Dominican Republic Sewing Trip

I just got back from the Dominican Republic on a Humanitarian Trip. We went for a week to teach ladies down there how to sew. I packed a sewing machine in my suitcase, fabric and supplies for my project, and a few clothes. No room for blow-dryers and curling irons in that suit case! So keep in mind this was a humanitarian trip when you are looking at our hair and (lack of) make-up. We had a great time and felt like we left the ladies with a skill and machine they will continue to put to good use.

Late night arrival: The Branch President showed up at the airport to pick us up. 3 women travelers, 3 large suitcases full of sewing machines, 3 small carry-on suitcases, 3 purses, 2 non-english speaking Dominican men, and 1 small Jetta. Do you see a problem?

They kept assuring me it was "no problem." So here is where I rode for an hour on top of one of the suitcases. Now just imagine 2 more women getting in this back seat with their carry-ons and you have one not-so-spacious ride.

First Days of Sewing (in the church with no Air Conditioning. Fans only):

My new Dominican Sister: Mildred. We're working on our first project: an apron. Notice how cute her yellow shirt is....

Aprons are done! What a miracle with our lack of Spanish and their lack of English.

Next project: Scripture bags. I like this project- it was mine last year because it's simple! Sew up the sides, add some handles and pin a flower on the front. Walah!

Dinner at a Beach-side restaurant that night:

When you are in the Caribbean, dining on the beach, you have to order Lobster! This was huge, delicious, and worth every Peso I paid!

My mom, me and her friend Karalee Olsen at the restaurant. What a beautiful view!

Back to sewing. Next project was a little girls halter top sundress with shorts and matching flower headband. They loved the head bands and flowers.

We also made skirts, little girl pillow case dresses, hot pads for the oven, sewing machine covers, and t-shirt dresses.

We then took a day off in the middle of the week to go to the beach and sight see a little bit. We went to a resort on the other side of the island that was very beautiful and nice. We ate at the lunch buffet, had frozen pina colada drinks and sat under our cabana. This was my favorite day!

They were shooting commercials on this beach when we were there. Some of the models were sitting in their chairs drinking the beverage of choice down there- Cola Real. Some were running through the water while the cameras followed them. The boys were in heaven.

I am by no means as attractive in my bathing suit as a model- but you need to see how clear and warm and beautiful the water is in case you are planning a beach get-a-way any time soon.

A miniature monkey on my head at the beach!

Back to sewing! On the last day my sweet Dominican sister wanted to give me a gift. She handed me a package she had wrapped up in Christmas paper (all she had, I guess). When I opened it, I found her yellow shirt from the first day. She had take it home, hand washed it with a scrub brush, hung it to dry (many of them don't have washers and dryers like we do), and then even ironed it for me before she folded it up nice and wrapped it for me. She literary gave me the shirt off her back! I was so touched that I felt like I needed to wear it that day to show her I appreciated it. I put it right on over the 3 layers I already had on. Heavenly Father blessed me not to be hot in that sweaty, humid sewing room that day. She was the sweetest sister and gave me something she knew I had commented that I liked.

The ladies worked so hard to prepare us a lunch the last day. It was many traditional dishes that I could not identify that I was positive were going to make my sensitive stomach upset. I ate everything she wanted me to, made yummy faces and hand gestures, and again I was blessed to turn out ok.

All the Dominican Sewers from this year and last, and all American teachers. What a fun group and a good time. Glad to be back home safe and with my modern comforts.