Upon arrival in the Batey, we were again greeted with the same excited shouts from the children of SHCJ.
One of the main forms of public transportation in the Dominican Republic are mopeds, and Sister Mary Alice simply couldn't resist giving us a demonstration!
After Mary Alice parked her hog, we gathered to observe the morning arrival routine at SHCJ. Each group teacher received his, or her children at the main gate and then leads them to the main outdoor gathering area for morning songs, prayers and raising of the flags.
Next, the teachers lead their students to the back patio where they removed their shoes and washed their feet, prior to entering the school building.
While the teachers participated in the morning classroom lessons and activities, I had the opportunity to tour the rest of the complex with Mary Alice. She very much wanted to show me where all of our parents' generous donations were going. First, she took me to see the classroom supplies and food stuffs areas. Next, she took me to the pharmacy and clinic where the children of the Batey receive their only medicine, vitamins and medical check-ups. The nurse proudly showed me all of the desperately needed medicine that they will be able to administer, thanks to the money they have received from MSM families.
Our final stop was an unexpected surprise. Mary Alice was thrilled to show me that, because of the relief we have given them in the areas of food and medicine, they were finally able to install two small bathrooms, with running water, on the main floor of the building where the youngest students have their lessons. As an illustration of life in the Batey, Mary Alice pointed out that the contractor had somehow managed to install the doors backwards!
After our morning tours and lessons wrapped up, we gathered our things to head outdoors. Of course, just as we had all collected to observe the children in gym class, Murphy reminded us all that his Law is alive and well, and the skies opened up. It poured for the remainder of the morning, but the children didn't mind. They are so accustomed to the unpredictable weather, they simply moved gym class go the back patio.
After the morning session had ended, we were once again invited to lunch, catered by the staff of SHCJ. After lunch, they surprised us with a musical presentation, complete with melody and lyrics they had written themselves. Everyone danced, laughed and had a wonderful time!
At lunchtime we had the chance to see a program in action which is designed to put local women to work. The project provides the women with beads and other materials from which to make jewelry. The women attend the program each day and fashion necklaces and earrings which they are then permitted to sell.
As if our serenade at lunchtime wasn't enough, after the school day ended, the staff of SHCJ gathered us all for a lesson on how to open coconuts, freshly picked from the trees right in their yard.
Julio demonstrated how to wield the machete, and made quick work of eight young coconuts (seeing his left hand, which befell the same fate, kept us from giving it a try ourselves).
Once Julio had worked his magic, we all enjoyed fresh coconut meat and fresh coco water.
After work we were invited back to have pizza with Mary Alice and her teachers at the Mission house. The staff of SHCJ were most gracious hosts, and even taught us to dance the Merengue and the Bachata! Exhausted from good fun and a very long day, we all retired for an early night's sleep.
This is so amazing. Auden, Cole, Marc and I are enjoying reading about your adventures every day, and we look forward to helping even more to sustain this program next year. Tell all the kids that we think they are very special!
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