This is Mary Archibeque and today I was the Líder del Día along with Kristen Sun. Since the two themes of the day were Working Like a Local and Global Business, we visited two places: a farm that grows a variety of crops, and Natura Fields, a global agribusiness that exports its products to the U.S. Alberto Quezada, the owner of the farm, gave us all a chance to experience what it was like to work in the fields planting corn, onions, and even picking cucumbers. Going out and doing this labor really opened my eyes and taught me exactly where and how we get our typical produce. Angeli, an assistant administrator at Natura Fields, showed us the process of cleaning and packaging the harvest. Getting to see this process was super interesting because I never realized the amount of effort it takes to get these foods to our grocery stores. What really inspired me was the workers we got to meet and see because after hearing how much they’re paid per day (roughly $6-9 U.S. dollars) and experiencing their daily labor, I was amazed at how they continue to work as hard as they do every day. After today, my appreciation for the agricultural business and local produce will only grow stronger. And remember, ALWAYS wash your produce thoroughly because these farms use a ridiculous amount of pesticides!!! 🙂 (Hi Mom & Dad!! Love and miss you)
This is Kristen Sun, the other Líder del Día. Today, we experienced all the work put into the process of producing and exporting food. As the agricultural capital of a country with amazing food (“I say Man, you say gú! Mangú!”). From the balcony of our hotel, we can see the beautiful green mountains behind the lively town of Constanza. Today, we travelled to the fields by the mountains to experience the work of the locals. Through planting cebollas (onions) in the greenhouses, planting maíz (corn) in the mud, and picking prickly pepinos (cucumbers) off vines, every one of us was humbled by the difficulty of the work of the farmers. As we only worked for a few hours in different parts of the field, we were even more humbled by the fact that the farmers worked for over 8 hours every day, only earning 9 USD (400 DR pesos) each day. While exploring the city during our free time today, we figured that one day’s work could only pay for a few snacks at the supermercado (supermarket). This allowed us to see the privilege that we have as teens in the U.S. with fairer wages and less demanding work. We became aware of the work put into picking each vegetable and fruit that we eat and how little of what we paid for it actually goes back to the people who worked the hardest and needed it most. We then visited the next step: cleaning and packing the produce. Following every step of the cucumber cleaning process, from the initial inspection to its export to New York, we saw the large impact that consumerism in the U.S. has on packing companies in Constanza. As consumers, we unconsciously look for the vegetable with the brightest color and the fruit with the cleanest appearance. This causes Natura Fields, the packing company, to reject about 5,000 cucumbers per producer per day. These perfectly good cucumbers just didn’t follow the standards of a beautiful cucumber that we would buy in the markets., hurting the local producers and community. Seeing these processes allowed us to experience and understand the reality of hardships in the working world of developing countries like the Dominican Republic, and the struggles its citizens have to go through while we, in the U.S., rarely think twice about picking a perfectly round orange off the beautifully stacked shelf at the supermarket.
We ended the day with a special birthday celebration for Hugo. We (Kristen and Mary) went to a local supermarket with Liz and Heather and bought a few balloons, noise makers, and party hats for a small surprise party after dinner, while our generous GG Leaders and program coordinators bought a cake for him from another local shop called Punto de Nieve. The excitement of the group in celebrating Hugo’s birthday showed not only our care for Hugo but our growing love for each other.
We have enjoyed following the blog daily. It looks like everyone is learning a lot every day even we as adults also are learning something new (the working conditions in DR, and how the work people do over there impacts the life here in America).
Kristen: we miss you but are glad that you are enjoying the trip. We like your writing and hope you will continue journaling and taking pictures; the experience and memory will be precious.
Love, mom, dad and Erika
Amner first off. BUEEEAAANNAAAAS. your message to me made me wanna cry so bad. Thank you for your words <3 I'm at Caitleen's grad party with Alina n i told her i didn't read last nights blog bc i was went to sleep early n she tells me to look at real quick bc it was your day. FIGURES WHEN ITS YOUR DAY ITS THE NIGHT I DONT READ THE BLOG HUH?? We saw the group picture at the fields with the hair nets and just know we we're clowning on you and Maryfrances a little bit. She also wanted to know if people call her Maryfrances or Frankie. I don't know if she'll ask but i'll ask for her. I remember making masks with Gato n how much he made laugh. But i sadly left my mask at the hotel the day before leaving 🙁 hopefully it doesn't happen to you! Como siempre, b safe! te quiero.
Hey Maryfrances !!! Nice hair net haha. But I hope you’re having fun and trying new things. I can’t wait until you get back ! Lex and I are at Caitleen’s grad party and Marahya told me to scream cake so we could have cake so I did but it wasn’t loud enough. So yeah we aren’t gonna have any cake. Anyways I miss you, love you !
Hey Erl, we all saw the pictures from the recent activities you guys have been doing and we all hope you are having the best time during this trip. We also hope that you are looking after yourself. Love, Everyone
Hi Kristen!
This is Erika and Cece we just finished drinking itea! We really missed you!
Can’t wait til you come back!
I’m exhausted reading about the past two days! It’s interesting to learn how much produce is rejected purely for cosmetic reasoning. It’s great that you are all bonding and celebrating birthdays 😉 Happy birthday to Hugo.
Hello Jared: We have been following the blog every day, it looks like you been very busy and learning new things every day, I’m glad you got the chance and experience to go and plant cebollas y maiz, and picking pepinos. Keep having fun and learning new things, also I’m glad to see you dancing, that’s great!!
We miss you and love you ?
Mom and Pa
Mary , oh my baby you make me so proud , soak in this whole experience as ir will serve you well through out your life , and always continue to be compassionate as rhe world can use many many more like you . proud daddy
Hi Kristen,
LOVE reading the daily blog entries. Sounds like an awesome trip so far. Wish Shae went with you. Wish I was with you!? Take it all in, enjoy all the sights, smells, and sounds…and keep posting! ❤AK
Heeyyyy Kristen!!
It feels weird not seeing you like everyday 😮 I miss you!!
I read the blogs and they are really interesting. I’m so glad you guys are learning lots and having fun. Your entry was a good refresher cuz I’m starting to forget my Español. I’m proud to know such a smart and kind person like you and this trip will only make you better! Tell me more about it when you get back!
??Shaeli