Hola familias y amigos!
This is Daisha Simon and Izaiah Joaquin, the leaders of “Living Like A Local Day!” Today was a very eye opening experiencing for all of us. Living Like A Local consist of living without any electricity and we also had to wash our hands, use the toilet, and shower, all with one bucket of water. All these things truly gave us an idea on how the locals here in the DR conserve their daily resources.
First, we started our day waking up at 6 am. We used flashlights as our source of light because in order to truly live like a local, they have many restrictions with using electricity. When we arrived at breakfast we were given a cup of hot chocolate and bread, a typical breakfast for a local. Later, we arrived to the Community Arroyo Loro. As soon as we got off the bus, we were happily welcomed by all of the families. We were then split into groups with different homes of the families, where we helped them with their daily chores, such as sweeping, preparing food, dusting, washing dishes, and cleaning bathrooms. We were also given the opportunity to speak with the families, asking them questions in Spanish. Afterwards the community prepared everyone a very filling and delicious meal. We then sang, dance, and played with all the children. They even showed us their river, which all of the children excitedly jumped into. Later on, we walked to their community’s school where Enrique de los Santos Perez, Merida Contreras, and the teachers gave us a tour and discussed the issues about their school.
After leaving the community, we taught English to the people of San Juan. We all had an amazing time interacting with our ambassadors and students. Post tutoring, we walked to dinner and had candles lit as our source of light. As a local, they’re only limited to a certain amount of electricity per day. When we returned to the accommodation, we had a discussion about our day as a local. We talked about how the experiences we faced today made an impact on us. This opportunity allowed us to see how 60% of the world lives today. This day truly taught us to appreciate all of the things back at home that we may take for granted.
To Izaiah’s family: I miss all you guys very much! I’m having such an amazing time here in the DR. I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it! Love you guys! We out to sushi when I get back 😉
To Daisha’s family: I miss you guys so much!! It is really fun out here in the Dominican, and I’ve learned so much. I got so much to tell you all, and I can’t wait. I also can’t wait to see you guys when you pick me up from the airport! Love you guys!!
Thank you Daisha and Izaiah for the wonderful account! Sounds like a long day for all of you, but also pretty fun.
Lucy’s Mom
Isabelle, I love reading about all of the amazing experiences you are having! Live and appreciate each moment. Can’t wait to hear from you! Momma
Hi Baby G,
We really miss you! We hope you are having a wonderful and memory filled time. Grandma and Grandpa want to tell you Hi and they miss you too. Mom says that you should use your mosquito repellent and wash your hands (LOL). Nicolas bought Portos and we’ll save some for you. We can’t wait to hear your stories about the DR. We love you!!!
Hi Kaylyn!
Good to see you still smiling. Living like a local- I know today must have been a very humbling experience for all the Global Glimpsers. We hear and read about the lives of different cultures, but until one experiences first hand what’s it like to be in their situation, to live their lives- only then can a person know empathy and compassion. I’m sure today has been one of your more challenging days so far but also one that will leave an everlasting impression….
On a lighter note- how is your Spanish coming along? Hoping you’re putting your 3 years of high school Spanish to good use (not counting middle school since your teacher was gone for most of the year). So far, you’ve worked as a local, lived as a local, so I’m hoping you’ll speak like a local at the end of two weeks! :>
Love Mom and Dad
Hi Daisha,
I’m so glad I get to read this, I love and miss you. I hope your learning lots and having so much fun out their, and if you didn’t know the warriors one the finals!!! Dad went crazy, and so did I. We also went to Jordan’s b-day party, it was a lot of fun. Jordan was so happy to see all of his friends. Can’t wait for you to get home and tell us all your stories from the DR. MISS YOU
Love,
(Daniella) and everyone else
Hi Viet-Hai,
I hope today’s experience of living like a local stays with you and made a great impact. This was, in my selfishness, one of the reasons I was so excited to send you on this trip. I think no matter how much you read or heard about poverty and hardship, it will not sink in until you actually experience it!
Hope you’re keeping yourself hydrated and safe!
Love,
Mom & Dad
Hi Sydney,
Wow, what a day! It really opens your eyes, but also opens your heart to people. I know you will be forever changed and for the better.
Miss you baby girl!!! Mama