I realized that I haven’t given a lot of background on my four months abroad. So since I can’t sleep because I’m very anxious and excited to leave at 6am, I will share some of that with you all now. Granted, I don’t know much about the trip, since most of it will be learned through experience, I will share what I do know.
Encuentro Dominicano is a semester study abroad program. It’s a service-oriented immersion program, meaning that along with taking classes and exploring the beautiful country of the Dominican Republic, I will be participating in weekly service week as well as two immersion trips in which I will live with a typical Dominican family for ten days and experience their life. Mind you, the aspects of this trip are based off of the Jesuit principles and focus a lot on social justice, community, solidarity, and learning. So for the ten days I will be staying with the family in the campo, I will be adopted as their child and living their life—as simple as it may be, I will be with them. Men and Women for and with others. That was drilled into my brain last year at Creighton, but as I prepare for this semester I am beginning to understand what that little phrase actually means. So no, I won’t be on a beach the entire time I am abroad. I will be exposed to a new way of life, a life of hardships, trust, pure joy and happiness, and of learning how to be with a community based off love and friendship.
I’ve heard it’s a lot to process, but I know I have a strong community of family and friends back home that are supporting me (thank you all so much!!) and once I get to the DR I will join a community that will, as I’ve heard, turn into my family.
But since my suitcases are finally packed and not over 50 pounds (prayers they pass the airport test) I am off to bed so I can speed up time a little bit and start my much anticipated journey to the Dominican Republic.
Love from America until December <3
