Day 4 - La Romana (2/5/14)

Breakfast at 8 as usual with team. Of course, scrambled eggs (breakfast staple) but also some nice oatmeal. After breakfast we are off to the school to deliver donated supplies and present money for textbooks. Students were very curious about the Americans carrying suitcases. They are extremely cute in their uniforms. One of the boys was actually sporting a bow tie (surely a future executive). Team went into first grade class to present each student with a pad and pencils.  We presented Lilianna, the school superintendent with money for textbooks.  The amazing part of this donation was that the money collected from our Rotary Club and our friends will afford them the opportunity to buy a new text book for each of the 220 school children!! Again, it was another amazing and powerful Rotary moment!!
 

Next we are off to batey 105 to continue work from yesterday on the four stall latrine. This will be the first latrine for this batey.  To date, each of the members of the batey either use a plastic bucket or the backyard.  When we arrived we find the construction crew hard at work. They have hung the two doors and are working on hanging the two other doors. They are also working on hand washing station located outside the latrine. The team jumps right in and begins painting doors, others help with rear door installation and breaking excess concrete footing and grading area around latrine. It is important to do this a many residents and children wear no shoes. They need a smooth clean path to the bathroom.

                                      The old toilet and the new toilet!  Great work Team!!

Lots of hard satisfying work on a hot sunny day (sorry to those still digging out). We take a step back and admire our days work. Sweaty and covered in paint and dirt we pack up to head back. A satisfying ride back knowing that today the latrine has four porcelain toilets, and an outside wash station to allow people to do, what we take for granted everyday,  in dignity. Some for the first time in their lives. Go team!!