Buen Día/Buenos Tardes Glimpser Families!
Today, we started nice and early at 5:50 am! Loud knocks on doors led to a swift wake-up and breakfast at 7 am. After breakfast, we did a mental warm-up called “screaming toes” and another called “zap” for some bonding time! Ava P won for the second day in a row. Then we loaded the bus and headed to Canada de las Palmas to meet some delightful and welcoming community members. Once there we split into groups led by student translators, (Felix, Ashley, Victoria, Lex, Cody, Tatiana, Cris, and Kaitlenn). Everyone was offered coffee as a welcome into the family homes. In the groups, we worked with the members of the community in their homes by helping them with their chores. Ava P, Ashley, and Jadalys helped to peel eggplants gifted to us yesterday and eggs that were a part of our community lunch. Felix, Xiaohan, and Madyson were guided around large gardens to discover hidden avocado and mango trees. After helping with the chores, many gathered under a tree in the shade to bond with some of the community while others played a quick game of basketball with some of the children. Next, everyone gathered in the community center to eat a scrumptious lunch of fried egglants, plantanos maduros fritos, locrio de pollo, and potato salad. After lunch, we found out that our project will be renovating the community center. We then asked our “Who, What, Why?” questions about how our project will benefit the community and be sustainable. Then, everyone gathered outside to play games and face-paint with the local children. One of our teen translators, Cristian, also sat down with two-year-old Esmeralda to feed her. After hours of play, we said our thank-yous and goodbyes, then headed back to Hotel Dilenia. Once back, we split into our self-reflection groups and reflected on our day by answering and talking about deep-thinking questions. This then led to some free time before our dinner of hot dogs and corn for some, along with plantains with salami. Before our nightly meeting, we had a short dance party with Awilda, who is the daughter of one of our cooks. We ended the night with Xiaohan and Ava P passing the torch to Serena, Ava M, and Kaitlenn, and bonding before bed.
Wow! Such a full and varied day. I imagine everyone will sleep soundly tonightl It is great to see how the group seems to be bonding and forming relationships. Also the opportunities to interact with the local people will prove memorable and valuable. So very glad to see Felix active and involved.
That ‘screaming toes’ and ‘zap’ certainly got my attention. Huummmm?
(sorry about the blur of the photos.)
Looks like a great day of spending time time in the community. It’s nice to see how one day’s activities and experiences are starting to transition into the next. Congratulations on leading Xiaohan and Ava P! I enjoyed reading your recap of the days events.
It was surprising and bitter-sweet to receive a phone call from Nevin today. It was wonderful to hear your voice and excitement but hard to hear that you were suffering physically and not to be able to be there to help. I know that you’re taking care of yourself and it looks like you rested during the day because I’m not seeing you in the pictures. I’m hoping that you can bounce back and fully enjoy this experience.
Mom is doing well and having adventures of her own traveling in Barcelona. It has been rainy and very moist here in Western Mass. I’ve provided Willa and Finn with access to the blog and I know that they’re checking in on what you guys are doing. People are thinking about you and holding you in their hearts. Love You!
Great job with the writing, Ava P and Xiaohan!! We loved hearing about everything!
I know in our family avocados and mangos are the FAVORITES.
Your community project sounds perfect.
Love, Xiaohan’s mom and family
P.S. I haven’t figured out how to comment on my phone yet and we will be on the road, so you may not hear from us for a bit, but we will be thinking of you.
Hi Jennifer,
I’ve noticed that the website doesn’t function very well through the phone. Enjoy your travels.
Best,
Peter LaBrusciano
Xiaohan, are you wearing Nevin’s shirt? I hope so. If not, I apologize. Glad to see that it’s getting a lot of use.
I was in fact wearing Nevin’s shirt. There may have been a bit of paint spillage that day…
buen hecho ava & Xiaohan on today’s blog detailed update! Things that stood out: 5:50am wake-up, screaming toes, pelando berengena (eggplant), Felix translating– buen trabajo m’ijo, (y gracias tambien a Ashley, Victoria, Lex, Cody, Tatiana, Cris, Kaitlenn); body painting, platanos frito– the photo of the open fire cooking on cement blocks is ingenious! The CAP project is revealed– sounds like a useful contribution to the community. Dance partay yo- good pre-bedtime wind-down! Hope everyone returns w/ new music playlists. Cristian + Esmerelda=amigos pa’siempre! Abrazos a todos.
Sounds like a great day!!! So proud of you Vicky!! Looking forward to all your stories!! Miss you!!
MAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII its vicky i miss you and love you so much!!!! Have so much good stories to tell you. love you sooooooooo much.
Great update Ava and Xiaohan. What a fantastic day. The project sounds wonderful and we all can’t wait to hear more about. Our highlight every morning is reading your blogs. Ava it was so great to hear your voice today. To hear the excitement in your voice was so heart warming. An experience I’m sure none of you will soon forget.
OMG, 5:50 wake up!! Mady you must have loved that LOL.I love how you are wearing the Biggie shirt!!! Looks like a great and busy day spending time in the community. I especially like the art work!!! I love the community project idea! That will be a lot of fun and work but such a great accomplishment! Look forward to reading what you all did today, Day 5!!
Miss you Madyson!
Love Mom, G and Joey!
Reading these daily blogs and seeing the pictures of these amazing moments brings tears to my eyes. These are the moments that shape and inspire, and thanks to you sharing with us we have the opportunity to be along for the ride. Breathe it in and know that while you are missed, we are so excited for you.
Sending love to you Ava P.
Ren, Mike, Collin and Ella
I love all the adventures you all are having! Can’t wait to catch up on the blog each day. Have a great day tomorrow!
Hi Milana!
I see You guys been very busy learning new things, new culture. I am glad you went there as you know Dominican Republic is our favorite vacation spot.
Want to see more pictures of you. It was great to here your voice today and feel exitement that you have,make a lots of pictures, you will remember that time.
We miss you! Love you!
GPa and GMa
Great recap!
Sounds like the trip’s been really busy but exciting and rewarding too, even with the EARLY mornings!
I Hope Xiaohan, Nevin, and everyone else is doing well!
Looking forward to hearing more about the trip when you get home!
Miss you!
Yay Finn!