¡Buenas noches familia y amigos!
Today we woke up at 6:30 am and hopped on the bus to a pop-up health clinic at an elementary school in La Joya, a small community right outside of Jarabacoa. Once we got there, we split into groups with designated duties. Some of the ways we helped included managing money, checking in patients, assisting the doctors, and entertaining the kids who waited for their checkups. A group was designated to face-paint, which was a joyous experience for everyone involved. The kids at the clinic were shy at first, but quickly opened up with smiles and laughter after seeing the colorful paints on their skin. Some of our group members started a basketball game with a few of the kids, which resulted in entertainment for all. It is amazing how universal bright colors and a good ‘ol game of basketball truly are.
For the locals, the cost for the clinic was an optional 50 pesos (or one US dollar). Out of the 34 patients who came, only three were able to afford the cost. We also learned that this clinic is only hosted four to five times a year, in a different community each time. This realization was quite eye-opening, as many of us don’t have to worry about access to healthcare. We discussed the notion of privilege in context of today and also our lives at home. Our group came to the conclusion that with privilege comes great responsibility to provide resources to those less fortunate. Additionally, today gave our group a different perspective, showing us how much we take for granted in our daily lives.
Later on in the day we also taught our third session of English tutoring. It seems we have started getting the hang of connecting with students while offering a beneficial educational experience. Both our students and us as teachers are excited to be learning from each other in a unique way. The students are passionate about learning English, which sparks determination in each of us as teachers to provide sufficient lessons that will help them in the future.
Much love from Jarabacoa,
Anjali and Skylar
Group photo with Glimpsers and the doctors.
Valerie paints a design on happy boys at the clinic.
Cecilia and Natalie greet patients with smiles at the clinic.
Marvin, Alfredo, and Jishnu play a game of basketball with local boys.
Reception Team: Gianna, Skylar, Alfredo, and Marvin
Briseyda plays catch with a boy at the clinic.
Cecilia, Jessica, and Abby tutor English to kids in an intermediate class.
Natalie teaches excited students in her beginner English class.
Hi Jessica,
We miss you so much, even more with every passing day, but seeing all the wonderful actions and services your Global Glimpse group is doing in these communities in these communities really warms our hearts. We hope you’re all doing well and we can’t wait to hear your voice tomorrow. Love you, Mom, Dad, Julia and all the family. Hugs and kisses
Hi Abby – love that you got to work at a health clinic today – can’t wait to hear about it in person! Looking forward to hearing your voice today! Love and adore you! Mom
Heya Anjali,
Nice work on the blog. So proud of you and your crew. Sounds like you’re getting some valuable perspective on what life is for many folks on earth. And…regardless of where they are, kids love face paint and have beautiful smiles! We are so privileged and fortunate to live in our bubble within a bubble. Makes me very grateful for the opportunities that we have. Good luck building the kitchen. We’re thinking of remodeling the kitchen at home…so we’ve got a project for you when you get home. Love you! – Mom and Dad
hey jessssssss <3 I miss youuuu I hope you’re having a great time! I can’t wait to tell you about my trip and hear about yours!!!
Hi Abby!
Auntie Gina here. Your mom and dad came to visit and showed me some of your photos. Wow!! It looks like you’re having an amazing experience and lots of fun too. Can’t wait to hear all about it. I love you tons! AG xoxo
Hi Natalie,
So happy we were able to talk today. We all miss you very much. It makes me so proud to see you working so hard out there. Enjoy the last days of your trip, we’ll see you soon.
We love you,
Mom & Dad