Last Day

     After 5 days of service, we had our free day.  However, in the morning we were able to return to the house that we saw get torn down on Sunday to be replaced.  When we got there it looked completely different.  The foundation was set and the cinderblock columns were already getting started. It's amazing what hard work and dedication to the community can do.  Following the visit we made our way to the waterfalls. I thought we were just going to be walking alongside the waterfalls and just appreciating its beauty.  That was not the case. We were given helmets and life jackets and then marched up a mountain to where the adventure began. We were white water rafting down the river with our bodies. We'd be sliding down makeshift slides and jumping from 15 feet in the air to water that was according to one of the guides, "deep enough." The waterfall trip exceeded my expectations completely and it looked as if it happened to everyone else.  We were wet and tired, but still having a great time. Following the waterfall adventure, we went to a restaurant and I had some of the best shrimp.  I also proceeded to eat the leftovers from other people's plates so I'm still full as I write this.  Next we went to a gift shop, but it was mostly jewelry and overpriced so there was little purchasing there.  Following that, we went to a market where we were able to barter for what we want to pay for what they were selling.  We would hear prices drop dramatically or the frustration from not getting the price to go down.  In the end it was an experience for everyone being able to barter for what we would pay on an item because of how rare that is in the United States. Next, the beach.  After all week of anticipation we were able to go to the beach and enjoy the warm water.
     When we got home we were greeted by the sound of karaoke coming from the building next to us and within a few minutes, the party came to our backyard. The group and the New Horizon mentors got to have a farewell party and just have a great time dancing and singing and enjoying cake.  Enjoying what the Dominican Republic or wherever one goes has something to offer because you want a reason to come back to do service and give you a reason to do service. Everyday on our drive we would pass by landscape that looked more beautiful than anything I've ever seen.  I fell in love with this country on the first day driving to where we were staying from Santo Domingo and today we were able to appreciate the inner beauty of the DR.  I can't wait to come back. I don't know when that will be happening, but it will.

Will