It's day five of the Putney Dominica Community Servce trip and we're having a blast! Many students have been overheard saying how qucikly the group has bonded, that it seems that we've all known each other for years. The group has adapted well to shared living quarters (the boys in the village's community center, the girls in a house on a hill), a shared bathroom, shared meals, working together on projects and chores, and entertaining each other with games. Friendshps have formed fast!
Our projects are off to a good start. We are working on a mural in the center of Bense that will hopefully serve as a reminder of the strength found in unity and community. But before we can get to the fun of painting it's been necessary to scrape off the old mural and wash the cement wall. It's slow, hard work in a hot and humid clmate,but great progress has been made because the kids are determined and a number of local people have lent a helping hand.
The group has also made preparations for a summer enrichment program at the local primary school. Starting Monday, the group, in partnership with members of local youth groups, will host a academic, talent development,and life skills program at the school for elementary aged kids in the village. We've had a blast interacting with the kids in the area (they taught us how to play cricket yesterday!) and are looking forward to spending more time with them.
Overall, spirits are high and we're looking forward to getting to know all about our new home.
Until soon,
Russell and Eliza
Half of the group taking a moment to pose during a tough morning of work scraping paint off an old mural in the heart of the village. The other students were being taught cricket by local kids and plannng learnng activities for our summer enrichment program.
This area is called #1 Beach. It's a local favorite and a now a Putney favorite. After we wear ourselves out jumping around in the huge waves that come crashing in, it's a treat to wade in the blue-green fresh river water that empties into the ocean.
most part it's been going great! We thought you might enjoy
seeng what happens to the kitchen when a trio of well-intentioned
students plan a ramen noodle feast for 17 people!
