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!