Saying Our Goodbyes :(
Friday March 30, 2012
In the beginning of the week, it seemed to be going by pretty slow, but now, looking back on it, the time has flown by. It is sweet how quickly we all grew attached to both one another and to the people here. One of the older girls, andreinna, spent all day with us yesterday at the school. She was crying and telling us how she doesn't want us to leave. Many of us had to hold back tears as we watched her cry and prepared ourselves to have to say goodbye to her, the other children, and the friends we've made here such as Lissandra, Domingo, Jeiro and Francisco. It really is so sad to be leaving. Many of the kids wrote us letters or drew us pictures thanking us for all we have done and exclaiming how much they love us and will miss us. As we left the school and said our goodbyes to the children and other Dominicans from the town, the kids hung in us chanting " no te vayas" -don't go- or telling us they wanted to come home with us. As we wrapped our arms around these children, it really hit us what an incredible influence they’ve had on each and every one of us.
Our trip here has changed our lives forever and we will all incorporate this eye opening experience and the lessons we have learned here in different ways. We've already discussed sending money to the sisters for them to buy composition books for the school children, sending them clothes, backpacks or shoes, fundraising at our own churches or even at the University of Delaware. Alejandra wants to start a club at the University to help bring attention to the conditions here and help fundraise for another trip back here. Domingo, Lissandra, Jeiro and Francisco kept on asking us when we will be returning and told us that we NEED to comeback next year or as soon as possible. Even Angela Maria (the owner of the Kellogg center who has been keeping and feeding us all week) was crying as she told us her doors are always open for us and she hopes for us to come back again soon. I know that all of us are interested in doing so, as we feel there is much more that we can do and achieve here and we want to continue bringing any form of happiness we can to the people here.
We spent our last night with Lissandra, Domingo and the two boys, hanging out, better getting to know each other, and dancing at the Dominican clubs. Dancing with the maracas and other instruments and with each other was the highlight of our night, as it really emphasized the attachment and love we have all grown for one another.
Deacon Cecily thoroughly enjoyed acting as our housemother throughout the week, having to count us all, and watching us all bond. A few of us are even in the same classes and would not have known if we hadn't come on this trip and met each other. Our time here was something truly special and amazing and we will cherish the memories and friendships we have created here close to our hearts forever. As Domingo stated, we leave with thanks from the country. Until next time, adios mis amigos. Amamos a todos.
Our trip here has changed our lives forever and we will all incorporate this eye opening experience and the lessons we have learned here in different ways. We've already discussed sending money to the sisters for them to buy composition books for the school children, sending them clothes, backpacks or shoes, fundraising at our own churches or even at the University of Delaware. Alejandra wants to start a club at the University to help bring attention to the conditions here and help fundraise for another trip back here. Domingo, Lissandra, Jeiro and Francisco kept on asking us when we will be returning and told us that we NEED to comeback next year or as soon as possible. Even Angela Maria (the owner of the Kellogg center who has been keeping and feeding us all week) was crying as she told us her doors are always open for us and she hopes for us to come back again soon. I know that all of us are interested in doing so, as we feel there is much more that we can do and achieve here and we want to continue bringing any form of happiness we can to the people here.
We spent our last night with Lissandra, Domingo and the two boys, hanging out, better getting to know each other, and dancing at the Dominican clubs. Dancing with the maracas and other instruments and with each other was the highlight of our night, as it really emphasized the attachment and love we have all grown for one another.
Deacon Cecily thoroughly enjoyed acting as our housemother throughout the week, having to count us all, and watching us all bond. A few of us are even in the same classes and would not have known if we hadn't come on this trip and met each other. Our time here was something truly special and amazing and we will cherish the memories and friendships we have created here close to our hearts forever. As Domingo stated, we leave with thanks from the country. Until next time, adios mis amigos. Amamos a todos.