Hello! We are the dynamic duo of Carolina and Brandon, and we were leaders of the day. Boy, what a day! Today was filled with joy, tears and lots of love!
From the moment we woke up had to live like a local in the Dominican Republic. We got to experience what it felt like to live without electricity or running water for the day. We had to fill up buckets with water and use it to shower in order to get the full experience. We used our flashlights as a replacement for electricity to get dressed for the day. After a simple, yet delicious breakfast of bread and hot chocolate, we boarded the guagua (bus), and headed to a nearby community called Cañada de las Palmas.
Today was all about living in the family. Our family of glimpsers split up into groups of three to spend the day with their designated families. When we arrived to the houses, our families received us with love and big hugs. We then proceeded to help them out with household chores. When we finished our chores, we got a chance to converse with our new families over a game of dominoes. Julia, Carolina, Maya, Cecilia, and one of our GG leaders, Angelina, worked with their new family to cook our meal for the day.
After a long day of labor, we enjoyed lunch with all of the families and shared a very emotional moment. We did a practice called “Big Love” where we expressed gratitude to one another and highlighted the positives of the day. This turned out to be one of our most emotional experience thus far. The conversation became so personal and loving that it brought the most unexpected people to tears. We really grew as individuals and learned the value of good old fashion love and quality time. Some people became homesick, including ourselves. #Family ;-). During this experience, we were told that rain is considered a blessing to the community, coincidentally each delegations’ arrival brought rain including ours.
Soon after, we proceeded to take pictures with our professional photographers. We made cool poses and will share some of the images later on. After our “photo shoot,” we headed down to the basketball court (la cancha – which was beautifully renovated by delegation 2) and played basketball with the locals. It got really intense after a while, especially since some of the girls decided to play as well. Big props to Julia, Ilexis, Carol, and Carolina for stepping up and representing the girls. We had a lot of fun.
After having a rough day yesterday, today was a great day and a great step up for everyone. We really enjoyed our stay with our families in the community. In addition, we were able to grow as leaders, even though we were told we inherently had that within us.
#Brandon: Today, I learned what it truly means to be a leader. Even when circumstances appeared to be difficult. I believe a leader must always stay positive and motivate the entire group. I feel like I accomplished a lot of what it means to be a leader despite some mistakes. However, I came to a realization that all leaders make mistakes, but good ones don’t let it hold them back from achieving greatness.
#Carolina: Today, I learned what being a leader meant to me. I’m very happy I shared my day with Brandon and I believe we did a great job at working together. I also realized that I exhibit a lot of compassion towards others as I heard that from my peers all day. I believe a leader should not only be firm, but also compassionate and a great listener. I feel like both Brandon and I accomplished that today. During the nightly meeting, we received positive constructive feedback from everyone in the group. We were told that we really went above and beyond during our leadership. We completed all of the tasks that were given us and then some. We took the initiative to call bedtime and lights out when we realized that the GG leaders were already occupied preparing for the next day. I personally am very organized and thought I executed that very well today. I’m really happy I was able to take care of my friends and allowed them to have such a great day.
Our day ended with a beautiful dinner and a successful nightly meeting by candlelight. We thoroughly enjoyed our last few hours as El Lider Del Dia, before passing the torch to fellow glimpser, Danae. We hope the advice we gave helps her to be an outstanding leader. Good Luck competing with the great Dynamic Duo!! 😉 ;-*
Great Post Brandon & Carolina, you all are touching lives all around you. It brings tears to my eyes when I see and hear how much you young people are growing. This experience will last a lifetime.
The day before was a rough one but, you all have turned the page and moved on to why you decided to take this journey.
Yay Danae I am looking forward to your post. Mommy misses you. Hearing your voice today made me sooooooo happy. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Can I see you in a pic please? I know you don’t like taking them. 🙂 I am happy to hear that you are enjoying the strawberry juice. 🙂
Papa and Maga send you their love. Snowflake and simba are doing well. 🙂
LOVE YOU
Wow this is great to see you’ll take on such a task stepping into someone else shoes to see how life is in another country. Job well done!! I was so happy to hear My King voice today and the tone of his voice was filled with joy which made me feel even better…. Love you Brandon!!!
P.S. we all miss you much xoxoxoxox
Brandon I’m so excited that you had an opportunity to be a leader.I’m very proud of you and yes leaders make mistakes.However you hit the nail on the head, a great leader doesn’t dwell on the mistake that was made they learn from it, make it a teachable moment for the team and gets ready for the next challenge. I love you….
Aunt Chermaine
Great job Carolina and Brandon Caro we miss you so much.Hope that your enjoying your time there.I hope that you have added this to a new experience for you.God bless you.I love you.
So glad to know that you are a leader today…. A task that will be as normal as breathing for you. You are a born leader and I’m sure you will excel. Whatever is asked of you enjoy the responsibility and do the best job that you can. Most of all have fun. We are all so proud of you. Stay safe and have a wonderful time!
Guys, I feel so happy seeing how you are enjoying your trip. This experience will stay for ever in your heart. Keep having fun. We miss you but we know you are having an extraordinary experience. Thanks a lot for the picture.
Love,
Maria
GG Coordinators, can families and friends see your post?.If possible, I would like to share with them.
I appreciate your attention,
Maria Bueno (Carol’s mom)
Yes, Maria, feel free to share the link to the blog with friends and family! Anyone can leave comments and see the students’ journeys.
Thank you!
Fawziah
NYC Program Director
Hello, I am glad to know that my daughter and everyone in the trip with her are experiencing something different. Life in New York is very different than Dominican Republic. Therefore, experiencing the hardships of life can help these young people grow. Countries in Central America, South America, and in the Caribbean have people living in poverty. They do not have the same amount of education, economy, and employment as us living in the United States. I want my daughter to realize that we did not have the opportunity to learn how to read and to receive support from our parents because they worked hard to put food on our tables everyday. In addition, I want her to realize that living in the United States should not be taken for granted because many children living in poverty would like to live the same life. Because she was given this opportunity, she should do her best to achieve goals that her parents never had. Thank you to those taking care of my daughter and for giving her this wonderful opportunity.
I’m so glad you guys got the opportunity to live like a local and truly experience what it was like. Hopefully you all learned something from the experience. Have fun and be safe guys. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you guys get back. Enjoy the Dominican food Josh cus I know you love it! Love you munchkin
PS. I love you too Cristal and I pass by your store all the time thinking you’re in there.
This was an interesting entry. Challenging however I know you guys rose to the occasion! Keep on smiling!
i see you in the fields. i hope you having a good time and made lots of new friends
I enjoyed reading about how the day went. It is a good view of how different people live their lives, in other parts of the world. It either helps us appreciate our lives here in the states, or we think of the possibility of a life in a different place, where we can be of service to others, with our good will and deeds.
This is a tremendous learning experience for you all. There may be “surprises” that rock you world as to attitudes and beliefs that are different, and perhaps unwelcomed, from yours. You are getting a glimpse of the unadorned world. It provides a lesson that will help you manage adversity, move on and grow.
Enjoy!