On this day we started early, heading to the Brewer's Academy about a half hour away from the nunnery we stayed at. I am amazed at the stark difference between the dirt path lined with small batey houses we went past to the hotel-like academy! It was from one extreme to the other, but then again I guess that reflects the country pretty well from what I've seen.
The Academy was beautiful though. Big open spaces, beautifully built buildings everywhere. I can understand why all the boys dream of becoming ball players! One thing that dawned upon me was the pressure put on these young men. My group and I spoke to some people who work there and we learned that not only are these players provided food and shelter, but also a counselor. I guess when you suddenly get hundreds of dollars you go from a kid playing the game to an adult with responsibility and decisions.
The community just right outside the Academy |
After visiting the Brewer's Academy we finally went to the place I had been dreaming of since I heard there was a study abroad program to the Dominican Republic: the beach! It was even more beautiful than I thought it would be! A mini-vacation after a week of work and eye-opening culture!
As I floated in the water it dawned on me that this was it. Our flight would be leaving in four hours and I'd be back home. I missed my family and friends terribly but that didn't change how sad I felt to leave. But I guess that's always how you feel at the end of anything. (Man I'm getting all sappy, not cool! Haha!)
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