Today was our second full day in San Juan and we had a fun filled day of learning a bit about the culture here in San Juan. We started the day thinking about how various populations have influenced the culture in the DR. We learned that Dominicans are descendants of Taino, African, and Spanish populations, making for an interesting mix of cultures, customs, and traditions.
Our first activity of the day after breakfast was a mask making workshop where leading mask makers came to show and teach us how they work with clay to make masks that are representative of different things. Our hosts have made the top masks and costumes for San Juan’s yearly carnival which happens in February. We watched in awe as Angel made a mask representation of “the devil” before our very eyes in approximately five minutes. We then made our own and attempted to apply some of his techniques. We then watched the various steps involved in mask making. We proceeded to paint already made masks in various colors which was an extremely enjoyable activity. We then got to have lunch with our hosts where we got to ask them more questions and increase our knowledge of their craft and who they are as people.
In the afternoon, we walked down to city hall and were greeted by dance performers and musicians. They showcased various Dominican dances including marimba and bachata. Then we got our very own lesson! Everyone danced and participated, which we were all very impressed by. Our group so far has been participating extremely well in all our activities.
Later this afternoon we had our first session of English tutoring where we partnered with Dominican young people–our youth embassadors–to teach our own English classes. Some people were very nervous but everyone executed a successful first lesson! We are impressed with our students’ willingness to step outside of their comfort zones and look forward to them practicing and improving this craft!
We reflected on the day this evening and shared highs and lows of the day. Students are coming out of their shells and are getting to know one another, learning from our activities as well as from each other.
Good night from San Juan!
Glad to see everyone’s smiling faces and that you all are soaking in the rich culture of the DR. Sounds like a great experience so far and it’s just the beginning. Keep putting yourself out of your comfort zones. ?Love you Lauryn!!!❤️
I’m so happy to see everyone enjoying themselves and participating. I cant wait to read more about your experience and CAP project . Love you Isis!!
Hey Glimpsers! It is nice to see all of you getting started with community service at Dominican Republic. Make new friends, get involved and more importantly enjoy what you are doing. We just wound up a colorful 4th of July celebrations!
Personally to Brandon, we are already missing you!!
Swiss, hope you are having fun. Miss you!
Sis
Glad to see that everyone is having a great time! I can’t wait to see you and hear all your stories when you come home Josselynne . I love you and miss you!
Hey Connie!
It sounds like you are already having a great time. I want to see the mask you made when you return home! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip from the blogs and from you when you return. I miss you so much.
Love,
A Money
Connie, looks like you’re having a great time! Learn & Enjoy as much as you can. I’m so proud of you, and cheering for you always!! Love – Dad.
We are so happy to hear you are socializing and teaching and learning from other cultures!!! Enjoy we love you Sofia
Besos y abrazos !!!
Dancing, mask making, preparing lessons . . . Sounds way more exciting than a quiet weekend in Oakland. It’s great to see Lena’s smiling face in every picture. Glad you’re embracing the entire experience.
Connie!
This day looks and sounds so amazing! I hope your having the time of your life and I want to learn some dance moves when you come back! Miss you and enjoy the rest of your trip!
Hi Lauryn!
Looks like you are having quite an adventure, the boys want to say HI 🙂 .. Mason likes your mask. We are thinking of you ?
Xoxo,
Auntie Aisong
We appreciate the updates and knowing what you get to do each day! It allows us to feel like we are kind of there with you. Thank you!
To the GG Team: It sounds like you are all trying new things outside your comfort zone which is great. Keep up the good work and push yourselves even when you are tired and don’t feel up to it. Sometimes that’s when the best things happen!
To Jenna: Wish you studied Spanish instead of French now? Listen carefully and pick up as much as you can to build those bridges of communication but remember communication isn’t all about language. Lead with your Heart, use wisdom, and be yourself! Your smile is infectious and knows no language barrier. Grandes abrazos de su Mama!
cons!!
sounds like an awesome day!! continue doing awesome stuff and going outside your comfort zone!!! missing u more and more every day!!
Hi Mya from Dad 😉
It looks like you and all of the Glimpsers are having a awesome time..!!
The pictures are beautiful. I hope everyone is acclimating well and having an amazing first few days..!! I miss you.. Love Dad xoxoxo
Brian Kong on July 5, 2017 at 12:40 am
Glad to see that everyone is having a great time! I can’t wait to see you and hear all your stories when you come home Josselynne . I love you and miss you!
REPLY
Alison Martin
Alison Martin on July 5, 2017 at 1:13 am
Hey Connie!
It sounds like you are already having a great time. I want to see the mask you made when you return home! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip from the blogs and from you when you return. I miss you so much.
Love,
A Money
REPLY
Jong Yoon
Jong Yoon on July 5, 2017 at 6:47 am
Connie, looks like you’re having a great time! Learn & Enjoy as much as you can. I’m so proud of you, and cheering for you always!! Love – Dad.
Brian Kong on July 5, 2017 at 12:40 am Glad to see that everyone is having a great time! I can’t wait to see you and hear all your stories when you come home Josselynne . I love you and miss you! REPLY Alison Martin on July 5, 2017 at 1:13 am Hey Connie! It sounds like you are already having a great time. I want to see the mask you made when you return home! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip from the blogs and from you when you return. I miss you so much. Love, A Money REPLY Jong Yoon on July 5, 2017 at 6:47 am Connie, looks like you’re having a great time! Learn & Enjoy as much as you can. I’m so proud of you, and cheering for you always!! Love – Dad.
BAR!!! I miss you so so much! I wish you were here on the Fourth of July cuz it was lit. I hope you are having an amazing trip and learning a lot. I want to hear everything about your time in the dr. I love you bar.
Ps a guy keeps asking me about you ?
Enjoyed reading about your day which sounds very busy but yet exciting for the Glimpsers. The students are so creative with their mask-making skills, very impressive. Loving all the smiles of our children 🙂 Maylani, I know you’re enjoying this adventure (we can tell by your smiling face) and I’m sure you’re gaining a ton of knowledge about DR. We love you dear 🙂 (((Hugs)))
Can’t wait to read more….