Back in Santo Domingo

After 6 weeks in the campo, students returned to Santo Domingo this weekend. They returned to their host families briefly, and then made their way to Casa Goshen. The conversations were animated with stories of teaching cross-culturally, sweating alongside Dominican co-workers, bathing in rivers, walking through the countryside with new friends, and the ever-present reminder of the importance of just "being". Students also caught up on their mail from the last several weeks.

After spending Saturday night through Monday morning with their Santo Domingo host families, we will all head to a hotel at Guayacanes beach about an hour outside of Santo Domingo. We'll do some de-briefing and other activities to bring closure to the last 13 weeks. And then the students will return to the U.S. on Wednesday, December 4.

While not all experiences this term have been easy, it has been a time of significant growth, broadening awareness, and change for most. It has been very rewarding as leaders to be a part of this experience with each student this semester. We feel very fortunate to have been able to share in this experience with them, and will carry with us many delightful and meaningful memories of our time together. We wish them all special blessings as they return to their homes and studies and hope that this time in the Dominican Republic will remain an important part of their lives. Adios!