Enroute to Orphange Outreach

Yesterday we closed up Ohana, put her on a mooring ball at the marina in Boca Chica and began our journey to the orphange in Monte Cristo. Peter used his spanish and bargaining skills to get us a taxi ride to Santa Domingo where we then boarded a bus to Santiago. The taxi ride was quite an experience! With motor bikes weaving in and out of traffic, semi's with exposed engines and wobbly wheels, and horns beeping as cars merged from lane to lane without fear, it made New York driving seem civil!

We had not been outside of the protected marina zones since our arrival in the Domincan Republic and it was shocking to see the poverty. We were aware of the two very separate classes in the DR, it still did not buffer the effects of actually witnessing it. The tin roofed homes, the beggars on the streets of Santiago, the kids begging at the car windows, a mother sitting on the street with her malnurished child in her lap, was very disturbing.

The kids have not been outside the hotel yet to explore the city. Peter and I went out yesterday while they caught up on their t.v. time. So as I am writing this we are preparing to go on an walk to the park and monument which sits high on a hill in the town. I am interested to see what the kids observe and how they process the difference between the marinas and the city.

We are going to the airport at 2pm to meet the other OO volunteers. From their we head to the orphanage and begin our week of work. It will be nice to be off the boat and with others for this time.

We will be sure to post and let you know all that we are experiencing.
Thanks for your prayers for our family. It is wonderful to know that our circle of friends and family is present to support us!

Peace,
Eliza