St John’s Jesuit Boys embracing life in Altamira

I didn't know that I could volunteer to such an extent, enough to change lives, knowing that this court will go down in history simply doesn't fit in my mind. This experience, especially this group, made me change my perspective on life and the world. -Cindy Pichardo, Altamira Community Member

This trip to the Dominican Republic with Courts for Kids has been one of the greatest life changing moments in my entire life. This trip started off with our initial flight being canceled which led to a panicked frenzy to find a new flight. The soonest available flight was on Wednesday a whole 2 days later. We all met early on Wednesday morning with much urgency to arrive and start working. We spent the rest of the day flying from Detroit to New York to Santo Domingo. Upon arrival we piled onto a bus and traveled in the rain to Hotel Fior di Loto. This was our first experience to the much-anticipated hot weather, the rooms were hot and many of us had much trouble dealing with it. Early in the morning we traveled to our destination of Altamira where we were greeted with balloons and confetti. We hopped off the bus and set down our luggage and immediately headed to the construction site. We were met with the construction team and many locals who were excited to start this challenge of trying to finish the court. We worked long and hard until we got to the end of the day, we had completed about a third of the court but there was much worry of not finishing. We met for a quick reflection and went to bed after a hard day’s work.

The next day we were determined to get as much work done as possible even through the uncomfortable heat. We worked the entire day side by side with the community and made huge strides in progress of finishing the court. As we reached the afternoon the end of the court was in site. We were all tired and hot but when we saw the end in sight, we were filled with excitement to finish the court in record time. With help from everyone there we pushed through with adversity and finished the court in just 2 days shattering the former record for building a court. After finishing we celebrated and were overcome with emotions and partied with the community with water hoses. Later, after that amazing experience we played a game of basketball with other locals at the high school down the road. This was very impactful to me because I got to have a bond with members of the Altamira community through our shared love of the game of basketball. We ended this day with a meaningful reflection period and went to bed.

The following day, now that the court was finished, we decided to relax. We slept in and after a great breakfast we piled into the back of a truck and headed to a local river. This ride was filled with breathtaking views through the mountains of the Dominican Republic. Once we arrived, we jumped into the refreshing water where we played games like catch or chicken with the locals. We all played together with locals we met earlier, all of us trying out our Spanish speaking skills and helping others with their English. After lunch was served, music started to play. One thing led to another and eventually everyone was dancing even those that didn’t want to in the beginning. This experience showed that even through a language barrier it was easily to bond over amazing events like a river party in the DR. Once we got back, we were challenged to a game of softball where the locals did not hold back, we lost both games and were lucky to have a close score.

The last full day with the community we planned a grand opening of the court we built with the community. We had time to spend with members of the community we were close with such as Raul, Romney, Alexander, and many others. We met with Olfanny who is one of the main people in making this court happen, and she expressed her deepest gratitude to everyone involved in this project. This day was the hardest for all of us because after all the fun of opening the brand-new court we were faced with the fact that we would have to leave this place and these people. After thanking everyone who welcomed us in with open arms we went on our way. Leaving the community was the most challenging part of this trip, after building great relationships with the community members we know we may never see them again. This trip has shown that in my life I need to be more grateful for the things I have and that materials do not make a person happy. The members here were happier than most people I see at home, and with the little things they have it is impactful they carry a smile and are so welcoming. This has been a lifechanging experience for all of us and I am so glad that I was able to go on this trip with Courts for Kids. -Joseph Amend, St John’s Jesuit Student

Community Member Quotes:

The Altamira court project was an experience charged with emotions, learning, and teachings that transformed our vision of life. -Olmeris Cuevas, Community Member

On behalf of the community, we thank Courts for Kids and the volunteers for the days they spent visiting us and accompanying us in the construction of our court. I am very grateful and I hope that God continues to bless Courts for Kids and the volunteers so that they continue to contribute to the development of the communities. I felt very happy about the construction of the basketball and volleyball court, since now we are going to have a place to play. And the children will be able to enjoy this court, since it is the first time that we have a court. -Leonardo Perez De La Paz, Community Member

During this week I felt very good because I was sharing and studying with very special and educated people. I would like the days to go back to repeat what I have lived with them, very good people, they teach you to always be happy and up to this point, why couldn't I thank them with words? I had the experience of studying, playing, working and dancing with them. Now I say Thank you guys! -Ronny Vargas, Community Member

I felt very good with the team since it was a great experience I felt good with them because we discussed many things we enjoyed a lot with them I had a great time. -José Miguel Escanio Mateo, Community Member

St. John’s Jesuit Volunteer Quotes:

My high point on the trip was being around locals and playing games with them. The most difficult part of going home would be knowing that we will probably never see these guys again. -Erik Bradley, Student

 What I understand more clearly is I don’t need materialistic things in life. I need to start enjoying people's company. I understand how to live life more simply. -Dallas Michael, Student

 My favorite memories include finishing the court, playing sports with the locals, and swimming in the river. -Eddie Heywood, Student

Though I have made countless memories on this trip my favorites are the ones made with the community. From working together in the heat to swimming in the river to a simple game of tag with the little ones they accepted us quickly and happily. Some of my other favorites were dancing at the river, learning how to break the language barrier with the locals, and late night talks with the interpreters learning about the culture here in the DR. -Wesley Seppala, Student

My favorite memory from the trip would be conversing with the locals in Spanish while we were working, playing or relaxing. -Quinn Wiklendt, Student

 My favorite memory by far, meeting Raul, playing baseball, and meeting negro, nothing but smiles and together the entire time. -Mason Black, Student

 I learned the real value of community. Everyone here is so loving, affectionate, compassionate, and engaged with their family and neighbors. -Matt Eckel, Chaperone

It made me realize there are three things that break any language barrier, laughter, music and passion. Finally I need to be more present in the present. Not everything needs to be on social media and broadcasted to the world. -Suleiman Ali, Student

One thing I learned from the community is to just be happy and enjoy the little things in life. I don’t need a ton of stuff to be happy, a simple life is often a happier life. I also learned to be thankful for what I have because I’m very fortunate. -Andrew Balcerzak, Student