"Dominican Republic..." a Dominican Republic Travel Page by Arial_27

The Dominican is a small country boardering Haiti southeast of Florida. Like other countries of central America, it is a Spanish speaking, third world country, with beautiful resort areas.It is a popular travel destination for couples, families and friends wishing to enjoy the beaches of the Carribean sea.

I was fortunate to have seen the Dominican in a different light than most. I spent 2 weeks in an impoverished community in the mountains for a development project to build a house. I experienced first hand the way and reality of life of those living there; and as a result am able to view the world from a completely different perspective. I lived without showers, a working toilet, electricity, fastfood, computer and many other things I normally take for granted for the time I was there and it made me realize how to some extent; life is much less complicated and happier without those things. Although the families living in the mouintains have next to nothing, including almost no knowledge of the outside world, they are some of the most appreciative, wholesome, happy people I have met in my lifetime. Their worries and struggles are surrounded mostly around survival; whether or not they will have enough food to put on the table, if their house will collapse, if they can recieve efficient medical treatment, etc. Their positive attitude allows them continue living, to survive these worries. I realize now just how frivolous many North American anxieties are. Although we have an unliminited supply of food, sturdy houses, means to travel from place to place and access to medical care; we still find a way to worry about many unnesessary things. I'm glad I had this opportunity to look at my own culture from different eyes, and to make a positive difference in the lives of those struggling to survive. It was truly a rewarding, life changing experience.

DREAMS, the organization with which I went to the Dominican, stands for Dominican Republic Education and Medical Support. The organization was founded at a highschool in Ontario in the 1990s and was brought to my university as a campus club by a girl named Melanie who has now graduated. The club is still run through her with the help of her friend, and several other new student executives to help keep it alive. It has so far built several houses, a water purifying system and a school in the mountain area of the Dominican.