On Tuesday afternoon, we concluded our community service project in La Guazara by completing the cement floor of our seventeenth house! In addition to the cement floor project, students also painted the community basketball court and interior of the community center. Way to go, team, for breaking Putney’s record in La Guazara!

Despite all of this hard work and achievement in a short time span, amidst a conversation at our nightly meeting about community development in the DR, students expressed that they feel that without comparison, they have benefited more from the community service project than the locals. Their growth became clear as we said our goodbyes in La Guazara and journeyed to Jarabacoa, situated in the mountains in the heart of the country. Gratitude for running water, consistent electricity, and human company overwhelm the group’s conversations and actions. Now, we celebrate the group’s learning with horseback riding, rafting, and karaoke in the greenery and sunsets of Jarabacoa!

– Lauren & Jonathan