Hi everyone!
I’m Dámarit Pérez, one of the Program Coordinators in San Juan de la Maguana and today I was Leader of the Day for History Day.
Today was our first full day and we had a great time. I’m so happy because the group is so engaged and they are enjoying the city. As History day we had our city tour in San Juan! Despite the heat, the Glimpsers and the GG Leaders had the opportunity to know our amazing city and know more about its history. We wanted to show all the different influences that Dominican Republic has experienced during its history and how this has made a diverse population. We also talked about political changes in the DR during the last century.
We had the opportunity to listen to Cristino Comas, who is a History professor from San Juan, and has worked in the education field during so many years, also helping Haitian communities. His knowledge about San Juan history is amazing and he shared an amazing explanation about the taínos, who were the indigenous population of the DR.
But the most exciting part of the day was when the Glimpsers met the Youth Ambassadors. They matched very well since the beginning and even some of the glimpsers have learned some Spanish words already! Also the Ambassador gave to them a welcome gift, a bracelet! So sweet! I’m sure they are going to learn a lot from each others and discover all the things they have in common.
We finished the day making the first self-reflection about their first impressions of the experience and the country and they loved to share their thought with the rest of the group. Also during our Nightly Meeting we had an interesting discussion about how Dominican and American people feel about their history.
Tomorrow we have an amazing Culture and Fun Day so stay tuned for our news.
Good night from San Juan!
Dámarit
Sounds like an amazing day. Love you Isabelle Lu!
Emi!!! Que Lo Que? I can’t believe you are in San Juan already. I’m sure you are enjoying your trip already. I look forward to seeing the other blogs 🙂 I recommend you volunteering for poverty day and the immigration day they are super impactful and the perfect day to be the leader of the day. Okay, see you next blog. Buy lots of ice-cream. I hope you are enjoying the slaps on the bus 🙂
Hi Stephanie and everyone!!!
I’m happy to see all you guys are having a great time out there!!! We all miss you so much, love you Stephanie!
It’s so amazing to see that all the program coordinators & leaders are working so hard to bring a great experience for the glimpsers. I am also happy to see that there is a wonderful group of Youth Ambassador that can’t wait to share their country’s culture with glimpsers.
PS: VH – Mom’s phone is dead (in the water). Call dad’s phone. Also please don’t forget to take lots of pictures & write journal, when you can. Enjoy your time there, as it will go by very quickly!
HOPE YOURE HAVING AN AMZAING TIME! We all miss you so much Benjamin. Signal Bonae!
We miss you Mimi. Enjoy your adventure! Love you!!
Excited to hear you started strong with a day full of history! Stephanie – I hope you took notes because I fully expect you to teach me all of the history when you get back!
Have a great time, everybody!
If you get the chance, I recommend asking the Ambassadors to teach you to dance merengue. It’s a lot of fun, and most Dominicans enjoy it.
Hi Daisha! Not sure if you get to reads these or not! We miss you and hope your having the time of your life! Embrace the culture and most of all have fun!
Love you❤️ Mom
Hi Kaylyn,
Great group photo! Glad to see you’re wearing your hat and I’m sure you have a long sleeve shirt in your backpack 🙂 Sounds like you have quite a full day. Hope you took lots of pictures! Dad and I were watching a movie and the setting was Panama City. There was a scene where the actors were flying on a Copa Airlines plane and it made me think of you. We would love to hear from you, don’t forget you could call us on our cell phones.
Love Mom and Dad