by Frances Santiago
(Takoma Park, Md. – July 2) –
From June 21 to 28, fourteen students and three faculty of Don Bosco Cristo Rey
High School in Takoma Park were able to visit the Salesian works in Cantera,
Puerto Rico, for a service trip.
The effects of Hurricane Maria were still visible, nine
months later, in the neighborhood. Fr. Carlos Piantini, one of the Salesian
priests in Puerto Rico, identified five families connected to the local
Salesian oratory that needed additional help after the hurricane. The DBCR students were able to meet the
families, ask them about their needs, and then come up with a plan for each
home where they worked.
Luis Saavedra, Mike
Orosco, and Cesar Cisneros sealed a leaking roof
to prevent further water
damage indoors.
|
The students scraped paint, sealed roofs, cleared out
damaged homes, collected trash, painted, and scrubbed walls. They were also
able to provide a new kitchen sink, counter, and cabinets, several new washing
machines, and beds, bedding, and towels for the families.
Many of the families were caring for family members with disabilities,
which made the physical work of clearing out the damaged spaces difficult, but
the students had the strength and energy to remove damaged appliances and
furniture. The students commented on the overwhelming scope of the work that
still needed to be done and reflected on how the families were discouraged by
just how much they had lost in the hurricane.
While the students spent most of their time working, they
also found time to pray and to play. The group joined the congregation at
Parroquia Maria Auxiliadora for Mass on Sunday morning, and they spent time in
prayer and Scripture reading each morning and evening. They were thrilled to
discover that Cantera is among the only places in Puerto Rico where soccer is
king, so they were able to join in games with the students attending camp at Colegio
San Juan Bosco, as well as a college team. Fr. Carlos introduced the students
to a homemade frozen treat called limber,
which all were eager to enjoy every day after lunch. They also particularly
enjoyed chasing chickens with the families that they helped and playing with
the pets at the various homes.
Gracia
Perez and Ada Gonzalez play hand games with a summer camper at the Colegio San
Juan Bosco. |
At the culminating activity, the students mentioned that
they had felt a real sense of family connection as they worked with the
families and played with the students at the camp. They are inspired to seek
justice for those still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Maria, and they
look forward to returning to Puerto Rico to visit their Salesian family on the
island.
Ms. Santiago was one of the teachers accompanying the students.
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