Myself, Dulce Maria (our mother) and the other staff member on the trip
Our final day in the Dominican Republic was a busy one, after breakfast with our families we met up as a group one last time. We had an evaluation form to fill out followed by final reflection. The guides then had a bit of a closing ceremony for us where we were all presented with a wooden cross necklace and a small bag of sugar from the D.R. There was enough time for us to all go back to our families to have lunch, and collect our luggage. It was time to say goodbye to our families for the week. When we met back up with the students, I could see some of them had been crying or were crying. I was amazed to see just how attached they had become to their new parents and siblings (you literally do become part of the family). It was very touching.
Prayer of safe travel
They had a brief ceremony to say goodbye and said a special prayer of safe travel. Sadly it was time to get on the bus and back to the airport in La Romana. On the way to the airport we had the time to stop for one last ice cream. Ice cream certainly tastes the best on a hot sunny day!
My tradition - to have a picture with all the Dominicans before checking in at the airport.
Back row L to R : Wally, Juan, Me, Ray, Juan Gabrielle
Front row L to R : Pedro, Patricia
Stitching in the La Romana airport waiting for our gate to be called
Boarding the plane
The ground crew lined up and danced for us as we got ready to taxi!
And they waved us off! Have you ever seen that before??
Goodbye Dominican Republic
Sunset over somewhere???
Almost home -- landing in Toronto to catch a transfer to Ottawa
We laded back in Ottawa at midnight, I was very happy to get home. I missed Todd and I missed my cats!
10 comments:
I'll bet this experience has changed some of those kids forever. What a wonderful opportunity. Thanks for sharing it with us once more.
And no, I don't think I've ever seen a ground crew like that one before!
What a beautiful summary of your trip. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Your pictures were amazing... some of the shoots pricless :)
Wonderful recap of your trip...I loved the stories and the photos. What a wonderful experience.
Thank for sharing also this year's DR experience with us! It has been a priviledge to read these texts and watch the photos and get the feel of your experience.
I love the ground crew send off! What fun!
I'm grateful that you shared your trip with us Dani!
Your group must have left a great impression for the line crew to line up like that! That was a great way to end your trip.
Sounds like another awesome trip!
-Jen
Wow it took me awhile to catch up on your blog. What a trip you've been on! I didn't get far enough back in your posts to see how the trip was sponsored or whether you were with an organized group etc but it sure seems that any help you can give is sorely in need. It's easy to forget how much people in some of these other countries are struggling with everyday things we start to take for granted. Congratulations on your contributions.
I hope you have a great time on your trip here to Phoenix. I live in Scottsdale and get to the Attic every couple of weeks for my regular 'fix' lol. Will be watching to see what stash you get!
Looks like you had a wonderful and extremely rewarding trip, thanks for telling us all about it.
A wonderful account of your trip Dani. The kids who went will be the richer for the experience. My DS16 is going to Vietnam for a month in November and I just keep on wondering what changes will occur to him.
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