The morning 'Inspiration' focused on contrasting our perceived needs with the reality of what we require for a just life. The complaints of a consumer society reveal a total disconnect with our true needs. Those who struggle daily with obtaining food, clean water, shelter and companionship become invisible to us. When we meet people at this level of need, we are humbled by their thanks that we would choose to spend even a moment with them.

Two of our team chose to remain behind at the resort today due to 'health issues'.



'Harvesting' Corn

We took a break from painting today to visit Villa Esperanza (Hope) to drop by the homes we had sponsored in past years and say hello to the residents. The men in the 'seniors duplexes' that we paid for 2 years ago were busy cutting corn off of cobs and were happy to see us. Many of us stopped into the 'jewelry' store 'HOPE' (Helping Other People Eat) which employs 10 women and one man. One of the highlights of visiting Esperanza was seeing the former site of the 'slum' of 'Los Algodones' completely cleared of all the former shacks of people now living in Esperanza.

 

The 'HOPE' Ladies of Esperanza

Bea & Helen Shop For Beads 










We then went to Ascension Village where we met Bill and Donna (a couple who gave up a successful business in Canada and came to the DR three years ago). They run a 3-pronged program: feeding of seniors and children 3 times a week, family assistance food supplements, and baby and expectant mother care. Within 3 years, the health of children has greatly improved and the average weight of newborn babies has risen by over 2 pounds!! We assisted with the feeding of about 25 seniors and over 300 children. They were fed a nutritious soup from dried vegetables and grains provided by 'The Gleaners'.  Bill entertained the kids with the pipes while we were setting tables.  Donnqa then spoke further about the work that she and Bill were doing.  A little girl named Chichi was a special concern of their's since she had been abandoned by her mother who left the village.  Chichi, who is 5 years old, is being cared for by a 'Big Brother' figure as well as by Bill and Donna.


Bill & Donna and Chichi

The 'Pied Piper' of Ascension








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Sign in Front of the Shops at Ascension

 

Following a lunch of 'cheese and ham' sandwiches, bananas and a cookie, some us us did some bartering in the artisan shops in the village.  We then departed for a nearby mountain village to see an after-school program run by Elfredo and Pastor Joseph. The program is held in the church, a very crude structure, using 'folding chair' desks, not unlike those that some of us would have encountered at university 40 or 50 years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elfredo Accepts Our Donations

We sang 'Oh Canada' (accompanied by Bill on the pipes) and they returned the favour with a rousing rendition of the DR National Anthem which seemed to go on forever. We left school supplies with Elfredo that overwhelmed him. The tiny office/storeroom was groaning under the weight of materials that we left behind.

Students Singing their National Anthem