The past six weeks seems a bit like a dream to me- a very good dream. I’m so glad I took part in this experience, and like many international volunteers, I fear that I got more from the people of Cuchilla than they got from me. I will most miss the people I met and the sense of community I feel here. Walking down the road everyone says hello. This is something we are missing in most U.S. cities. At the same time, the poverty cannot be ignored. One of the more surprising findings from our census project was that the majority of families do not have a latrine and therefore go to the bathroom in the sugarcane fields. Our group helped the community build one latrine, and start a second, however much remains to be done. Basic health and hygiene needs are not being met. It is a reminder of the privileges we have in the U.S. For many of us using a latrine took some sort of adjustment when we first arrived, but it really puts it into perspective to see that in this community just having a latrine is a luxury. There are so many things I’ll miss about this place, and I hope that I’m able to actively carry this experience with me in the future. I never want to get used to seeing this kind of poverty and accept it as the way things are. This experience reminded me that I want to be part of the solution.

The conference in Haiti took place a few weeks ago, but I am still thinking about it. We spent four and a half days with youth from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and GP youth from the U.S. in a small rural village outside Port au Prince. I felt inspired by the exchange of ideas about various issues, including the reconstruction of Haiti. On our last day we toured Port au Prince and it was upsetting to see that the city is still in shambles. It is as if the earthquake happened yesterday. Where is all the money that was donated? It doesn’t seem to have reached the majority of the people, and large tent camps are present throughout the city. On our visit to one of the camps I was humbled by people who endure the heat and uncertainty of life in a camp, and nonetheless continue with their lives despite losing so much. After the earthquake, these images of devastation were the only ones shown by U.S. media, and while they are present, they do not tell the entire story. I saw that the spirit of the Haitian people is alive and well and extremely resilient. Haitian volunteers organized and direct the camp we visited, and there are many other examples of Haitian organizations working to rebuild. One of the questions posed at the conference was, “Why is Bill Clinton leading the reconstruction? Would you expect a foreigner to lead the reconstruction of New Orleans after Katrina?” There are educated, intelligent young Haitians who are capable and willing to lead the reconstruction of their country. We do not need to save Haiti, they can save themselves. Yes, they probably need help, but the world needs to let them take the lead.

wow man i had a wonderful experience being in the DR i mean i cant never forget about all the things i have don’t in the DR its an experience that will travel with me through my life people come and go but memories always stay by your side being able to have that experiance was amazing i mean it was hard for me to let go of the people in batey 7 because i have develpoed a strong relationship with every one in the batey its so weird in a way being back home because DR to me is like a second home and there i have family and friends i mean i am already use to people calling my name Evita Evita and like i miss the fact that my students will mock me its just brings me joy when i am there but i mean the life the people live in its a place were no one will live but what is so amazing is that fact that they know how to have fun and still fine happiness that lies within the batey an in there every day life. i mean i love it so much that i want to go back agin and wel i am thinkin of probably becoming a staff but i think that is 2 much but i mean idk what to say it was an experience that have change everyone and they see the truth that lies within there community lke when i came back wow man u cant belive it like at first i never realize but when i came back every one was so busy and there are people that are so mean towards others i mean in DR its not like that is completely different but i will drop it for know that about all i got o say

August 19th, 2010
Its our last night here in Cuchilla and we’re going to have our despedida (farewell) in the same place we had our bienvenido (welcome) six weeks prior. The room of the Centro is filled with nearly 5 times as many people as there were six weeks ago. During both occasions those present in the Centro were all of the GP members and community members who are family of the GPer. This time around so many more people were present that people who weren’t even technically host family members or extended host family for that matter, friends, neighbors, everyone came to take part in our last moments together. The vast difference in number, let alone the increase heat that generated in the room, this time around very much agreed with the many tears and choke-ups coming from all of us.

It’s really touching to see just how deeply others have been touched by your presence. There were too many times during that despedida between all of the hugs, singing, and thank yous that I had to fight back my tears so as to not open a never ending waterfall. Now it is even more special to witness the reactions of our GP students in this moment, because oftentimes it is not until you reach the end of a your time with someone do you realize how valuable and unregettable that experience has been. These kids have gone through a lot of different challenges, personal and other struggles but have always had the support, love, and attention from Cuchilla which is something very hard to have to move away from now that our time here is almost up.

This brings me back to something Mariel, a peace corp volunteer working in Cuchilla for close to two years now shared with our group earlier in our trip here. She had said that no matter how much you contribute to the economy, development, visibility, etc. of a community it will not exceed how much it has impacted the lives of the actual volunteers, and in this case the students most specifically. At least in Cuchilla, where they are at point very much accustomed to both the conditions they live in as well as the frequent support from outside aid, for our students who are embarking on this kind of work and lifestyle for the very first time, the amount of personal growth is immeasurable. In a lot of ways this experience is much more for the students than it is for the communities we visit although they are both most definitely benefitting from the experience.

It makes me happy to know that these students as well as the bonds made here will not be lost or forgotten because all of those tears shed during our despedida and well after serve as a such a good reflection of all of the good we did and happiness we shared these past six weeks. I can only hope to see the day when I will be with all my students, new family, and friends in DR again soon if not working down there once more in the future.

Gracias,

Andreina

Hey everyone! I just read the most recent blogs, and I want to thank you all for the work you’ve done in your respective countries. I really wish that I could’ve gone on the Nicaragua trip, but in a sense, I’m living vicariously through your experiences . You all have worked so hard and learned so much. I love what Isla said about being grateful for what we have rather than resentful for what we desire. I can see how you all have contributed greatly to your host communities, and I want to thank you for being so honest and positive! These blogs have been a blast to read, and I can’t wait to hear more soon! Have a safe trip home, everyone!

Aicha

Change

The are so many things I had learned living here in Nicaragua. For 6 weeks now. I feel so good about everything I have done including GP and the youth of El Hatillo. I am so full of joy that I came here and experienced so many things. It has changed me in so many ways, like before I came here I thought, “oh you need that and this in order to be happy in life” and I guess I got that from watching too much tv, my friends and also people I used to see around. Being here in this village I won’t say was perfect but it was really unbelievable. Because it has taught me that little things can make you happy, not caring about what other people think about you will make you a totally different person and for me that is called a big change in life and I know I won’t be able to experience this again. But still I am going to try my best to make something like this happen in my life or in somebody else’s life who may think that something like this does not exist. There is a world where you can be somebody else. Without worrying about what one thinks of you. I really love GP and will love for them to continue on doing this. And I also wish for me not to forget about what I have learned here.

Natalia

I cannot believe I have less than a week left in Nicaragua. This past weekend we went to La Isla de Ometepe and it was beautiful. It was awesome to see the two volcanoes and swim once again in the huge lake of Nicaragua. The island was definitely one of the most beautiful pieces of nature I have ever seen. I also went on a kayak on the lake and it was fun to get away and enjoy the silence that was brought by the water and the nature surrounding it. Late Monday night my host grandfather’s mother died. It was terribly sad to go to the funeral and see basically everyone from the community crying with so much grief. I did not like to see a community that on any other day would be full of life be so full of pain. I was glad I was there to support my family and cry with them. I don’t want this experience to end it has definitely been life changing. Nicaragua will always be in my heart for it is full of precious life and unforgettable moments.

Nayum
I think this is it now I have short amount of time in Nicaragua, in El Hatillo. This week I and other GP members had fun in La Isla de Ometepe where we stayed over night in a beach hotel, and the next morning we all had breakfast and I am the one who ate most of the food. Well at least we all had fun, however when we all got home in El Hatillo we found that our host family is sad because we have only less than a week in Nicaragua. This is the sad part because I had also become sad, but life is continue on and I am satisfy with all the support that I got from my family members here and the experiential trip I had so far over here.

Samy Enecia

He tenido una tremenda experiencia con GP en el hatillo de Nicaragua e aprendido una nueva cultura un nuevo país nuevas personas interesantes con un sentimiento puro que a ayudado a abrir mis ojos para entender cosas que pasan en el mundo y como debemos superarlas.

Aprendí cosa que creo que me ayudaran a seguir asía adelante sin miedo a lo que venga.

Mi experiencia con mi nueva familia aquí fue tremenda nunca pese que viviría con unas paras de familia tan jóvenes que pudiera platicar con ellos y ganar confianza aquí con ellos son unas tremenda personas una pareja joven que piensa en el futuro.

Salir de mi país republica dominicana sin conocer a ningunos de los jóvenes del programa pensé que seria difícil involucrarme con ellos, pero fue lo contrario nos tratamos como si nos conociéramos desde hace anos es muy bonito y dinámico.

Agradezco a Dios luego GP por darme esa tremenda experiencia de conocer y aprender a vivir como viven aquí y adaptarme a este sistema nuevo.

Como ya saben ya hemos triunfado.

La victoria logramos. Dios les bendiga abrazos.

Daniel Alejandro Martínez

It is unbelievable to realize that this is my last blog from Nicaragua, and that this experience has almost come to its end. The time runs fast, and it is time to say good bye to those that I have learned to appreciate. Only six days remain until our departure.
This week I started working with Samy on a documentary about secondary education for the people of El Hatillo. Many of them desist going to school because they don’t have a secondary school in the community. They have to walk more than 4 kilometers to get to the nearest school. Also many don’t count with the enough resources, money and support from their parents to continue. So they decide to work and marry at young age instead of following a professional path.

I have been interviewing people and recorded many shots in the primary school. Today I went to the community of El Molino, accompanied along the way with some secondary school students. We walked through the rain on the muddy and rough road to the school. I recorded them making their effort to get quick to El Molino and hide from the heavy rain. I have put so much effort and work on this documentary. I hope to be successful with it and show the world the difficulties that these people have to face to finish their education.
All the moments that I have lived in Nicaragua, with all the people that I have met, all the work that I have done to improve these people’s lives, it has been a blessing for me. I have learned so much out of it. My thoughts about an ideal society have been clarified, and this has helped me to build up my way of thinking. It has been great to experience the happiness in this society, with few resources and technologies. This has taught me not to be so dependent on technology and to live along with simple things of the nature, valuating everything that I have—especially my family.
I want to thank all my comrades from GP and the staff and the program itself for this life changing experience. I know that this will change my life, and that I will use the values of solidarity, respect, commitment and love for the others, to be a valuable leader in the future.
Although that I don’t want to leave the Hatillo and its people. I am aware of the responsibilities waiting for me back home, and the commitment with my future studies and preparation. I am satisfied, that I gave the most of me here to the people, and that I learned from them and to helped them. I have reached the victory by accomplishing my mission here, from the personal perspective to the one in the program. I will miss so much those left behind, but I will comfort myself by knowing that I have been an inspiration for them, and that they will remember me and miss me as much as I will.

La Victoria se hace ala constancia.

The joy of the man should be based on caring of the others, and living in peace with the nature surrounding him. Learning from his experiences, and finding comfort, living in with simple things, knowing how to take advantage and care of the resources in his society.

Ilsa Bruer
Final Blog Post

“In the end? Nothing ends…Nothing ever ends.” Junot Diaz

These are the closing words of the novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, and as my days in Hatillo are waning they ring ever true, and I find comfort in them. I could sit and espouse the magnitude of this experience with superlatives and stories interminably, however that is not my aim as I sit to write. I write because my heart is filled with gratitude and sadness simultaneously; gratitude for all I have been given and sadness because the days I have remaining here are few and I know I must return to a life that awaits me in Boston.

The sense of gratitude I feel is for the opportunity to temporarily eschew the stress and worries of a frenetic urban life for the calm, bucolic life of El Hatillo. A place that for the last five weeks has been my home, and the people of the community have done everything they could to insure I, and the GP youth, feel and understand that we are truly a part of their families. Living here has inspired the evaluation of my priorities, reminded me about what I can live without, and given me a greater appreciation for simpler things in life. I have been humbled and reminded to be grateful for that which I have, not resentful for that which I desire.

I am sad because I know that I will not only miss the community, but all of the nuances that bring it to life. Contrary to popular belief, I anticipate missing the early morning crow of the roosters, the mud that always seems to be stuck to my shoes, washing my clothes in the river, cold showers, and barking dogs. I know I will miss jugo de pitayah, freshly made tortillas, “Buenas”, rain storms, front doors that are always open, the bus ride to Sebaco, and yes probably even gallo pinto. However, I know with certainty that what I will miss the most will be the eight youth whom I have come to know and love as if they were my own little brothers and sisters. On the fourth of July our journey commenced, most of us as total strangers, and shortly it will conclude, all of us bonded, not unlike a family. I am enormously proud of the growth each of the youth has shown, and of all of the hard work and effort each of them has poured into this community. I have come to enjoy our morning meetings (even if all the youth dread them), to appreciate our time working together, but mostly I love the fact that we all now share an unmatchable bond. This is why this journey will never end.

We may not be in Nicaragua forever as our group will dissolve and we will all return to our respective lives, however, this trip never ends because I know it will forever live in our pictures, our stories, our inside jokes, every moment we shared and in our hearts. And so I find comfort in reminding myself that “nothing ever ends”.

Julissa Tavarez

My host family is one of the best families in Los Blocs. I live with
five people here and they are all great people. I have one sister and
two brothers, as well as a mom and dad. My sister Yerusa likes to play
softball. She knows how to clean, cook, and sing. She is 16 years old
but she lokks and acts older. My brother Amelyo can fix anything, like
watches, t.v.´s, even motorcycles. He is a very smart boy he also
likes to listen to music and dance. He is 15 years old and is taller
than me. My little brother Patricio is 7 years old he likes to act a
clown when he is with his friends and when he is sleeping he likes to
take the whole bed for himself, I find it funny though becuase he is
so small and skinny. My father Parual is always working, he owns a bar
and a field. He almost never gets a day off I´ve only seen him in the
house only twice since I´ve been here and those were his days off. I
don´t have a clue how old he is actually. My mother´s name is Saida
she is 40 years old. She works at home because she has a colmado
(store) in the house. She takes care of her kids very well. She is a
fun funny person. She likes to yell a lot as well and keeps all her
kids on check even me. But you have to love her… Well thats my
family. God Bless Everyone
Shanice Beckles

Blood is always thicker than water. No one can get between thye Bonds
that you have with family. My family here in Los Blocs are one of the
coolest people ever. Here I have my older sister Marisol, but everyone
calls her Coca I guess its because of her shape. She is 23 has no kids
and is going to school to become a doctor. Then there is my older
brother P. I don´t talk to him much he just comes to watch t.v., eat,
and take showers at my house, he´s always out with friends . After
comes Wilkin (13), also known as Pinki, Awilda (11), who has her own
popcorn business so when school comes around she has money for clothes
and supplies. Isn´t she brilliant for an 11 year old. My little
brother Alae, he´s only 5 years old and swears he´s grown. He has his
bad moments, but we all did when we were his age. *Granny*  Last but
not least my grandmother. She is a very strong and independant woman.
She always makes sure that her grand kids are okay and they are
properly fed. Even though we didnt speak the same language our bonds
stood strong.

Last weekend some of the GP students went to Batey 7 to work on a
census project  in that community, and this was before a trip to a
place called Baile de las Aguilas ( Bay of Eagles) . I had a lot of
fun because I got to spend a night in a different Batey with some of
my good friends. Getting a chance to see how there lives are lived in
their Batey seemed so interesting. That night I slept in Raphaels
house it was nice, but he electricity kept going off and on and in Los
Blocs I´m used to the lights being on 24/7 in my house. Also Batey 7
is so big compared to all the other Bateyes I´ve seen. As the day went
on the day got better, cooler, and more relaxing. Therefore my 1st day
in Batey 7 was a good one.

Mackendy Blanc

My host Family in Los Blocs. Oh wow What a week I never thought I
would say this but I don´t want to go back home because I feel at home
home already here in the Batey. If I do something wrong they still
support me. They appreciate the good things I do instead of focusing
on the bad. Evn though i mess up sometimes they push me forward and
make me do the right thing. Like for me I´m already feeling at home
but I´m leaving thats the worst part. I hope next year I can come back
to the same Batey Los Blocs its like a perfect family here for a guy
like me I feel more than welcome, I´m in love with my host family. (
Love ya) I still want to want to talk to family all day even forever
to tell them how much I love them. By the way the trip to Haiti was
awesome.
Christelle

In Los Blocs De Mena I live w/ a family that illustrates the
importance of a big family. I have 5 sisters, a dad, two nieces, and a
mother. My host mother is unlike any other mother that i have ever
encountered. She uses her voice and action to manage 5 daughters and 2
grand-daughters. My oldest sister´s name is Simona who is currently
pregnant. She is 25 and is the wife of the youth leader of the
community. My second sister is Monica. Monica is the mother of of my 2
nieces. She is 21 years old and is similar to her mother, she is very
strict with my 2 nieces. My other sister is my same age. Her name is
Veronica she is 18 and is extremely tall. She is somehow loud and
loves to watch t.v, and sleep. One of my younger sisters is Keila who
just turned 16. Keila similar to her older sister she is also
pregnant. By far, Keila is the quietest unlike our youger sister who
is very talkative. My yougest sister Maria does most of the chores in
the house and is very interactive with others. My little nieces, Abril
and Negra are very active and ” up in the air”. They are all very kind
and I will miss them very much.
Blog-Haiti

I am currently in Haiti and it feels good to be back home.
Nonetheless, home does not look like home anymore after the
earthquake. The earthquake really not only destroyed the capitol,
houses, but the lives of many people. Countless people are still faced
with the psychological impact that accompanied the earthquake. Many
people whether or not thier houses has been destroyed during the
earthquake sleep outside awaiting another one to happen, due to fear
and a restless state of mind. However, during my trip to Haiti and the
3 day conference, I have noticed something else. Something greater
than the pain and the struggle that the country is facing. I have
noticed the passion and the strength of the Haitian youth. Many
Haitian youth are anticipating thier day when they will make a
difference in a country that they all love and are passionate about.
The 3 day conference gathered up brilliant minds and many youth who
were eager to gain more knowledge. I personally loved the conferece
for multiple reasons. One being the structure of ” Open space” which
gave way for everyones opinion to heard and respected. Within the same
structure was a path to gain more knowledge from others. In the
conference there was a diverse age group. Peoples ages ranged from
like 15 year old students to 30 year old adults. This represented a
premature example of equality. Just because a person is younger
doesn´t mean that thier opinion shouldn´t be heard. Especially when
many complain about how the uneducated the younger generation is, the
conference srves as a good introduction to the youth.
Kwasi Atiba

Paseo Blog

GP took a nice Paseo to Bahia de las Aguilas. there was staff,
students, and community members from all the bateys GP is in which
includes: Batey Siete, Ocho, Cuchilla, and last but least Los Blocks.
I loved the water! It was perfect with little water wars. We played so
muc. I developed my swimming skill. For dinner that night , we had
rice and fish. We bonded so much that night. And in the morning we
left back to our Bateys. During the the trip we’ve been developing
opur projects. We are doing 2 documentaries, one on prostitution, and
the other one is about the impact of mosquitoes. We have been writing
blogs of our family to go with the potraits. We will take pictures and
give descriptions of the the families we stayed with. We also started
a World vision survey which was about child violence. To help protect
the children form violence in the community.

This week has been full of fun. I´ve been doing my best to stick eith
the other GP students. 7 heads are better than 1! Our personal
projects and internships are separating us though timewise. We miss
Janel, she always made things funny. One of the things I miss most in
America is my other guitar. It is ten times more fun to be amplified.
At least I can work on my singing with my acoustic. I´ve been eating
way less dairy products in Los Blocs than I eat in America. Its
definitely making me feel better. I get along with my family here, The
father is not present, but the mother is. I got 3 brothers and one
sister that live in the house. My internship deals with health, just
as i requested. I work with a nurse in the community to make sure that
the kids in the community are in healthy wieght.

My Stay in Los Blocs with my host family became a great experience for
me. There were 5 members, which consisted of 3 boys, 1 girl, and the
mother. The father isn’t present becuase he works in Spain. Neighbors
and friends came to the house at times. The oldest boy, Yudelson works
in the bar on saturdays and sundays to earn 300 pesos. The boy before
him, Junior recieved his nickname Muñeco becuase of his inability to
move his hand. The youngest boy, Yudel loves dancing. Tatiana was the
girl, she loves to play with her doll. The mother does most of the
chores, she is very social as well. The way the family made me as one
of them is what i liked the most.

Imagine the times running out with only one more week left to ne with the ones you have developed strong relations with. Imagine a  batey that  is so poor and that is in a bad conditions wishing to imagine helping everyone but at somepoint it takes massive amount of time to change the lives people in this batey that have so much faith and happiness no matter what the consequences will be or the most challenging problems each family have to face. Our lives are 2 different way of life that at somepoint you could still find happiness. The people the view of the mountines are going to be hard to forget as well as being able to let go. Being in a place were theirs traffic business and a place were your not able to do any thing fun it sucks feeling trapped not being able to go place like DR your able to help  a community with people of faith hopes and happiness DR is a place were I will love to come back again it’s a place that is….

Hey bloggers!

I know you have read many sad blogs because i know most students are like me. Sad at the fact that we are leaving this Sunday. I personally am extra sad of leaving. I been treated here in the greatest way imaginable, better than i ever been treated at home. Many may say and think that it is because i am an AMERICAN but i don’t think so. These peoples heart are so nice and humble. They look past looks and money they love you for who you really are. The people is sincerely what i am going to truly miss and be thinking about the whole plane ride home.

Our leaving is something that everyone in the Batey keeps bringing up. Us students are sad and we are all aware that we are going to suffer when we leave but what we are now realizing is that the Bateyeros are too! They really seem to have gotten used to us being around and that they are really going to miss us. Its incredible the relationships that i have created with these people. It may be hard to believe through just reading my blogs but the people that i met here are people i am planning to keep in touch with for the rest of my life even come visit and stay with them every time that i am going to be in the country.

Sad to say bloggers that next time you will see my writing will be when i am in the states. So see you then!

Love now and forever

Marianny Martinez (Bateyera at heart)

The Global Potential group is standing in solidarity with the communities of Batey 7 and 8, who recently lost a friend, family member, colleague, and community member, to a senseless murder. In what is normally a very safe area, people here are shocked by this loss. We are currently working with leaders in both villages to support them in their response. They have sent the story out to 5 different newspapers, and achieved getting it published in several places. The Bateys have historically been ignored by the government and authorities, but that is changing in the last few years, and GP is doing what we can to help that process. Leaders here are holding community meetings to discuss how to approach the government to insist that street lights get put on the highway between the 2 communities where he was killed. Both communities are outraged that this could take place, and we are working to help them to deal with it. We are purchasing two banners to hang across both entrances to the road with slogans to commit to safety and freedom from violence.

In the neighborhoods that many of GP participants live back in the US, murders and violence occur all too frequently. Sometimes there is a powerful response, that we can learn from and work to replicated down here, and sometimes, too often, they are largely ignored and not given the attention they need to be given to decrease future occurrences.

I realize this is an issue that probably many people don’t want to hear about–but it is important that it gets attention, to reduce the chance of it happening again. We are committed to the safety of our GP participants, and to the security of the communities that we work in here.