Greetings to all, Yajaira and Cassie here, bringing you the latest from Fun Day #2! We were so excited the night before that it was difficult to sleep. We woke up energized and ready to start the day. Today was an early 6am wakeup call which is always hard but knowing that we had a full fun day planned ahead of us, was invigorating. After everyone groggily exited their room, a variety of cereal and fruit were waiting. We later made our way to Aguas Blancas, the waterfall in the National Park in Valle Nuevo. We rode in a safari-style truck with an awning protecting us from the sun. The ride was long and bumpy and made it hard to sit in one place but we have connected so well that it all felt comfortable. In addition to that, the whole ride we were jamming out to Beyonce and Bruno Mars, singing at the top of our lungs. The hills were steep and the roads were narrow making it hard for traffic to flow in opposition, but the scenery was surreal making for an overall great ride.
When we arrived to the waterfall, we soon realized that the park was unmaintained which is different than the National Parks in California where there are park rangers, recycling bins, and decent bathrooms. Once we reached the waterfall, it was cold and confined but beautiful. We could feel the mist on our sweaty skin which only increased the desire to jump in. Robin was the first to jump in, quickly followed by Robert, Jason, and Yeshi. They reported of such freezing water to the point where it was almost unbearable but did not stop their adventurous selves or the rest of the group from taking the leap of faith in the cold water. In being the best leader that I (Cassie) could be, I decided to join the swimmers in the water. As I tried to slowly enter the pond, I found that one of the rocks I stepped on was much slipperier than expected and instead of waltzing in, I took a full body plunge. It wasn’t nearly as bad as it had been described to me and it was hard to find a rock for footing due to how slippery all the rocks were. I ended up turning red from the cold of the water, and I was covered in goosebumps head to toe. This didn’t deter me from staying in the water and having a great time with everyone else. After a half an hour of playing and taking pictures in the water, we started to trek back to our trucks. There were a few bumps and stops along the way but we all arrived safely just in time for lunch.
We all ate large amounts of Dilenia’s amazing food, as per usual. Following lunch with no time to waste, some students went to the hardware store to purchase materials for our Community Action Project. The students who did not shop, had the opportunity to work on their appreciation letters or had free time. After free time we went straight to prepping for English tutoring. We then proceeded to our English classes where both of us had different experiences.
Cassie here! Class started at five pm and we only had one student. Krystal and Robin are my co teachers and we decided to play games with the other intermediate class next door. We had a blast playing, “Move your Butt” which is where there is a set of chairs in a circle and the person in the middle would say something and if people sitting agreed with that statement, they would have to find another seat. The person left without a seat, would be the person in the middle creating the new statement. A couple of minutes later, more of our students came. They greeted me by yelling my name and asking how I was doing. It made me feel so special because they remembered my name and cared about my wellbeing. After our games we continued to our lesson where we taught modal verbs and gave homework. When we concluded class, one of our students asked us for our social media contacts so we can stay in touch. I have grown to love this city and its people so much that the attachment is very real and the thought of going home is very difficult to fathom.
Yajaira here ready to tell you all about my day teaching English. My experience with tutoring was significantly different from Cassie’s. Today was hands down the hardest class I’ve had teaching with Jason and Marielle. Teaching a beginners class means a lot of children and that can sometimes mean a louder class. My group of children are particularly rowdy and today was no exception. As a matter of fact, it felt like my children made it a point to be extra distracted, loud, and impatient. I was already feeling extra sleepy so my patience was wearing thin to begin with. Thanks to my amazing co-teachers and Camillo, I made it through the afternoon feeling successful knowing all our students were retaining the information we taught them in previous classes. When I think about it, even though my students wear me out, I’m still going to miss every single one of them because no matter what, they are a key reason why I’ve fallen in love with Constanza. As our days in the Dominican Republic begin to dwindle down, I realize how much I’ve grown as a person. The Yajaira that first came on this trip wouldn’t have been able to make it through tonight’s class, let alone stay happy and lead a group right after. I’m glad to say that this trip has made me a better and stronger individual than I was before I came to the Dominican Republic. It genuinely breaks my heart to leave but I know the connections I’ve made and stories I’ve lived through will stay with me forever and I couldn’t be happier about it.
After tutoring we had yet another phenomenal dinner prepared by Dilenia which led to the nightly meeting and free time after. Everyone had a blast, was punctual and flexible with time, and no one got hurt. All in all, we worked like a well-oiled machine and used each other’s strengths and weaknesses to the benefit of the group.
Big love to the Villanueva clan back home, I miss you all and we’ll be reunited soon enough. I can’t wait for the home made burrito waiting for me when I get back home!
S/o to the Latus, Menlo Mailes, Fongs, Grandma, Papa and Grandma Joan! Also s/o to my baby sister Meki!! Love and miss you guys and I think I am going to stay here instead of coming home!
It’s been amazing reading all this blogs but today’s was special because I got to read what one of my favorite persons has experienced.. I know you were eager to go to that famous waterfall. I hope that it surpassed your expectations. And thank you for working on your patience…. can’t wait to see you and yes your HOME MADE BURRITO awaits…te amo mi niña..
Hi Yajaira and Cassandra!
Thanks for sharing your experiences of the day!!! Even on a fun day, challenges can arise. Very cool that there is a take away to learn from and recognize the growth in that.
Cassandra, sounds like you’ve enjoyed the truck rides there. Maybe you’re ready to drive dad’s 37 year old hand me down truck from Papa 🙂 We will be happy to have you home soon. We know it will be hard to leave there and the people you have come to know and love! Can’t wait for more stories!!!
What a great opportunity you all have been afforded. I hope each of your sponsors feel as much of the impact as we have through the blog. Can’t wait to hear how about your CAP!
Ofa atu,
Mom and Dad
Good thing carpool karaoke is your thing! I bet you were singing the loudest lol.. Glad everyone made it safely out of the freezing pond, considering a certain someone may or may not know how to swim. Did Ben or Jessica remember?! ?
You missed some awesome street soccer this weekend. But I guess safari trucks, swimming in waterfalls, and beautiful Constanza will have to do. Can’t believe your trip is coming to a close. Enjoy every last bit of it! Love, Mom.
Good job Marielle, can’t wait to see you, Liya is doing a countdown since yesterday, good luck to you all on your remaining days at Constanza, you all are doing a good job, miss you❤❤❤
That was a great story and sounds like alot of fun! Good to know everyone is getting along and having a good time.
CASSIE!!!!!!
I’m so glad that you’re having such a great time on your trip! It sounds amazing and no offense but I’m not surprised you were the one who fell in. I just got home last night from Nicaragua (it was the best trip ever, but we can share stories and pictures when you’re back) and can’t wait until your back home so we can hang out. Also, your mom called me morgansky on the blog and they read it in front of everyone. Since then, I was known as morgansky in my group so tell her thanks for that haha. We all miss and love you!
-Morgan
PS. I got a snapchat!
PPS. I bet you miss french fries 😉
Sounds like an amazing day! Layla, I’m sure you found the freezing water a refreshing way to cool down. How has your Spanish been? I bet it’s been so helpful to be immersed in the language and that you’re practically fluent by now.
I hope you all took a lot of pictures and I can’t wait to see them.
Yajaira & Cassie,
Thanks for a glimpse of Fun Day 2. Your challenges (even the “slippery rocks”) & the personal growth that you have been allowed to experience are immeasurable. This is your journey & OURS too (especially when you want to stay ?). So “proud” of all of you.
Hi Cassandra!
Your trip sounds fun! I hope you will enjoy the rest of your trip.♡