Welcome back to the blog families and friends! Today being community day, we woke up at 6 am to eat some nice eggs and toast at 7. We then got ready to go to the community Cañada de las Palma to visit our host families, help out, and connect. Every family welcomed us with open arms and open doors. We all had a good time cleaning, cooking, and overall getting to know the community. We were able to see how they grow their own food, the water-powered electricity they built, and how they live their daily lives. Many basketball games were played with the local kids, and connections were built even with a language barrier. We got to eat and serve the food we had made with the local community members. Serving rice and chicken with tostones and potato salad to all the children was an interesting experience. After everyone enjoyed their meals, the party was ready to begin. All types of bachata, merengue, and salsa were blasting through the speakers, and everyone was on their feet moving their hips. Some were playing dominoes, while the rest of us danced with the community. We danced, and danced, and danced until our legs gave out. Everyone was smiling, laughing, sweating, and having the best time with the locals. Even those who had never danced before came out of their shells to dance today. We shared our gratitude and appreciation for all those who welcomed us into their homes and sadly had to say our goodbyes. Later on, we gathered our thoughts on what we’ve seen and experienced in the community today. After, we quickly changed into our business casual outfits to present our plan for our CAP project to the Global Glimpse program manager of the DR. Everyone got to speak on involvement in helping the community. After that, we took a very quick trip to the supermarket to receive some well-deserved snacks. Half an hour later, we presented our dinner of some delicious pasta and continued with the nightly meeting. We enjoyed leading today of all days because we were able to genuinely bond not only with our hosts but with the entire community. We appreciate all our leaders for giving us this experience and also give appreciation to the locals who have let us into not only their lives but their hearts. A common wish we all had as a group was to visit that community again. Passing the torch to the next leaders, we are signing off!

Anastasia: I miss all my loved ones who are viewing this blog, I appreciate everything you’ve all done for me and I love y’all!

Gianaliz: I love all my family back over there and I can’t wait to come home!! WRITE MORE COMMENTS