Hello Global Glimpse Family & Friends,
My name is Aya Best, and I am San Cristobal’s first leader of the day! Today we glimpsers tiredly woke up at 5:00am to start our “Working Like A Local” day. By 7:00am we were on our bus heading to Mana, the local community where our work would take place. On the way we shared a bittersweet moment, taking a look at a once flowing but now dried out river. Adele, Juana, and Tanya, members of CONAMUCA, a women’s rights organization, explained to us that the river’s appearance was due to a long lasting drought and the over usage by major companies around the DR.
Once we arrived at Mana, we immediately sorted into groups and began our work. The GG leaders used machetes to cut down the dead leaves from Banana trees, while students gathered the leaves and placed them at the base of the trees to promote water flow and absorption. The sun was shining, and the bees were buzzing and we glimpsers worked for a long 3 ½ hours constantly dodging the insects and taking chit chat breaks.
After working, Emilio, the vice president of Fundacion De Caficultores, talked with us about their harsh living conditions and the struggle to keep his land from government seizure. We then said our goodbyes and headed back to the Rancho for Lunch.
Later in the evening we were split into new groups to begin our lesson planning for our very first English classes, thinking of fun ways to teach the locals. Lastly, we ended the night we shared a fun game of Mafia, celebrating our 4th day In the DR.
Tomorrow is “Education Day”, where we will be learning about different types of education in the DR. Can’t wait!
Finally I see pics of Vivian and Destiny. I hope you girls and Jordan are having a blast. Everyone misses you guys. We were together last night celebrating the Warriors win talking about you kids and what you guys are probably doing and experiencing there. We can’t wait for more pics and updates, so we can feel like we are there with you in spirit. Have fun kiddos!
Love Uncle Ben, Mom, and Dad
Hi Aya!!!
And hello to all Glimpsers in DR! Wow 5:00 am!! I am so excited to hear more about your experiences. I am ecstatic that you guys took the time to understand the history and culture of the place and people that you will be both teaching and learning from. Enjoy Nature…. Can’t wait to hear from you again.
Love Mom
Hi Aya!
I am so proud of you! I hope you have an amazing experience in DR! I would love to have to be able to have such an experience. Have a blessed time and remember to be a blessing to others! We love you!
Aunt Kisha
Aya, I’m so very excited for you. What a wonderful experience!! Blessings!!
im so proud of you mijo and so happy that i see u on the pictures i hope that u have fun love u mom 🙂
WOW.. What an exciting day you had. Thank you for sharing all the details of your experiences and everything you are learning about DR. Please tell Oscar M the Romero family is thinkimg of him. Wishing everyone best wishes 🙂
Best,
Hola mija! Love your blog!! Love you!!! I’m very inspired by you. I heard you were rocking some bachata, merengue and hip hop in addition to your hard work. I know you killed it. Looking forward to hearing more about all of the juicy details. Have fun! Enjoy your vay-cay!
Con cariño,
Yo’ Aunty
Thanks aya for the scoop! You all look like your having z great time!
Hi Micaiah and Aya,
Sounds like an amazing day of service to a much in need community. Thanks for the lovely recap, Aya; I could see and feel you all’s experiences. Sad to know folks have to fight on the daily to keep their land. Sound familiar?
Take good care ladies!
Wow 5am, that’s pretty early in the morning. I know that you guys met many families that do this on a regular basis. Keep up the great community service ethics that you’ve learned throughout your life. Make sure that you’re Journaling all day everyday, it’s your outlet princess. I’m proud of you. FYI, I see that bucket hat gurl! Lol…. love you to the moon and back.
Hello Kiyah,
I hope you’re enjoying the experience and embracing the culture. I know it’s hot as well. I like the bucket hat girl, keeping it cute as always. Can you pleeeeease bring me back a shot glass? Thank you kindly.. Have fun lil lady 🙂
Hey Aya,
Seems like you’re meeting new people, learning new things, putting in work, yet having the time of your life. I wish I was there with you playing in the sun.
Happy Birthday!
Luv Ya