Hello families and friends! My name is Marbella Daniel and today I was leader of the day so I get to write the first blog! Today we met with FLAM (Fundacion Literaria Anibal Montano), an organization for youth in the San Cristobal to write and share their poetry with the community through different venues. The students that have written through this program have had their poetry published in their own books. They presented a few of their poems to the group and they literary talent was evident through their presentation. After they shared their work, we all got into small groups and worked together to write a poem. It was a really interesting experience because we had to translate between Spanish and English. Daisy, Monica, Abraham, Danielle, Geronimo, Zeida, and Citlaly did a great job translating from English to Spanish for the rest of their small group to help them understand what the spanish-spaeakers were talking about. Abraham got a second shoutout for turning on his “teaching mode”today. Connor also really put a lot of effort and passion into his writing..it was really fun seeing all the native speakers trying to translate all his difficult, yet beautifully written sentences into spanish.
After the FLAM activity, we had our first few hours of free time today. We walked to the colmada (corner store) at the end of the road from where we were all staying. Typically, the walk would have been a simple 10 minute stride but the heat was excruciating so we were all drenched in sweat and panting by the time we got there. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many teenagers race to the front of a line for Coca Cola! On our way back form the colmada we got to see about 30 cows being herded to a pasture by two little boys riding bareback on their horse. All the cows were within touching distance of us and it was definitely a memorable experience. All the locals sit out in their front yard and wave to us when we walk by and the little kids run so freely here. There are so many beautiful trees, brightly colored houses, and happy, laid-back people in the Dominican Republic. We are all having an amazing time, miss you all but aren’t quite ready to leave this amazing island just yet.
So great to hear all the positive experiences you all are having. Love the pictures!
We love you Lexi. Drink your water, wear your sunscreen and ENJOY! :}
Good work Global Glimpsers!
We love the daily updates and the pictures!
Thanks to all of you for sharing and keeping your families updated – it sounds like a great trip!
Looks like you guys are having so much fun!!
Daniel M. – We’re looking forward to hearing and seeing more about your adventures!
Love you much and we missed you a lot!!
Que tal las habichuelas y el arroz parecido al gallo pinto de nicaragua!?!
Dad & Mom
To the IA kids:
Omg guys I hope you all are enjoying your trip out there!! I can’t wait to hear more about it when y’all come back. Im so happy for you guys being in the Dominican Republic and if your trip is anything like mine was I know you all are loving it. It look like you’re all making new friends out there. Remember to have an open mind while you’re doing all kinds of new things.
Henny:
Im so happy for you to step out of your comfort zone and learn about so many new things while you’re out there. I can’t wait to hear about how this experience changed you because your so open minded I know it will change you in some way. Remember don’t be shy and step out of your zone and BE SAFE.
Suarez:
Suarez!!! By the pictures I can tell that you’re enjoying your time out there. I can’t to hear about how you describe your trip on one of our Carls Jr days. I hope that by now your comfortable with people enough to pull a Suarez. Also plz don’t pull a Suarez while you out there, but if you do have someone record it. Be safe Suarez and don’t do anything to crazy.
HI Flora and Brayan!!!! I miss you guys so much and getting DR sick just reading this delegation’s blog posts 🙁
Love you guys!!!
Good job, Connor! Stay hydrated! Love you! ~ Mom
What a wonderful experience you all seem to be having! I hope you are all reflecting on and appreciating the differences from home. We hope you continue to enjoy all your new experiences, and know we are so happy for this experience in your life. Love you sooooooooo much!!!:)) Besitos mi Hija