Day Nine: Beiber and Caves

So we’re definitely experts at the wake-up routine. Morning came, it was great. Nothing out of the ordinary: Yanet picked us up and drove us to the orphanage; we started the day with Bible study and a story about Gideon. Now, we’ve gotten to a point where we have truly employed and engaged the kids by having them be active parts of these Bible skits. They wear the costumes and read the dialogues (I didn’t even have a speaking role today- what self-sufficient children we have!) After Bible study, we had our activity for the day- making animal cards with tracings from our hands. It was the cutest activity; we made giraffes, monsters, turkeys, and sea animals- good idea Maile! After the activity, we had lunch in the mess hall with the kids- always an exciting time. A mini food fight broke out (We’re just surprised there haven’t been more of them). After lunch, we organized (or as best you can “organize” those kids) everyone for our field trip to the Maravillas Caves!

I believe we mentioned that last time it was a delightful experience bringing the kids to Altos de Chavon. This time we didn’t have the same success. It could have been the numbers (we had 10 more kids this time than last time), or it could have been the lack of food and water at the end of the tour (last time they all got cake and soda at the end of the tour), but either way, they weren’t the easiest troop today.

Let us paint the picture: the four of us were put in charge of 40 children (which sounds fine, until you realize the language barrier is still a problem and you’re taking them into dark caves). The ride there was exciting- filled with Justin Beiber songs and worship music (in both Spanish and English). However, it was the downward voyage that changed everything. Don’t get us wrong- the caves were awesome! So interesting and fun! We got to see real bats and stalagmites and stalactites and really cool formations. However, it was with the voyage out of the cave that we lost control on.

Upon resurfacing, we came across an iguana exhibit randomly located right outside the caves. The kids, of course, were fascinated and proceeded to exploit that fascination in the form of climbing and running around the exhibit. This includes dangling their feet into the cage and trying to push each other in (it may sound like we have lost control at this point- we have). Thankfully no one got hurt and no one fell into the iguana cage, but it was a serious concern for us haha. After that, the kids realized we didn’t have any food or water prepared for them, and proceeded to go somewhat crazy- running around everywhere and jumping off benches. But after a thirty-minute round up, we successfully got everyone aboard the bus and made it back to La Romana. Not without some serious ear-piercing yelling and singing. Don’t get us wrong, it was a great day and trip, but by the end of today all of us were exhausted and ready for some downtime.

This downtime thankfully came in the form of Bible study and a quick trip to the beach. During which, our friend Eric, came and met us for some appetizers at Le Cirque (where Luca and Massimo work). Overall, another great day-definitely some chaos in between- but a success nonetheless.

Some memorable moments include: driving on the bus to the caves and singing (at one point Maile and Chanel started singing “Mighty to Save” and the kids joined our English verses with their Spanish verses- a very special moment). Another memorable moment definitely came from the ride back when the kids started singing in Spanish about how they “Never wanted to go back because they didn’t have food or water at the end of the trip”-set to the tune of “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”- (clever, but so dramatic haha). Dinner tonight was wonderful too because at Le Cirque there was a live band and they came and gave us a personal performance, accordion included. And I don’t know how this last comment hasn’t made it into the blog until now, but let it be known- DEET is a girl’s new best friend. We have all definitely experienced our fair share of mosquito and bug bites on this trip. But today, the realization that DEET has been a huge help came to fruition once we realized how much we missed it after getting eaten alive at the caves (note to self: we need to reapply more often).

Also, it should be duly noted that one of our members is unfortunately leaving us tomorrow. Katie is returning to the U.S. a little early and she will be dearly missed (the trip definitely won’t be the same). It’s crazy, you think that after spending nearly 24-7 with your friends you’d be sick of them, but that is not the case at all. We’re definitely loving every minute.

As Katie departs, we’re already discussing the roommate situation (as it stands now, Katie and I have been sleeping together and Les and Mai have been sleeping together). I made the suggestion that I could just move into Mai and Les’s bed; but that didn’t go over so well, so that’s still to be determined haha…

Anyway, we’re off to bed so we can prepare for another full day. Lots of stories ahead, we’re sure ☺

Paz y amor,

Las Chicas