Hola familias y amigos,
Waking up this morning was a bit tough due to a really rough night but we woke up and had hot chocolate and bread for breakfast. The power went out twice in the middle of the night and we (at least the girls) were up because it was so steaming hot without fans. There was also crazy heavy thunder and lightning that scared a lot of us. Breakfast was so light because today was Living Like A Local day. They don’t typically eat as much as we do.
We split up into small groups and were assigned houses of different family members of the the Dios Dira community. Joanna, Sujevi, Ramona, Juana, Claudia, and Sixta, were kind enough to open up their homes to us strangers and give us a glimpse into their lives. We were given tours of their houses and big yards, did daily chores, played with the young children, and asked them many questions about their lives here in San Cristobal. This was our favorite day so far because we really connected to the reality of life here and bonded with not just the kids but also the adults. Even while we are here in the same community as them, we didn’t realize how spoiled we were in this accommodation…we are fed by cooks, given fans to endure the heat, have running water and electricity almost all the time (except the few nights we ran out of water or electricity for some time)…being with these amazing families gave us a realistic view to life here in the Dominican. The glimpsers and families had a big lunch all together and played games, blasted music and danced, did face paint, and just talked for what seemed like forever, it was so much fun!!
Back at the hostel we took some time to think about the Community Action Project we will start in a few days, a project that will hopefully positively impact the lives of the people of the community and
Fundacion Sol Naciente, our partner organization. We decided as a group to renovate the bleachers, bathroom, and extra room in Sol Naciente by finishing the room, painting the bleachers, and installing
new plumbing and stalls in the bathroom. With our $20,727 Dominican pesos, we tried to budget all our supplies for the entire project. So far the plans are working out !!
Check in tomorrow for Global Business day after we go to the coffee plantation!
Con carino,
Kat y Lexi
p.s. mom and michelle, i think im gonna come home with a spanish accent … love, KM
p.s. mama Steph, im staying very hyrdated! love, LB
Hi Katieboo,
Love your post! We are so proud of you. Glad you are doing well. The kids love you there. ?
Can’t wait you see more pics!
P.S. Nice face paint
What an amazing day you had today. LIving as a local is the best way to connect with the beautiful people of Dominican Republic. How lucky you all are..wish I could have joined you.
The Community Action Project you chose will absolutely affect the people of Sol Naciemento is a very positive way…Way to go Glimpsers.
I appreciate that you update the blog on your daily adventures..love the pictures too. Enjoy and take it all in.
The kids are the most rewarding memory. Their smiles are priceless.
Go out GG and make an impact! Good job to all of you! :}
p.s. Lexi, I am happy you are staying hydrated. But where’s your visor/sunscreen?
Great post!
Keep up the good work! A few more days and you’ll be fluent in Spanish
–love, Duncle
Hi Lexi! We hope you’re having the time of your life right now! We love and miss you so much!! We can’t wait to hear all your stories. When I went on my trip, living like a local was so special and impacted me the most. I’m glad to hear that it did the same for you and the rest of your group. When you get back we have to get boba, because we KNOW you miss it. See you soon!
Love,
Francesca and Simone
Looks like Connor has made a few more friends… Well done, all!
Very cool Katie! Looks like you’re learning a lot and having a great experience.
Gary
Hey Bria and Xavier! I hope your had fun living like a local! This was honestly my favorite day while I was at Nicaragua! I hope you guys really connected with the community and enjoy being there! I can’t wait to hear all about the Dominican Republic when you guys get back. I hope everyone from IA are stepping out of their comfort zones, being open minded, and trying all the amazing things the DR has to offer! I wish the best for all of you and hope that you guys continue to learn and stay safe on the trip! Remember to stay hydrated!!! CARPE DIEM! SEIZE THE DAY!
Hola Katie ~ what an awesome opportunity to experience life outside of the US up close and personal! It’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever. It opens one’s eye to what a privilege it is to have alllll the modern conveniences at our fingertips.
I’m so happy u were able to make this trip cuz I think ur just a phenomenal young lady with a beautiful ? and spirit!! Hope you and your Conrad’s enjoy the rest of your stay and return home safely, enlightened and full of enthusiasm as you move forward with your individual goals/plans for the future. You gurs ROCK and I’m proud of each of you … Luv yah and looking forward to your sharing your experience with me ?????.
Connor, I’m sure Ava will be very jealous to see you spending time with those children! ?
I’m so excited to hear about your community project! I hope it budgets out.
Stay hydrated!
Awesome post! So proud of you! The kids seems to be very happy your there! I am so glad you were able to go on this trip. Its an experience of a life time. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you return!
Hey! Update soon! We all miss our daily updates and pictures!
Hope all is well and you are all making forever memories!
Good job to all of you!
p.s. Lilo does her nightly pacing of looking for you!
HI BIZ!!!
wow you’re already almost done with your trip and i JUST found the blog! Glad to see your trip is just as packed as mine was!