We're a week and a half in and still loving everything that Dominca has to offer. The group has adjusted wonderfully to its new home in Bense. We are now fully engaged in four projects and still making time for adventures around the island.
The summer enrichment program is a hit. We have over 20 local kids enrolled in the program and have enlisted a number of local teenagers to help out as well. The group is dedicated to designing a strong curriculum and is getting a little taste of what teaching is actually like. One idea the group is trying to pull together is a talent show for all the children that will include singing, dancing, story telling, and whatever other talents are discovered!
The mural is in the final stages of prep! After scraping off all the old paint, it was time for a layer of cement to paint on. A number of local folks came by to help with this task and now we're just about ready to start painting!
Today was our first day working on rebuilding the elderly woman's house in a neighboring village. The house was demolished with the exception of a concrete foundation. We added three layers of cement blocks to the foundation and are ready to get to work with some hammers and nails.
Tomorrow we will embark on the first day of road paving. Everyone is really excited to start this project. Emma is even planning on cooking a big meal for all the volunteers on site so we have enough energy to get the job done.
We stayed close to home our first weekend in Dominica so that we could take part in their annual Feast of July, which is a celebration of Saint Peter. Saint Peter was a fisherman and to celebrate the town gathered to cook and eat and bless the fishing boats. There was also dancing and time for the group to meet more people from the community. A few brave boys even asked some local girls to dance!
On Saturday we explored Cabrits National Park near Portsmouth, in the Northwest part of the island. This area is a relic of British imperialism. We were able to hike all through an area that was once a thriving British fort in the 1700. Since then nature has taken over the area and created a surreal landscape.
Below are a few photos of the group taking part in some of the activities and projects.
Until next time...
Russell & Eliza
