Today was free day. A day in which the glimpsers got to experience the day freely, LOL. Dionn Casanova and Hunter Campbell were the Leaders of the Day (LDDs), therefore we are typing this right now. Breakfast was a little different today; it was served buffet style so it went from 8:30-10am, but wakeup call was at 9. The LDDs have to wake up 30 mins before, Dionn couldn’t get out of bed too easily so he got up at 8:25 but everyone was already up. We had a little bit of time before lunch to finish planning our Community Action Project (CAP) which is finishing the basketball court in Rio Grande. Lunch was La Bandera Dominicana again which is a basic but delicious plate where the main piece is rice and beef. After lunch, a group of girls got their nails done by a local and they had a blast. A big group of hombres went to a local barber who lives in NY during the year but DR during the summer. Michael, Zack, Dionn, and Malachi just got blowout tapers. Hunter and Damian got full blown haircuts and Hunter looks like a new and fresh man. We had to actually wait to get haircuts because part of the town was in Siesta Time. This is when they close down shops to get some rest and/or run errands (we got ice cream).
The highlight of the day was when we got to the school where we teach English and the number of students was outstanding/mind-boggling/stressful. (They love us here in the DR and the Spanish Captains really did learn to step up). Hunter wanted me to include that I am wearing a tank top while writing this. While tutoring, we were actually thinking about Greenfield and the incredible adults we have in the building who helped make this trip possible. Big Shoutout to Ms. Patenaude and Ms. Kuhlka. This trip has been an eye-opening experience and we are beyond grateful for the opportunities given to us for us to be here. Everyone on the trip has a new perspective on life and value all the opportunities that our homeland gives us.
This is Hunter typing right now and I just wanted to say that everyone on this trip is amazing and parents should be so proud of the kids because the smiles the community has when your kids help out make this trip beyond worthwhile.
Dionn wants me to tell you that that even the shy kids get tossed into the mix because he will never allow someone to be left out, so if you are stressing at home.. don’t. We are all taking care of each other very well. We also can’t forget that we got to call home today and even though we only had 3 mins to talk, everyone was touched by hearing their family’s voices. Shout out to my dad Aaron Campbell for sending me to voicemail…. Still love you!!!
Dionn got to talk to his mother and he has never felt so relieved to hear her voice.
This is Dionn again and if you are reading this I love my whole family which includes Morgan.
Mom please tell the family I love them and tell toby that I will take him to the park when I get home. – Hunter
Mom please take care of my siblings and annoy them like I do. Dad stay strong, I’m coming back soon. Morgan, I love you and I’ll be back so soon as well. Love you all so much and I’m doing really good guys. – Dionn
I LOVED CALL HOME DAY!! Such an unexpected treat. Love my girl ?. (((HUGS)))
Guys, you are awesome!!
I’m so happy to “read” how your day went. I’m telling you, this is going to be in your minds and hearts forever.
My “hombre” called too and I was charging my phone! I missed his call. Hunter, I called your mom, my son’s second mom and she told me she talked to you and that you guys were doing good. I hope to hear his voice again soon.
I can wait to hear about your stories of teaching children. I believe you are being blessed by being there and serving others, people that you didn’t even knew. Those children and families will be blessed by what you are doing there. Keep up the good work!! Say hi to my Ben, Maddie, Dion and the whole C2C team.
My heart is overflowing with pride while reading these posts! Your adventures on this trip will be an experience you will never forget and are the foundation for how you will lead your life upon return. So proud of all of the work our students are doing! Dionn – I never thought for one minute anyone would be left out with you on the trip! I am thankful you have had opportunities to speak with your families! Enjoy the rest of your journey! See you soon!
My heart is full with love and pride for all of the students on this trip. What great adventures and experiences! Dionn – I was never worried as I knew if you were on the trip, no one would be left out! Glad to see you’re keeping that up! Glad the two of you were able to chat with your families! I am sure they are so proud of the work you are doing! Enjoy every moment! Can’t wait to hear all about it in person upon your return!
I enjoyed reading this blog as if you were talking straight to us! I am laughing at the picture in my head of the two of you writing this together! Experiences that you are describing can only be lived, so live it up! You have a strong support system in the DR and at home. It was very special to receive a shoutout from you, and I think of you all each day!❤️
I smiled reading this blog, the upbeat tone is what I want to hear as a parent, knowing that you all are getting the most out of this experience is amazing and well worth all the hard work you all put into the fundraising and being able to make it possible.
Enjoy everyone.
Hunter- you make us all proud