Happy Travel Day

Friday, June 9th

Happy travel day!!!

Santo Domingo has offered us a first impression of the Dominican Republic as a bustling and busy capital city. Today, our understanding of the DR drastically expanded as we left the crowded streets, apartment buildings, and surrounding restaurants/establishments. For the first time we experienced the countryside (or "campo" as the locals call it) as we journeyed from Santo Domingo to Sabaneta de Yadira. Among the rolling green hills were small villages, home, and family businesses alike. The winding roads took us up a mountain offering breathtaking views of the country below. 

After hours of driving through the country we were welcomed in Sabaneta with lunch as well as an evidently strong community. This town is quite clearly different from our last temporary home in the city. We have our own yard with multiple mango trees! You can hear crickets at night instead car horns and traffic. 

After a late lunch our local friends agreed to meet us at the next door basketball court. The games quickly became competitive and more and more locals came to the courts to watch and compete, as well as one man serving as a referee. After basketball & dinner we were quickly surrounded by a crowd of new faces offering support, translation, and an ear to our team. We worshipped together and shared song meanings in our languages. Despite the evident language barrier we face everywhere we go, we can use things such as sports or music to connect with the community. 

We may have only spent a few hours in this community but one things is for certain, we are welcome here and will not want to say "adios" in 9 days.

Queso! 
Gillian 

Comments

  1. Donna JohnstonJune 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM

    Sounds like everyone is having a good experience with the hospitality of your new friends.

    ReplyDelete

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