A "TAINO" WEEKEND

We can't believe how quickly the days pass by. These kids and us are already a big family, and as one of them said, "I can't imagine life without having met you."

The first weekend arrived and it was full of wonderful experiences. On Friday, the kids continued actively learning about community service in their seminar class, and in the afternoon they finally had their long-awaited dance class, where they learned merengue and salsa choreographies. They gave it their all on the dance floor and the connection through music grew even stronger.

Saturday was "the day." A very tight schedule, but so much fun and unforgettable experiences. How could they forget preparing their own "casabe" as our ancestors "the taínos" use to make it? How could they forget seeing the entire process that coffee beans go through before reaching our palate? How could they forget a delicious lunch by the river and a dip in its cold and magical waters? And how could they forget ending that day dancing to the rhythm of Dominican music with a live orchestra just for them while tasting typical Dominican desserts? How could they forget when they are creating memories with every step they take.

On Sunday, we had a spectacular weekend closure, going around Los Pepines neighborhood to see the beautiful murals that decorate almost every wall of its streets. We ate typical Dominican empanadas and lemonades and enjoyed a beautiful live demonstration of how carnival is celebrated in the city of Santiago. Oh how laughed!

They say that laughter is the best medicine, and these kids have shown us that it's true. There is no heat, pain, discomfort or tiredness that their laughter cannot heal.

By Sheila & Kokayi