Today was our first free day! We started off with a late wake-up call, which was dearly needed after a long emotional week. In the morning, we had an “American style” breakfast of Frosted Flakes and Fruit Loops, served with a side of Dominican fruit. After breakfast, we split up into two groups and explored the beautiful city of Constanza.
The first group went to the internet cafe followed by the second group who visited the local supermercado. While in the city, the second group, who were visiting the market, ran into the Bonao delegation on their guagua (bus).
After both groups returned to the hostel, we prepared a chant to welcome the Bonao delegation. Our chant was simple but effective when executed by such a great group of young leaders who were full of excitement for meeting a new delegation. This excitement was much needed for the Banao delegation due to the fact that they had just come back from the dumps as it was their poverty day. Without so much as a simple reminder, my group was not only on their best behavior, but also extremely understanding and compassionate to the Bonao delegation.
To bring spirits up, we celebrated a combined three birthdays (birthdays from both our delegation and from Bonao’s). To celebrate such a joyous occasion, we had a huge skillet filled to the brim with paella.
As if that weren’t enough to celebrate, our amazing GG leaders bought an enormous vanilla-strawberry birthday cake with marshmallow frosting to literally and figuratively put the icing on the cake. The compassion expressed by my group (who I now truly consider family) made me proud to count myself among them.
During Bonao’s visit, it started to rain. In the Dominican Republic, when it rains, it REALLY rains, and it rains hard. This was a pleasant surprise as many of us were excited to see rain after living in a drought back in California. Unfortunately, the rain prevented us from continuing our exploration of the city after the Bonao delegation left as it was a mix of both hail and rain, a combination that no one would be happy to walk in. Even though we couldn’t continue to explore the city, we played cards and told stories to each other to pass the time, a valuable experience in relaxing and getting to know each other better both as people and how we connect within a group. We also danced together (including teaching others the Nae Nae) and after our meeting that evening, we did some karaoke!
Being El Lider Del Dia was different for me as we didn’t have a set curriculum. Unlike many other ELDDs, the day I was responsible for was fairly relaxed. The un-stressful day was a welcome addition to the week for both me and my group. Through being El Lider Del Dia, I discovered that I had a keen ability to relax and help my peers relax after a stressful and emotional week. Overall, the day was not only a calming day, but also a day where we could explore the beautiful city of Constanza on through our own eyes and explore where we wanted instead of following any set curriculum.
Sounds like a lovely day you guys!! I love reading about each experience and how close you all have become. I hope that you all continue these connections when you return and maybe continue these type of experiences. Have I mentioned how proud I am of you ALL!? I was so nervous allowing my daughter on this trip, but you guys are so awesome, you have calmed my fears.
P.S
Paella?!?!? Soooo jealous!!
Hi Garrett! We are so glad that you are having so many rich and meaningful experiences…sounds like you are growing spiritually and emotionally. I’m so glad that you have formed a wonderful community and family within Global Glimpse. I hope that you and your delegation will be friends forever. It is so wonderful that you are experiencing these life changing events together. It will bond you in a way that only your group will understand and will help you to look at your world with a wider perspective. I’m so glad that you went on this trip, I’m certain you were a strong leader and put everyone at ease. You have a great way of making others’ feel safe to be themselves and to feel protected. I love the pictures you included! The paella is massive and looks delicioso. All the furries miss you and the love you give them. The General has met Rosie. He has hissed at her for 2 days now, but is beginning to trust her, despite her massive size. He probably thinks she is a horse! I love you and miss you. I hope you continue to embrace Constanza and it’s people. Take it all in and cherish every moment you have there with your new family. XOXOXOXO Mumsie p.s. My team won playoffs and we are going to districts!
Happy Birthday! What an amazing & memorable way to spend your birthdays!
One day you will all understand the pride & emotions we parents feel reading all your posts. Though you aren’t all my children & I may not have even spoken a word to you…I AM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU ALL! Never forget these moments Global Glimpse & all of you are making in the D.R.!