day exploring the capital of Roseau! And indulged in some delicious local ice cream...Now we are ready to rest ourselves up for another day at the Alpha Center!

PS- To add just a little tid-bit to what Katie mentioned earlier about meeting the Prime Minister (who we're all fans of), I asked him what he considered to be the strongest attribute of his people and he responded with, "Our resilience." He explained that they do the best with what they have and make the most of it, in both times of economic security and insecurity. I was impressed by his eloquence and sincerity. Also, while adventuring in Roseau, we met and talked to a local man selling tourist-y goods, and when we asked him how he felt about the Prime Minister he said, "I can't like him," ...we were caught off guard, but he continued with, "I like this," grabbing something he was selling and said, "I LOVE him." And we were touched to say the least!

It's a small world after all

What a wonderful day of adventure. Today included time at the Alpha Centre, a meeting with the Prime Minister of Dominica, and a trip to Trafalgar Falls. As we drove down the road to the Alpha Centre I noticed many roosters along the side of the road. My nickname is rooster, so I quickly snapped some photos.

Meeting Prime Minister Skerrit: We gathered in the conference room at his office and were invited to ask him questions. He thoroughly answered as he explained the education system and general mindset of Dominica. I am inspired by his care and compassion for his people. He truly wants what is best for them. He also attended New Mexico State University, and a few of us from New Mexico quickly bonded. As we were walking out of the office I asked him if a name sounded familiar, the last name of my aunt's family. He quickly smilied and said, "Oh yes, how do you know them?" I told him they were family and he proceeded to tell me all they had done in Dominica in their short time here. What a small world that the Prime Minister of Dominica remembered my family from New Mexico and then years later, I got to meet him.

At each moment I want to stop and just enjoy the beauty around me

Good Morning My Friend

What's a better way to start the day than walking into a classroom full of bright smiling faces of singing chidren on a beautiful morning on an island in the Caribbean? I sure can't think of one. And that is just how I started my Monday and will get to start my mornings for the rest of the week! It was our first day at the Alpha Centre and I can't wait to go back. The students were so excited to see us and eager to welcome us with handshakes and high fives! Their happiness was contagious and I could not stop smiling! I cannot wait to get to work with the kids the rest of the week and learn more about them! The rest of the day was wonderful!

A Total Sensory Experience...

We were all so excited to get to see more of the island today! And all of my expectations were surpassed. I never saw anything twice, and each time we drove down the same roads there were always new and spectacular sights to greet me. It has been decided. This tiny island is the most beautiful thing my eyes have laid eyes on. Indubitably! As we drove around, we slid open the windows and allowed the breeze to envelope us! The air is so refreshing...As we made our way to Emerald Pool, we passed through many villages filled with people outside enjoying a Sunday off. We were greeted by warm smiles and friendly waves from adults and children alike and even received a few enthusiastic "Welcome to Dominica"s! Everyone seems so sincere. We trekked down to the pool and couldn't help but be amazed by our surroundings. It was a humbling experience to say the least! And the pool? I could go on for a very long time...check it out!

Dominica at last

Hello from the gorgeous island of Dominica,
I last posted that Shelby and I were leaving San Antonio, well Shelby left that morning. However, there was a mix up with my ticket. After seven hours standing at a check-in counter, 36 hours of being in airports, and no more than an hour of sleep at a time, it is safe to say I have learned a few things. I would love to share a few tips from what I found helpful or learned along the way:
1) ALWAYS make sure your name on your ticket matches the name on your passport.
2) Check-in with plenty of time before your flight (especially during spring break)
3) Keep your phone charger in your carry-on.
4) Even if you are not in charge of your flights, know your itinerary.
5) Be patient, more people are willing to help you.

Now, with the help of my wonderful family and many others, and these helpful tips, I am now in Dominica with my amazing group!
I am awestruck by the beauty. I looked out the window with my jaw dropped as we drove along the winding roads.

We stopped at a beach that Edwin knows. The water was warm and salty and I loved simply laying in the sand!

While being here is enough to make anyone's day, I loved the sunset! As we made our way back to Holy Redeemer, we glanced to the right and between buildings I saw the sun setting. As the beautiful colors began to change we came to an opening and I watched as the sun set on the water.

I am thankful to be here amongst the beauty of Dominica and the friendship of my fellow travelers.

Dominica Day 1

Wow! Today was packed full of activities and exciting experiences! After we got up and had breakfast we packed up for a full day. We first headed to Emerald Pool, which was breathtaking and I was able to jump in for a quick swim. The water was absolutely wonderful! Then lots of driving through the country and many wonderful sights to see. We stopped at a small shop right in front of a family's house where they sold hand-made crafts and they gave us fresh coconuts! It was great to talk to some of the locals and see part of their daily lives. Our next stop was the airport where we joyfully picked up Katie and met a Trinity alumnus, who is a med student at Ross, the medical school here! Small world! And of course we took a picture!

WARNING: This post is only to make you jealous

I purposely chose to write this post before I took a shower because I just got back from the beach and there is sand aaaaalllll up in my pants and it is super uncomfortable. I know my last blog was a wee bit heavy winded so I will make it up to you guys with a moderately short post. That's right, dear readers, I am sacrificing my comfort AND my hygiene for you! I spoil you. Really I do. Anyway, what you are about to read is indeed a blogpost, although you may mistake it for a travel brochure. At the risk of sounding like a travel agent, this island is perhaps the most breathtaking place I have ever been! Holy Redeemer is something. The vegetation is so green and lush and there are tons of beautiful, exotic flowers littering the island. There are mountains beyond mountains and precariously sitting atop these mountains are modest homes, all brightly painted and each completely unique. The reason I am able to give such a detailed description is because we spent over 6 hours today on the bus. Needless to say, my eyes were glued to the window the entire time and I was constantly taking pictures. Yeah, I was that American tourist. But I did it all for you guys; if I didn't take like 1,000 pictures, how would you know what it looked like, huh? Hold your horses, the pictures are coming soon enough. I am just too busy gawking to get anything done. Oh, look....a flower.....

I think I'm in love...

Howdy mom! (I assume since this blog is just in it's beginning stages that she is the only one actually reading it)
Yesterday morning I hauled my behind out of bed before the sun woke up. It was painful but I knew it would all be worth it! And after a long day of travelling, it most certainly was because I am currently ever so blissful on the gorgeous island of Dominica. I should mention, however, that our day of travel did not go without a problem, a big problem: my best friend Katie got left behind in San Antonio! I won't go into the detail because I am sure Katie can tell the story better, but be assured that she is well and on her way to Dominica today! Yes, I am a story tease, but I gotta have some sort of cliff hanger to get you guys to read our blog.

Now I would like to fill you in on our eventful drive up to Holy Redeemer, the breathtaking retreat center where we are staying. A most friendly Dominican man named Mally picked us up from the airport. Mally owns his own taxi company and his sons work for him. Our drive from the airport was over an hour long, and after much deliberation, I have come up with a metaphor to aptly describe the trip. As we bounced in the backseat of Mally's 4 Runner, it felt as if I was following the trajectory of an inflated balloon just after it was let go. There were an infinite number of curves and twists in the road and it would have made a most excellent theme park ride. Definitely not for people that get car sick!
As we whizzed through the country (literally we drove from one end to the other), Mally proudly told us about his country. Below is a list of my observations and Mally's tid-bits that he shared.

• Of those that I have encountered thus far, a majority of the Dominican men are extremely quiet and reserved. This is a refreshing welcome after having living with loud and obnoxious college boys for a semester and a half. ;)
• Dominicans drive on the opposite side of the road! We first discovered this Euro-style fact when Leah got in the 4 Runner on the driver's side. She had zero intention of navigating and consequently switched seats.
• I did not spot any road signs or regulations until 40 minutes into our drive. Dominicans have an unwritten driving language that only they understand. I, being used to these amenities, was a bit nervous on our drive. Obviously I am not fluent in this language whatsoever.
• Our driver has 12 children! Many of his girls are extremely successful and living in various states throughout the US
• This past week was the island's festive celebration called Carnival. Mally's granddaughter was named Carnival's princess. He is so proud of her and he showed us a newspaper clipping of her
• Throughout the country there are various signs reading LIME, which is the national telephone company. Mally told us that cell phones are becoming increasingly popular. He also added that Dominica recently got cable television just like America. He said that now Dominica is a spoiled country. Hmm I wonder what he would think of video games, iPads, iPhones, myPhones, yourPhones, etc.
• He also told us that Sunday is the day to go to church and relax!

Anywho, I won't bore you with any more details. Actually, who are we kidding. The real reason I am ceasing this entry is because I need to get ready for the beach! Today we are visiting Emerald pool to dive for precious emeralds (not really), visiting the native territory, picking Katie up from the airport, and then going to the beach. These feelings I am feeling inside are most certainly my falling in love with this little island. Let the puppy love begin!

First Impressions and Total Revitalization

Alas, we have arrived in paradise! I got here with my group at 6pm yesterday, and after a 2 hour van ride through the island on a "2 way" road (by Dominican standards) filled with hairpin turns and lots of honking, we were very ready for dinner. I was sitting at the edge of my seat the entire time, desperately trying to snag pictures of the setting sun reflecting off of the literally crystal blue ocean, but to no avail! We were whisked along, left in awe of the immense beauty of everything we passed. We arrived at Holy Redeemer just in time to appreciate what was left of the sunset. Looking from the hall outside of my room, I see a luscious green valley and the stretch of the horizon where the sun sets in the afternoon. Waking up to the view this morning was nothing short of invigorating and inspiring...I have never seen such natural beauty in my life! Now we're getting ready to adventure...carpe diem!

Dominica at Last!

After two days of travel, spending the night in North Carolina, being in three different countries in one day, and to riding one of the smallest planes I have ever seen I made it to Dominica! And it was well worth it! Once we landed it was too dark to see the beauty of the island but we jumped in a cab and had a crazy ride with plenty of twists and turns to the Holy Redeemer, where we are staying. It was a mellow night but I got my first experience of Dominican food. We had mahi mahi, potato salad, chicken wings, and cole slaw. And my favorite... the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice (which is not pink)! Yum! I can't wait to continue the adventure today to the Emerald Pools and the beach!

Departure

4:45 AM

Shelby and I are up and leave San Antonio in a couple hours. Leah and Paige left yesterday and are currently in Charlotte and Washington D.C., respectively. We will all be united tonight in the wonderful land of Dominica. Our excitement grows as we embark on our grand adventure.

About Katie

I'm Katie Ogawa, a first year from Albuquerque, N.M. At Trinity I am premed and pursuing a major in neuroscience, a minor in math. On campus I give tours, volunteer, and am a member of a couple different science and medical clubs. In my free time, I enjoy eating sushi or trying new foods, running, and finding new and creative ways to help people, such as visiting the Alpha Centre in Dominica.

About Paige

Greetings! My name is Paige Patrick and I'm a first-year premed student from Oklahoma City, Okla., with the hopes of someday working in underprivileged communities. Spending spring break in Dominica will give me the opportunity to interact with a culture outside of my own while providing  service to the community. Not to mention getting the chance to spend a week on a beautiful island!

About Shelby

Hey there friendly blog readers!

Let me tell you a bit about myself. I am a first year from Omaha, Neb., studying theater and communication. I absolutely adore traveling, learning, exploring, and working with special needs children, so when I discovered about the University-sponsored trip that encompassed all these things, I immediately had an intense desire to jump on board.  Already, I am so glad that I chose to participate in this wonderful experience and I am anxious for the trip to arrive.  Enjoy living vicariously through our blog as we explore Dominica!

About Leah

Hi, my name is Leah Wesselman, I am a first year from the great state of New Mexico and have lived in Albuquerque my whole life until moving to San Antonio. I am planning to pursue Trinity's Master of Arts in Teaching with a mathematics major and one day become an elementary school teacher.  I love working with kids, helping others, exploring and having adventures, and trying new things. The spring break trip to Dominica is a perfect fit, I am so excited I have already started packing!