HEARTS UNDER THE SUN

Tuesday arrived, the second day of the program and the kids are giving their all to absorb the abundant information they are receiving in order to have the best experience in the Dominican Republic. Today they had their first contact with "Acción Callejera," the NGO with whom we will be serving the communities during these weeks. You should have seen their faces, their wide-open eyes, moved by the reality that the children they will be working with live in. They asked questions and participated in everything.

All together, with the children at the center, we played intense games under the scorching sun and the sweat that characterizes the climate we are experiencing. And you know what? I had never seen so many smiles, hearts willing to serve, arms full of hugs, eyes that see the soul and not just the physical appearance of those around them. I feel so proud of these kids. My heart smiles when I see them. It seems to me that the same heat that the are receiving from the sun, is the one they are giving to the kids and everyone around them.

After a well-deserved rest and a delicious lunch, the kids received the second-to-last part of their orientation process, and we went to explore the rich history written and depicted on every wall of the exterior and interior of the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration. They enjoyed some free time with their friends, and we ended the afternoon by arriving at their Dominican homes, where their host families eagerly awaited them every day.

Wednesday had nothing to envy from Tuesday. What a fantastic day, so full of energy. It was the first day of getting to know, dancing, playing, and loving the children from Hoyo de Puchula, one of the most vulnerable communities in the city of Santiago. It was beautiful to see how language doesn't hinder hearts from connecting. The students have squeezed out all the Spanish they know, but the strongest connection has been through hugs, laughter, and dancing... lots of dancing. Music has that power: it reminds us that we are not better or worse than anyone else, we are one skin, one body in which every member enjoys themselves with others, one heart beating together.

Rest, food, water, and we went to our next stop, the Eduardo Leon Jimenez Cultural Center, the best museum in the city and the country. What a wealth of culture, learning, and immersive experience. All the senses were nourished, and everyone was happy to be part of this beautiful experience.

By Sheila & Kokayi.