Final Reflection - Danny Cayelli

It was an honor being on the 2016 4-H service trip to the Dominican Republic. This was my first experience traveling abroad without my family more so being the new kid in a group of seasoned 4-H teenage travelers.  However, since meeting the group at the airport, and after a few minutes of breaking the ice, I knew this was a program that was going to impact my life.  From day one I was able to use my Spanish speaking and translating abilities and to see and live in a completely different culture than I am used to. Last time I was in the Dominican Republic I was in one of the touristic areas but this time I got to see the true Dominican Republic.   Thanks to this 4-H trip I learned that in the Dominican Republic many of its villages do not have schools big enough to teach all the school age kids, nor do they have running water, drinking water and/or electricity. While I was in the village of Domingo Maiz seeing schools and houses without the amenities that we have in the United States, made me feel thankful for what I have in both my school and my house in Reston/Herndon Virginia. I also learned  and experienced that the Dominican people were extremely nice and helpful, they were involved and caring participants with the 4-H local camp and our service project activities. Most of all, they were thankful and grateful for the school supplies and services shared with them.

On this trip I learned about myself too! I learned that it takes me longer to get into my comfort zone with new people.  Also, that I am a very likable person and am able to make friends with people with diverse backgrounds. When I first arrived at the airport and the first day of camp I was often silent because I didn’t know what to say, did not know how to talk to my peers or the campers.  However, after an hour or two I got into my comfort zone by engaging in conversation with them.  My life and leadership skills were greatly improved from this program and so were my attention span and organizational skills. Since I have ADHD and thus have problems paying attention, by having the daily demands from both Americans and Dominicans kids needing me for frequent and quick translation services,  helped me stay focused with the tasks at hand.  This was also my first experience with roommates.  I hope that Wyatt and Garrett had as much fun with me as I did with them.  I can say I made long life friends in them and the rest of the group (including the Dominican teens)!

Next summer I would love to have the opportunity to participate in this 4-H group trip again. I think this program gave the Dominican campers and teens an opportunity to introduce people from a different background into their country, environment, music, food and overall culture.  They showed us how resourceful, ingenious, happy and vibrant they are.  The local communities and school age children benefited from the resources we donated, were grateful for them,  and quickly put them to good use.  During the entire program they showed us how much they all enjoyed the camp activities we organized for them.  I would strongly recommend this program to other 4-Hers because it will give them an opportunity to experience, live and provide needed community services in a completely different culture. This program should continue so that we can provide aid to those that are in need and for us to grow as citizens of the world.  Thank you.

Danny Cayelli, Shenandoah/Fairfax Counties

Final Reflection - Jenna Kibler

The Dominican Republic has had a huge impact on me. I enjoyed learning so much about the Dominican culture in just a week. It was intriguing getting to know the Dominican children and forming close bonds with them during the camp.

I loved being able to help the community and local schools. It was shocking when we went to Domingo Maiz and saw the poor living conditions the Dominicans lived in. I vividly remember the small shacks they lived in, a toddler being bathed in a bucket, and dogs barking on a roof. After we left the village, I could not stop thinking about what I had just witnessed. It was hard to grasp the thought of living in such unsanitary conditions where the Dominican were only given gallons of clean water once a week. It also saddened me to see the lack of education the children received. I realized how truly blessed I am really and wished I had been even more grateful at home. What shocked me the most was that even though the Dominicans did not have much, they always had a smile on their face. Their lives were simple, and they were making the best out of their situation; it was truly gratifying to see.

This trip allowed me to clearly see how fortunate the American citizens are. In the United States many citizens take for granted the quality of education, government programs, and overall safety they receive. This trip to the Dominican Republic was one of the best weeks of my life. Not only did I learn about the Dominican culture, but I also learned a lot about myself and my passion to serve others.

Jenna Kibler, Shenandoah Co.

 

 

 

Final Reflection - Chase Smith

As always, this trip has made a difference in my life and the way I think of things.  This was my seventh time accompanying Carol and Christine and our teens to the Dominican Republic.  I think the number of times I have gone on this trip speaks for itself.  I do it because it gives me the opportunity to help others that need it most. 

One thing I love about the DR is no matter how little or how much you are, most men, women, and children have a big smile on their face and will forever greet you with “Hola”.  I loved seeing each of the teens that participated in the trip grow in different ways. They all gained skills they can use the rest of their life.  I would recommend this service trip to anyone.  It is a great chance to further your education, meet new people, and try new things. 

I had the pleasure of seeing a lot of my friends again and also had the opportunity to meet new friends.  I consider them all my second family and they have been nice enough to invite us in their homes.  I have also made some connections with some people and I am considering taking my nursing skills with me to the Dominican Republic some time, maybe next year or down the road, but I would love to give back and use my passion of nursing to care for others. 

  

I want to thank everyone who made this possible.  Your help it is greatly appreciated!  Also, huge thanks to Carol and Christine, without you two, the trip would not be what it is today.  Also a thanks to Rory and Lee Ann (AKA my breakfast buddy), you two made the trip so much fun.  I can’t wait to go “home” again!

Chase Smith, Chaperon, Bath Co.

Final Reflection - Lee Ann Gray

Serving as a chaperone for the Dominican Republic 4-H Service week was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience.  This trip is so well-organized and well-managed, with opportunities to really experience the culture and the people of the country.  I absolutely LOVED the 4-H day camp experience, as the campers were just wide-eyed at all the crafts and activities that we provided for them!

The resort was just phenomenal, providing a safe and fun environment for us to enjoy, which was much-appreciated after long service days. The food and activities at the resort were really great. 

I also loved that the Dominican teens were able to visit with the American teens throughout the week, establishing lifelong connections and friendships. Watching the teens, my son in particular,  grow, explore, network, serve, and connect with the Dominican people and culture was so rewarding. 

I am just so thrilled that I had the opportunity to serve as a chaperone for this trip.  I am amazed at how connected I felt to the DR after just one week, thanks to the opportunities provided by the program directors.  I can highly recommend this trip to 4-H teens and adults who are ready for an amazing adventure!!

 LeeAnn Gray, Chaperon from Alleghany County

 

Final Reflection - Niki Funkhouser

 

 

The Dominican Republic trip this year was one for the books.  This trip might have been the last trip to the DR with 4-H for me, since I will be leaving for basic training next summer on July 18^th . 

There was a great set of youth on the trip.  Everyone become friends quickly. I still talk with some of the ladies.  Since I attended the trip two years ago, it was great to see familiar faces in the Dominican.  I was pleased that the trip had some small changes then the past year.  We did the same community services, but visited a different school to deliver school supplies. The resort and beach was even more beautiful than I remember.  During the snorkeling trip, I was able to hold a baby octopus! 

I turned 17 while in the Dominican, which was the same night as the Giudicelli's party.  The day campers were a handful, but luckily, I had bilingual campers to help break the communication barrier. 

This was the last summer for my sister and I to be “kids,” so I’m grateful we spent it with continuous 4-H involvement; not only with the Dominican trip, but other camps and projects we participated in through our other clubs.

Niki Funkhouser, Shenandoah County

Final Reflection - Emilie Webb

 

During the past week, while being in the Dominican Republic, I learned more about the people. It's so easy to sit in our air conditioned homes and yet still complain about going to work the next day or having to do a simple chore. While being in the DR, I learned that the people were always just so happy. It didn’t matter to them what they had, they were all just so happy to have what they could. It really put a different perspective for me, because I was able to see how overly joyful they truly were. It taught me not to complain about what I have or have to do. But rather to be thankful for what my parents have given me. I will definitely look through another perspective while being home. Overall, the trip was absolutely amazing and I would love to go back again and see the campers and the people I met. I would recommend that anyone in 4-H should at least go one. You’ll be able to see through a different pair of eyes just how blessed we truly are.

Emilie Webb, Shenandoah County

Final Reflection - Dakota Funkhouser

This year was my third trip to the Dominican Republic. Every time I’ve gone I have gained new insight and my experiences are always different and I ALWAYS have new stories to tell. My Spanish speaking skills are very poor so I really wanted to use this trip to work on my communication skills with a language barrier. I actually learned a lot of Spanish words and ended up leaving with a lot more knowledge than what I came with.

The heavy focus that the Dominicans put on the environment is very eye opening. They have to be very careful about their waste because they have very limited water supply. They have environmental worries that Americans would never think about. They have to be very mindful of the materials they use and the waste they create.

One of my favorite things about the entire week is meeting and working with the Dominican teens. I think it’s very exciting to meet teens our own age who are going through the same teenage issues, but in a totally different setting. They have issues in their homes and communities that we never experience as do we. We really relate to each other and making friends with them is fast and easy. Dominicans are very welcoming, happy people.

 

This trip has influenced my decision to be a teacher very heavily. My first trip was very eye opening in the fact that I am so lucky that I live in America, but this last trip really allowed me to focus on the interactions with children at day camp. Although there is a language barrier with the kids, I still learned a lot from them. I believe that every different interaction I get with children allows me to grow my teacher capabilities. I plan to teach elementary level students in low income or poverty stricken areas.

This trip has also influenced my decision to travel after college. I would really like to get involved within the United States through AmeriCorps or, if I get lucky, get involved with the Peace Corps and travel to do service work elsewhere.

I would absolutely recommend this trip to other 4-Her’s. If a 4-Her has this opportunity and doesn’t take it, they would be missing out on an experience of a lifetime. It’s so incredible and eye opening, not just seeing a third world country, but meeting the people and seeing things they have to handle on a daily basis. Plus, the trip isn’t all work and no play. We ended every day by lounging by the pool, cooling off in the ocean, or relaxing in the hot tub.

It’s important that we keep this program alive and well because it’s the type of opportunity that kids don’t get anywhere else. 4-Hers should travel while they’re young because as you get older it gets more expensive and the possibilities become more limited. This program allows 4-H members to connect with 4-H teens in ANOTHER COUNTRY! Isn’t that what 4-H is all about? Making connections around the world and building friendships that will last a lifetime. This program demonstrates all that 4-H has to offer and really allows 4-Hers to showcase their leadership and to grow their power to work in a team and rise to new challenges.

Dakota Funkhouser, Shenandoah County