Heeeyy families and friends of us fellow Glimpsers. We experienced the most – in our opinion – impactful days of our trip today.
We started the day with beautiful wakeup calls delivered by yours truly (included maracas and a very soothing voice – Steven). We traveled to the local orphanage/school in Constanza called Vida para Niños and were greeted by Wilkins, the former director of the school and current foster parent for ten children in the orphanage. He gave us a tour of the orphanage and we had the chance to interact with the children, playing soccer and reading books to them. We learned the powerful testimonies of the children in the program, which included their turbulent backgrounds, a contrast to their positive experience living in the orphanage. We bused back to the Hotel Vista de Valle and had a delicious lunch consisting of beans drizzled over rice, chicken with broth, and salad. Afterwards, we prepared ourselves, both physically and mentally, for our trip to the Constanza dump. Some of us decided to stay behind in the bus, with closed curtains to show respect to those living in the dump, while the rest of us got to meet Jose Miguel. He has been a worker there for the past 23 years and told us a little about his daily life. We learned of the glaring differences in lifestyles and economic status of the people of Constanza, who we thought were already less privileged than everyday Americans. After a mandatory shower coming back from the dump, we prepared for our usual English Tutoring and rehearsed for the upcoming talent show.
Melody: Reflecting back on today, I think I did the best of my ability to carry out my duties as Lider del Dia, although I may have stumbled on a few tasks. I believe I showed confidence when addressing the group, much more than I would have before today. I tried my best to speak Spanish both to the staff members of the hotel and to my English tutoring students. I feel like I could have collaborated more with Steven to communicate our ideas and deliver them together. I don’t know if many of you know this, but back home, I am a introvert and I hated speaking up in group discussions. I think coming back home, I’ll feel more comfortable in these situations and I am so very glad I had the opportunity to be Lider del Dia today.
Steven: I had the amazing opportunity to be Lider Del Dia with the one and only Melody Zhang (Aww you’re welcome -Melody). Through out the day as Lider Del DIa I was grrrreeeaaatt at rallying up the troops and demonstrating professionalism. I personally feel like I could have cooperated better with my leader in crime Melody. I grew from this experience as Lider Del Dia by being able to listen more than I talk. Mainly because today was a challenging day.
Keep an eye out for Gracelyn and Olivia’s post for tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! (CAP day #1)
Overall, we have learned to be grateful for the privileges we unknowingly receive daily in the US and we have seen the difference in poverty definition for the US and developing countries like the DR. We’re really looking forward to starting our CAP project tomorrow so we can make a change in this community.
P.S.: Shoutout to our fellow glimpser Reetu! We miss you boo!
That’s all folks and thanks for tuning in,
Melody and Steven
Allyson! You look so cute and happy with the kids. I know how much you love to spend time with children. You must be having a blast!
Wow, what a day you all had, I can’t even imagine the dump…
Gracelyn, I am sure the orphanage/school was hard, (I know I would want to bring all the kids home, but hopefully, you had fun showing off any soccer skills Dirk might have taught you! (LOL) I am so excited to read your and Sophie’s post tomorrow! What a great impact you will all make to the community there with you CAP project. Gracelyn, I love and miss you TONS!!! Can’t wait to give you big hugs on Sunday!!!!! OMG!!! Miss my sweet baby girl!
Love Mom
Hey mom, first of all, it’s Olivia as my co leader but I’ll let it slide 🙂 also we aren’t leaving till Monday morning so I won’t see you until Tuesday at like 1 in the morning soooooo… also I need to be home that night so we can’t stay in a hotel–I can drive if you’re tired but I have rehearsal at 10 the next morning. I love you and can’t wait to see you (I’ve already started packing). SEE YOU SOON
Love, Gracelyn.
Ally querida! It is so wonderful to finally see your dear face in a clear photo. Bob says hi. Sounds like today’s experience was very moving. As the saying goes life is a journey and the road that you have traveled during these weeks will teach you lessons of generosity and humility that will last for a lifetime. You are developing into a fine young lady and we are all so proud of you. Have fun on the rest of your trip and an extra serving of plantains for grandma : )
I love the blog! Bravo to the leaders! Melody, I’m soooooo proud of you! This is truly an once in a life time and impactful experience.
Hola Steven, te veo muy feliz, me da mucho gusto que fue muy grandioso tu día de líder y que tienes una experiencia más en tú vida, cuídate mucho te extrañamos que Dios te bendiga
I’m super proud of all of you! You all are doing an amazing job! Enjoy the remaining days. Your return date will be here before you know It! CARLOS! We miss you lots and love you! Very proud of you. ?? This trip will be a memorable event. I’m so glad you were able to experience this. Don’t forget to give the pencils to the students, and candy to the kids. Hang in there and be safe! See you soon! XOXO ❤
Hi Glimpses!
I’m very happy to see that you are all doing well. I’m always looking forward to read what you do every day. Keep anjoying these last days of your trip because it is almost over and even though you might all want to come back, it’s an experience that you will remember forever, and you will probably miss it.
Be safe everyone and good job to the leaders de el Dia. We love you Jasmin!. MOM, DAD, MOSO
Omg you guys! Every single one of you is AMAZING. Allyson you look super cute in the piggyback picture!!! Love you all, and I bet my Duck and my Goose will be fantastic leaders tomorrow 🙂 Looking forward to seeing the fantabulous things y’all do for your CAP!!!
Lots of love,
Reetu
LOVE YOU REETU WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN OUR FAVORITE OSTRICH
-Duck and Goose
Gracie, I am so in of what your doing. What an amazing experience. You are doing things right now that you will remember for the rest of your life. Soak it up babe. I found a castanza video on YouTube and I watched it for 12 minutes. I cried the whole time, so proud of the different activities. Then I found out it wasn’t your group. I miss talking to you. Love u… Dad
Hi!
Sofia, I’m sure your interest in humanitarian work was sparked yesterday. It is so nice to see your face!!! We are all good here. Can’t wait to see you!! ???
You looking good son, I’m so proud of you. I know this has been a life changing event in your life. Also can someone post the time there flight comes in on Sunday. Love you Maurice.❤
I Need everybody to pray for Millesha she got sick and she at the clinic Nobody never call her mother until today, she need to be on the plane tomorrow, they stated she have to be well for her to come back, I deal with that later not letting me know about my baby until today.
She need all prayers Her mother Lavina