30 Days of Project Santo Domingo
Wow, what a difference 30 days make. We now have 15 volunteers on hand and have representation from 8 different countries so far!!!!! Our vols have come from the UK, New Zealand, Cameroon, Ireland, Philippines, Sweden, Canada, and the USA and every one of them is working hard to help the victims of supertyphoon Reming. The Bicol region of the Philippines was hit hard and the area is still in need.
I am recently back in the US… and very cold! There is about a 70 degree temperature difference between Santo Domingo and here Portland, OR.
My time with Marc and the rest of the HODR volunteers was a great experience and since Marc had things well under control I got to take some time to get dirty and do some good ol’ work.
This project was a hard one for me, and not because I was there for Christmas and New Year, away from my family. But because of how poor the people are in the Bicol Region where we are set-up. While we are only a short term disaster relief organization, I feel good knowing that we will be making a lasting impact in a community and leaving behind means to better themselves for years to come.
Aside from my favourite thing in the Philippines (That being the very delicious Pan De Agua bread, baked daily by our neighbors.) I loved the locals. The kids there have amazingly big hearts and bright smiles. If you like kids, then this project would be the one for you. They are always around, and they are always being helpful. If you’re trying to carry it, tear it down, pick it up, shovel it, cut it, Etc… there is always a young boy or girl who is there to help you.