A Chaperon's Perspective

As the 4-H Service Trip comes to an end here in the Dominican Republic, I will leave you all with the beautiful views, faces, and opportunities we had during our stay.  Not one time did we feel scared, threatened, or fearful during this trip. We feel extremely grateful, and overwhelmed with love for this country and its people. 🇩

Lee Anne Bowling-Angle, Alleghany Co. 4-H Chaperon

❤️

Traveling home

The tears started the night before we had to leave the Dominican Republic.  There was a closeness in this group of Virginia and Dominican teens that we don't often see.  Our week went fast, but it was filled with adventures, educational opportunities, service, learning to communicate, trying new things and new foods, and making memories with new friends.  It was magical.

Carol Nansel, 4-H Extension Agent, Shenandoah County

Snorkeling, free time, Dominican Party

We began the day with an early morning snorkeling trip.  The weather was perfect and we snorkeled near a coral reef.  We were able to see many different kinds of colorful fish and also different corals.  Francoise, the barracuda, was waiting for us in the deeper water.  Nearby, we saw a whole school of baby barracudas.  Our guide took us to see the Ecological Foundation's coral reforestation project, where they are growing coral to transplant to other areas.  This was the first time snorkeling for most of our group.

Carol Nansel, 4-H Extension Agent, Shenandoah County

Today was one of the best days of the trip. It was our free day and so I hung out with my friends at the pool.  At night, we went to the Guidicelli family’s home for a night of Dominican food, friends, and dancing.  It was really fun learning the different types of Dominican dances, like the merengue, salsa and bachata, and trying them.  It was a great evening until the sadness of leaving the country and people we have met hit me. It was a very surreal but wonderful trip. I’m glad I went on this trip, experienced it, and met the people I did.

Allison Douglas, Alleghany County