This past spring break consisted of one of the best vacations I've ever had. I visited the Dominican Republic, the home place of "my people." I used to go to the DR every single summer while growing up, but before this past spring break, I hadn't been there in four years. I finally got to go back to the home of the baseball fields and sweet plantains my parents raised me on.
I invited some of the best people in my life (my teammates) and, together, we took the Carribean beaches by storm. We got to explore the crystal blue waters of Punta Cuna, walk on Christopher Columbus' stomping grounds, and eat three flavor-enriched meals a day (for college students those are a rarity). I also got to introduce them to my beautiful Grandma Gloria along with my dad's side of the family. They got to see both of sides of the Dominican Republic I know so very well and love so very much.
They got to see not only the breathtaking beach views but also got to take in the culture my family is immersed in daily. While we were driving to buy souvenirs in the heart of the country, Santo Domingo, we were surrounded by impoverished men and women selling food or products to every car window. One guy was selling satellite discs which I thought was a poor choice of object to sell, but that's beside the point. Another man didn't walk to our window, but instead, hopped on his one leg all the way to our car just to ask for some spare change.
It's mind blowing to think that some people's lives revolve around the coins that we sometimes accidentally drop from our pockets while we're walking and we pay no attention to. Visiting the country where my parents grew up and learned the golden significance of "hard work" makes me so eternally grateful. I'm blessed with the opportunity to not only have a blast with my friends exploring every pretty beach we can find but also being able to see certain cultures that keep me grounded.
If you ever have the chance to visit a third world country, don't think twice. Everyone needs to know what certain people are going through. It's one thing to envision these struggles, but seeing it with your own eyes is an experience that can never be replicated.
