Puerto Rico 2025: March 10, 2025

Hola! We started our day with an eventful trip to the community of Piñones, to work at a non-governmental organization, P.A.Y.E, which supports kids from Kindergarten to seventh grade using after school and summer programs. We began painting and cleaning specific walls, as well as cleaning some of the windows, and beautifying the area. We finished our service work quickly and early. We then had a delicious lunch provided to us by the staff there. With our remaining time and all our work done, we headed to the beach that was just across the street to unwind, enjoying the beautiful weather and ocean view.

We then boarded the bus and drove to the historic park of Cueva Maria De La Cruz. Part of the  Ricky Martin Foundation and the Municipality of Loíza, we learned about the beekeeping work that they do, and we toured the park and an amazing cave there. It was made of coral and was once in the ocean before the shoreline moved long ago. Soon after, we learned and participated in cultural music and dances of Puerto Rico, such as Bomba.

After a long day of working and fun, we went out to dinner at Raíces. Personally, the piña coladas (non-alcoholic) most of us ordered were very refreshing and cooled us down after service today. Some of us had to wait a bit, but we got our delicious food, which filled and prepared us for a good night's rest and another adventure tomorrow. See you soon!

- Written by Jayde L., Emma K., Isabella O., and Angelene C.