Hi friends and family from the Dominican Republic! Us, the Global Glimpsers just officially ended our 11^th day here. The theme of the day for our 11^th day was migration. We started off our day pretty early, at 6:30AM, followed by breakfast at our hotel, Hotel D’Angel. After breakfast we then had an academic seminar, where we learned more about migration and how young people in the United States are trying to acknowledge the fact that it’s happening, that migration isn’t necessarily bad. After the whole delegation got some information on what migration is, we then proceeded to get ready for our trip to the Dominican Republic/Haitian border. We all loaded on our “guagua” (bus) and we’re on our way to the border, which would be an approximately hour ride. On our way to the border, we picked up some members of the RFJS(Dominican’s  who work to help Dominican’s of Haitian descents get rights). As soon as we arrived, we realized that the border the Dominican’s use to “no man’s land” was simply just a yellow gate, and the border of “no man’s land” to Haiti was to gray poles with a chain. We also realized that the border was extremely crowded with people going in and out constantly. When we got off the “guagua” we then proceeded to this yellow gate, where we were automatically let it. The guards didn’t check our passports, ids’, or ask us any questions; he simply just widened the gate so the whole group could get in. Who knew it would be that easy just to cross the border from the Dominican to Haiti? As soon as we walked into “no man’s land” (It is called “no man’s land” because it isn’t claimed to the Dominicans or the Haitians), we were surrounded by tons of people selling things as well as walking around, it was super hot, and there were tons of animals everywhere, such as goats and pigs. As we walked more and more into “no man’s land” we started walking to the Haiti border where observed it and talked to some officers who worked there. We then proceeded to leave the Haitian border and started walking back to the Dominican border, where it was super difficult to stay together. It was basically like an overly crowded flea market, but with motorcycles and cars driving on a narrow road with people, animals, and workers trying to walk all at the same time. As soon as we got back to the “guagua” safely, we then proceeded to Bi National Market, which was approximately 15 minutes away. Our group then split into 4 groups, where we were lead by different RFJS people, to help us guide us. Again, it was super crowded and was filled with shoes, clothes, towels, utensils, food, and etc. It was basically like a flea market, it reminded me extremely of the Berryessa Flea Market, which made me miss home even more. After touring the Bi National Market, we then all headed to lunch with our delegation as well as the people from RFJS. After lunch, we said our goodbyes and thanked them for giving us more knowledge about the Haitian/Dominican border as well as for helping us get through the Bi National Market. About ten minutes into riding the “guagua” most of us knocked out from the tiring day so far. When we got back to the hotel, we had some free time, exchanged our money, and then soon prepped for our English class of the day with our groups. At about 5:45PM, we then went to our English class where we teach English from 6-7:45PM, to a group of students who are split into basic, intermediate, or advanced. After English class we then went to dinner, and after dinner we came back to the hotel and then proceeded to have our nightly meetings. Our nightly meeting tonight ended at around 10:10PM, where we all then proceeded to get ready for bed.

Overall, today was a great day of being a leader. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends and GG leaders to help support me. We only have 10 more days left and we will soon be reunited with all you friends and family J P.S: Everyone who has been sick so far, has gotten much much much much more better, so don’t you guys worry!