Trip Blog

December 15th - 16th: Flying

After months of training and planning, VAWUW is finally flying to the Dominican Republic!

We are all excited to enter a new country full of new opportunities and look forward to sharing our experiences with you all.

December 16th: Arrival!

After arriving at the airport, we met with our site/outreach coordinators and the Calpoly team!

December 17th: First Day at the Clinic and in the Town

Our first day at the mobile clinic!

It was filled with nervousness and excitement as we began our day, but after getting into the rhythm of things, we were able to comfortably encounter numerous patients and helped them receive the care they needed.

After a long day at the clinic, we were able to explore town and watch the beautiful sunset of Jarabacoa.

December 18th: Clinic Day 2 in Jima

On our second day, it was clear that things were becoming easier as we learned more about common diseases in the area as well as medications that are needed to fight against those illnesses. We are continuously inspired and filled with excitement as we end the day and look forward to tomorrow!

December 19th: Clinic Day 3 in Rancho Viejo and Salto Baiguate

Throughout our time in the Dominican Republic, we are recognizing that our Spanish speaking skills are increasing and need less assistance from the staff working with us! As always, we were able to work with a lovely community and are very grateful for this opportunity.

After a long day at the clinic, we were able to explore the country, starting with Salto Baiguate. It was nice to have a nice stroll through nature and the beautiful waterfall reminded us a little bit of Seattle.

December 20th: Clinic Day 4 and Education Day in Ponton

In addition to being able to make an impact on the health of the community, we were able to teach the children about oral and hand hygiene to avoid getting sick. One of many problems prevalent in the Dominican Republic is the lack of promotion for hygiene, which results in rotting teeth in both children and adults as well as a higher likelihood of contracting diseases. In hopes of making at least the smallest change, we created interactive activities for the youth there.

Pins and soap for the kids to remember to wash their hands! Thank you Marriott for donating your soap!

December 21st: Clinic Day 5 in Entrada de la Yagua

We are continuously learning more each day as we either listen to the doctor's diagnosis and prescription of medications for the patient or speaking Spanish to gain information. Some of us are beginning to be able to predict which medications will be prescribed based on the symptoms and diagnosis. Tomorrow will be our last day of clinics, and we are excited, but also disappointed that our time working with patients will be over soon.

December 22nd: Clinic Day 6 in El Higuero

A bittersweet final day of clinics as we said our goodbyes to the doctors who were helping us learn more about medicine. We gained many skills such as speaking Spanish, taking vitals, understanding the process of diagnosis, and how medication is prescribed. Thank you to everyone who has helped us come on this adventure.

December 23rd: Suture Class

Preparations before learning to suture

Our final product!

December 24th: Beach Day at Puerto Plata

After a long week of clinics, we took some time to relax at one of the Dominican Republic's beaches: Puerto Plata. It was a nice chance for us to bond and have fun in the sun!

December 25th: Paragliding in Jarabacoa

A Christmas morning filled with adventure! We spent our time with our heads in the clouds, flying over Jarabacoa, and getting the true bird's eye view of the beautiful city.

December 26th: Rafting

Spending a hot day in Jarabacoa by white water rafting!

December 27th: A Day in Santo Domingo

We were able to spend a day visiting Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) and walking through the vibrant streets in the city of Santo Domingo.

December 28th: Horseback Riding

Spending our final free day horseback riding in Jarabacoa!

December 29th: Traveling Back to Seattle

We have all arrived home safely and would like to take this time to all of those who have helped us go to the Dominican Republic for such a humbling experience. We encountered patients who did not have access to the medications, clean water, and hospitals that we have in the United States, which resulted in terrible in health conditions. Being able to provide these basic necessities to over 400 people was a privilege that we were able to have thanks to donations, our parents and family, as well as the staff that helped us in the Dominican Republic. Thank you all and we look forward to the next trip!