June 7th: Our first day in the DR

Breakfast at the hotel with Bob and Ellen Snow. It was great to catch up on things, including the election. Fr. John brought some stoles for clergy in the DR.. Bob said they we a welcome surprise and knew just where they were needed. The team had a little time to walk up and down the high street that was already bustling with activity. When it came time to head out, we loaded up the trailer and the minibus for a three hour bus ride to the camp. How long does a three hour trip take? Can you say 5 hours? The driver made it to Jarabacoa just fine, but did not have directions to the camp. After a few phone calls and some help from the locals we eventually found our way.

It was a scenic drive from Santo Domingo. What was really scenic was the overlook we enjoyed on our detour. We traveled way up the hill missing our turnoff. Well, we didn't really miss it, the driver just chose not to take it believing we had to go farther up hill. The construction and dirt roads should have been a clue, but up we went until we hit a roadblock. As I said, eventually we made it to the camp. However, when we arrived it started raining. At breakfast we learned that it has been raining on and off for days and we should expect it throughout the week.

We had to travel up yet another dirt road and this time it was pouring down rain. Can you guess what came next? If you said the minibus got stuck in the mud, you would be right. After unhooking the trailer we found ourselves (joined by about 8 others at the camp) behind the bus pushing. Next came the trailer and finally we reached our destination. After unloading, we hooked up the trailer and watched the bus head back down the road only to once again get stuck in almost the same place. With the rain coming down in buckets, we tried our best to get it free only to finally come to the realization they would need another vehicle to tow it out.

With all the drama behind us, fresh fruit and coffee were a welcome treat, especially since we did not get lunch. Refreshed The team was ready to let loose some energy. Despite the light rain that continued, the volleyball net was just too attractive. The mud puddles just added to the fun. They added to the challenges of playing soccer too. While the youth enjoyed themselves, the adults met with Padre Carlos to survey the week's project. The first thing we noticed was that the area the gardens were supposed to in was underwater.

That is when Padre Carlos let us in on the plan. We will begin by installing a drainage system to keep the area from flooding. This will require digging a trench from the church property, across the road, and out on the other side so that water can run downhill. Once this is done, we will begin the gardens and we will be planting some citrus trees. With all the rain, it should be fun.

Oh, something else to add to the story, we have no water in the dormitory. They have a team working on it. Fortunately we didn't need a shower after being out in the rain. The question of el bano is one to still be addressed. Hopefully by dinner we will know what is up.

Dinner tasted so good. The pork chops tasted a lot like bacon. Afterwards we began to pull our plan together for tomorrow and Keith led us in our first Spanish lesson. We practiced our vowels and then the Gloria Patre and the Lord's Prayer. After a couple of times we sounded pretty good. Ali closed the day's activities by leading Compline, several of the camp workers joined in. The rain has stopped, the temperature is dropping, and the day is coming to a close. For some the bed or a book is calling, and for others a game of cards. Just got good news, WE NOW HAVE WATER!!!!!