La Piedra y La Samana

     Hey everyone!

     We're sorry about the delay in blogging, our days have been really full and the wifi has been rather spotty, but we're committed to keeping you all updated! The last few days have been jam-packed as we've moved from the small rural town of La Piedra to the tourist hub of La Samaná for a much needed rest. 
      Yesterday was our last day sleeping in La Piedra, and as we spent more time in the area we have learned much of the culture and history of community. Statistically, 1300 people reside in the community, a fact discovered by a census carried out by the Guanin Center. Working in the community, one of the things we noticed was the large population of Haitian people. After speaking with Guanin staff, we learned that much of this population comes to the Dominican on 6 month contracts to work on farms, however many of these people end up permanently residing in La Piedra. This population is at an extreme disadvantage, as they are not recognized as legal citizens, and are, along with their children, not able to receive Dominican citizenship. Working with these people has been great, as we have been able to provide healthcare, comfort and support for these people who have so little. 
     During our two days in La Piedra, two of the biggest activities we carried out were working in a clinic carrying out check-ups on children at the Guanin Center and setting up a medical clinic in a church in a community close to La Piedra. In the first medical setting, we took individual's vitals and assisted doctors with triaging and administering medicine to patients. Towards the end of this day, the flow of patients decreased and we had the opportunity to spend time with the children of the community. One of the best things to see was how these children got such a rich joy out of us playing games with them, and blowing up balloons for them; they even got a chance to use our stethoscopes!      
     On the second day, at the church, we were able to have an incredible amount of hands-on medical experience, something we could not carry out in the states. There was a constant flow of patients, numbering over 80, and towards the end of our time we actually had to sadly turn people away. Students were split into 3 different groups that rotated between shadowing doctors, dispensing medicine and taking patient's vitals. This was an incredible experience for many students as they were able to get a significant amount of hands on medical experience. One rather low point of our day was the amount of patients we needed to turn away at the end of the day. It amazed many of us how desperate patients are to get vital medications that are easily accessible to many people in America. Unfortunately the resources at the clinic were scarce and we had to turn many patients away as we did not have the proper medication for them. This was truly an eye opening experience for all of us. 

     Outside of medicine, one of the interesting facts we learned about La Piedra is that it's literal English translation is "The Rock". The landscape is littered with jagged, irregular rocks that give evidence to the fact that this community was once under the ocean. We spent a few hours one day exploring a 16 room cave in the heart of La Piedra. It's normally a two hour tour, but for safety, we were only there for around half an hour. The cave was once inhabited by the native Taíno people of the Dominican, around 500 years ago. In this cave, there is a pool connected to an underground river, but rumors were circulating about the discovery of a crocodile skeleton in the pool, so swimming is now completely off limits!         

     After the clinic ended, we had a great send-off meal from La Piedra, and after packing, we embarked on our 3 hour trek to La Samana, which is located on the eastern edge of the Dominican Republic. We were excited by the view of the shoreline and the beach! Samana is a beautiful coastal town on the end of a peninsula. It is a definitely a more touristy spot than everywhere else we have been. The first night we got here, we had a dinner with some American food (finally!). After a week of eating chicken, rice, and beans, we couldn't help but get excited when we found margarita pizza! Saturday morning, we woke up early to drive to the waterfalls of el Limon, one of the landmarks of Samana, and one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to! We rode horses up to the waterfall, and I have to say, it was a bumpy ride. However, we were super impressed by all the people who rode horses for the first time. Facing fears left and right on this trip! 
     When we finally got to the waterfall, we got into our swimsuits and got into the water. Some of us had some trouble swimming, especially Sylvia, one of the staff people from Guanin. Thankfully, Wes and Colin were there to carry her over directly underneath the waterfall, and she had a great time as a result. 

     After the waterfall, we went to the beach near our hotel. It was awesome sleeping in the sun and swimming in the warm water. Relaxing on the beach was a great way to cap off an eventful week and we were all really grateful for the opportunity to wind down. 
     After a week of living in basic living conditions, we were shocked that our own perceptions of luxury have changed. When we got to the beach, which was a part of a resort, we went to the bathroom, and were shocked that there were actual toilet seats, with running water, soap, and hand towels readily available. These conditions, which are pretty standard for us before the trip, have become a standard of luxury. In a way, we felt like the "outsiders" at a resort for Americans. Instead of being shocked at the poor conditions surrounding the resort, we were the ones shocked at the luxury of it. 
     This realization came unexpectedly. Although we emphasize in our reflections how privileged we are in comparison to the people we serve on a daily basis, we have also, through full immersion into the Dominican lifestyle, learned a powerful lesson of perspective. Even after this trip is long over, this is something that we will hold with us forever. 

And I think, that, is perhaps the greatest lesson of all.

Good night for now!

Nick, Rehan and Ye (Je) Sun