Photo Album ~ First Trip to Work Site and Logistics

When we landed in Punta Cana, we drove straight from the airport to the work site in Higuey (in the barrio Anamuya). It was probably about a 45-minute drive which means we landed at about 3:30pm and got to the worksite at about 4:30pm (there was a one-hour time difference). The residents were waiting for our arrival and gave us a warm welcome. We gathered in the community center where the first thing we did was have mass. Then we spent a few minutes getting acclimated and/or reconnected to the people and the work site before heading out to the hotel before it got too dark or too late.

Each day on the mission trip, we would meet for breakfast at the hotel. Then, we would gather in front of the hotel and wait for our taxi ride to the work site. Much of the support we needed while in the country included access to food, transportation, supplies, medicine, etc. Sister Ana, seen here with Father Andy Turner, was our primary contact with the local Catholic Diocese to provide support to our group. We had a small number of issues really when you think about how large our group was and what a chore it must have been to shuttle us all around. Then we would go to the work site and gather each morning to learn our assignments. Each time we left, we had to gather round Father Bob and count off to make sure everyone was present and accounted for!

Photo Album ~ The Marketplace

Father Andy Turner from OLMC in Wickliffe took us on a tour of "El Mercado" or the downtown marketplace in the city of Higuey. We toured the market right after we finished our tour of Tin City. The tour of Tin City provided the stark reality of the living conditions of the poorest of the poor. The marketplace had a similar impact and provided a significant appreciation for our food industry standards as it was pretty disgusting from lack of sanitary food handling and sanitation a general statement. Let's just say that the chicken doesn't get any fresher than what you can get at the marketplace!

Photo Album ~ "Tin City"

Here are some photos taken in what is known as "Tin City" in the city of Higuey, Dominican Republic. This is a place where homes (shacks) are constructed from tin or whatever other materials could be gathered to build a shelter for the poorest of the poor to live. Located by the river, the homes are subject to being washed away whenever the river floods and overflows. The people live here because they have no other choice based on their economic circumstances.

Photo Album ~ Donations

The parishioners of St. Ambrose and other local parishes were extremely generous with donated items provided during Advent and during other activities to solicit needed items. Also, many dedicated several hours and talents to provide handmade bookbags for school children and baptism clothes for newborns. Missionaries also left behind their work clothes, boots, gloves and other belongings to further help those in need.

Photo Album ~ La Basilica de la Altagracia

Here are various photos of the basilica, or La Basilica de la Altagracia. With it's high peak, it is hard to miss seeing the basilica from different spots within the city of Higuey.