Dia de La Raza

Dia de La Raza directly translated means "Race Day". It is the day here in the DR that they celebrate their racial roots. There is not one specific race here in the DR. The majority of people here are a mixture of Taino (the indigenous people group), Spanish, and African. The story goes that Columbus (Cristobol Colon)arrived to the New World on October 12th. He and all those with him came to the island bringing their culture and their diseases. The slave trade also eventually arrived and thus the 3 cultures celebrated. The Tainos eventually died out leaving no indigenous people group here on the island, but the are still remembered on this day.



The poster announcing America's discovery. Can you still name the 3 ships?



Worship time during the festivities...notice all the kids dressed as "tainos"



Patricia came dressed as the Queen of Spain.



Lizbeth in her native taino costume



Manuel the conqueror!



Nelito and Darwin

Wheelchairs

Sorry for the long delay in posts. It has been a busy month getting the school up and running again for the new school year. At times it can be difficult trying to meet the physical needs of all the children and at other times, like today, i can be pure joy. Yesterday we received 4 new wheelchairs in the mail...good thing we didn't have to try to stuff them in a mail box. Today Vanesa and Laura received their much needed (and anticipated) new chairs from Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program. Enjoy the photos.

Laura in her old chair

Laura in her new chair

Vanesa in her old chair


Vanesa in her new chair