Hola nuestros amigos en California,
We had an amazing day in Jarabacoa living like locals! Last night, we traded in our electricity for candles and running water for buckets. We quickly learned how privileged we are in the U.S. and how grateful we are for what we have. In the morning, we rose early to the sound of roosters and had bread and hot chocolate, a traditional breakfast eaten by locals. After breakfast, we took a beautiful hour-long bus ride to a lovely small town called Las Cabirmas.
After arriving, we were hosted by caring families who greeted us with open arms. With these host families, we truly experienced the daily lives of locals in the Dominican Republic. Our tasks included cooking, cleaning, learning about the history of the community, and more! We enjoyed listening to the locals’ life experiences and gained perspective on their triumphs over struggles and challenges in everyday life. We also learned that building relationships is more important than work, so we took some time off by playing dominos! For lunch, we feasted on locrio de pollo, a traditional dish in the Dominican Republic. We shared a heartfelt prayer with the community members and cherished them during our Big Love recognition.
Back at our accommodations, we continued to experience the local lifestyle with bucket showers. We stayed mellow for a while, then played some volleyball with a lively group staying at our accommodations. Both our teams won a single game, and we all are looking forward to a rematch tomorrow. Our day furthered with yucca, green bananas, and salami for dinner. Afterwards, our electricity and running water was restored during our nightly meeting to discuss our free day tomorrow! As the lights flickered on, so did our inner spirits! We had a mini-party in the patio with some fun music and engaging sing-alongs!
We are more than excited about tomorrow’s free day, as we’ll get the chance to further explore Jarabacoa with our Dominican youth ambassadors!
Much love from all of us here in Jarabacoa!
Photos:
1. Cooking lunch with the members of Las Cabirmas (with Jessica and Jish)
2. Having fun playing dominos with the locals (with John, Marvin, Bella, Rich, Mathieu, Gianna, Nelson, Jessica, Briseyda, Anjali, and Jish)
3. Tidying the house with Nana (with Lorenzo, Cecilia, and Valerie)
4. Group photo with Nelo (with Emma, Marvin, Alfredo, Yadira, and Ava)
5. Group photo with Miguel (with Rich, Briseyda, Bella, John, and Anjali)
6. GG squad with our community at Las Cabirmas!
7. New friendships await us! (with Cecilia, Lorenzo, Gianna, Anjali, Skylar, Abby, Clara, CJ, Jish, and Jessica)
What a wonderful and valuable lesson to live like a local. We’re glad you’re eyes are continuing to take in another part of the world. May your hearts cherish these memories and may your hearts continue to grow into a lifelong of actions for the less fortunate. We miss you lots and hope all of your delegation is having a great time. Thank you Emma and Hannah for taking good care of our loved ones. Love you Jessica and can’t wait to hear your voice.
Me gustan sus sonrisas! Kids and leaders, you are amazing! Thank you for living everything to the fullest and for keeping us posted with beautiful blog and pictures!
Vasudaiva Kudumbakam – (World as a family) says the sanskrit scripture.
Special thanks to Hannah and Emma for their help and guidance making this fun!
So happy that Global Glimpsers are all enjoying and increasing awareness with happiness, empathy and sincerity. Great to follow the blog to learn and enjoy.
Happy Father’s Day wishes to all families. Great Blog, Jish and Bella.
Swamy family.
Candles and buckets of water? Love that! Miss and love you Ava! ❤️❤️❤️
What an experience! Hope you’re enjoying and soaking up every moment of such an amazing adventure! Can’t wait to see more pictures and hear all about your trip, Jessica! We love and miss you!
Hi Abby, Sounds like you all had a wonderful day! We saw you got to eat SALAMI – LOL
Have a fun free day and can’t wait to hear about it. Love you tons – mom, dad,Taylor and Riley
Hi Jessica, I see that you are learning to cook! We love reading the detailed blog and seeing all the group pictures, thank you Emma and Hannah. Enjoy your “free” day everyone.
Hi Kook
So good to hear your voice!!!! Gracie is looking for you! Sounds like you are keeping busy and making friends! Love reading all the blogs!
We love you
Mom, Rob and Gracie