GECKO!!!!!!!!!! So today we had the joy of waking up early in the morning. How early you wondering? Well it was 6:15 to be exact. YAY!!!!!!!! Yes teenagers are able to wake up early in case anyone parents thought this was not possible it actually is. Yes even we were surprised. So after we woke up we got ready and actually left on time, yes I know what you are thinking, wow teenagers can leave on time also. You parents might not even recognize your kids after they return. So we drove to a coffee farm in our favorite bus with our two favorite drivers. On our way we picked up some new friends from Germany. They are from Germany on a volunteer trip for a year. When we arrived to the coffee farm we learned from some farmers about how they grow the coffee and the long process it takes to not only germinate the coffee beans but also just to have the plant finally grow. After this little lesson we began to de-weed the coffee plants because fun fact coffee can only grow if there are no other plants growing next to it. Anyways so as groups de-weeded, moved sand and planted new plants. After three hours of gardening we had an amazing lunch with gardeners. After learning more about how the organization we worked with is run. We sadly had to leave and head back to the hotel but luckily we had some free time so some went out and got sweatier while us smart people stay back home and showered and just chilled. This was our morning so now is our afternoon from my co leader of the day Robert.
Hey guys! It’s Robert, the professional first class coffee drinker of the Global Glimpse program. While David was getting up, I got up at a much earlier time which was 5 in the morning. Although I got no sleep in the AM, me and David managed to get the whole group rearing into gear this morning! In the afternoon, we took the bus, did our regularly scheduled count off, and hit the road. I spent the Majority of this time talking to one of the volunteers for the FECADESJ corporation. When we hit the hostel, a number of us went around town, doing shopping for clothes and goodies, while the other part of the group stayed at the hostel. I was so excited to get my sleep at long last, but I had to do my first things first with the English tutoring portion of the day. If many of you do not really know, we officially do English tutoring for 5 days, teaching the locals of the DR how to talk English. Because most of us in the GG delegation pretty much mastered the arts of English, we helped taught the DR locals how to speak English, what to say, and how to say it for 2 hours. First day was alright, but today was even better than before. First off, more people came than ever, bringing a total of 6 or 8. 2nd, me and Amanda, my English tutoring buddy, had the lesson plan planned pretty early, enough time to chat about stuff such as life for example. I think we might have came pretty close to a great true friendship as well. And 3rd most important of all, Ezmeralda, our ambassador, joins the party! Yaaaayyy!!
So we ran off the lesson plan, when we actually have ended it a little earlier than expected, and we decided to ask the students what they are learning so far. Amanda was mostly doing the teaching, but I also took part on it as well and the examples, so fair is fair. Then afterwards, David pursued me to try being the leader having people playing crossing street guard, where the people in line make sure that the delegation hit the next sidewalk and cross the street safely. After that, we had dinner, where I passed out sleeping for a bit, woke up do the same in getting back, and finally ended at the Hostel. We passed the torch to the next current leaders in line, Summer and Ari.
Tomorrow we get 9 hours of sleep, so thank god for that. Did NOT want to wake up every single morning of that day again. Likewise, it was a great day, people said nice things, as well as improvements on how to be a better leader next time, and I may just take their advice as well.
So with that, so long! And thanks for reading this huge bundle of blogs!
Bobby Schmurda aka Robert Bills
Shout out to the Frisbys and the rest of the family and PVBC everything good. Love all you guys see you soon and p.s. getting into our 19th hour of the day so yeah please excuse our small writing. Well good night.
Each day I am amazed at the variety and intensity of the program. You are all admirable. It seems that although fun your time in DR must also be hard. Kudos to all of you!
Big hugs especially for my darling Ari.
Wow, this was really fun to read. Great storytelling. I can’t wait to hear more about growing coffee. How are you Amanda? Maybe you can help grow some on our hill! Glad to hear you are doing some teaching too. How is your Spanish holding up? I hope you are getting some great photos and video to make a Sway when you have some time. Stay safe, the family says hi. We love you!!
keep it up guys!!!!!!!yes you can!!!!we miss you and we love you!!!!
Well done GG’s, you are right when you speak on change within yourselves. That’s what community service is all about…change. In mindset, spirit and more importantly action and respect. I’m glad to hear that initiation is taking place. Now when you all come back, you will all be ambassadors of change. Felicidades y Si Se Puede!
Sounds like a really interesting day! Great opportunity for you all to see how food is actually grown, and all the care and effort it takes to do so. You guys sure have packed days!
Ari, I am so glad we got to see your pretty face in one of the pictures 🙂 I am really looking forward to reading your and Summer’s blog post later tonight. Good luck with being co-lideres del dia! I’ll be sending good thoughts your way all day (like I always do). Te amo mi linda, big hugs to you.
Hi Marisa,
It’s great to see you guys are keeping busy. This is an amazing experience for all of you.
We all look foward to read about your adventures through the daily blogs. It sounds like your group has some amazing chemistry.
Love & miss you!
Great posting, you guys!!!It looks like you all have to push your limitations in every directions, which is the best way to grow as a person…
Seung-Se, we are so glad that GG is giving you every chance to learn about the world and most importantly about yourself. Even though you may be missing Japanese noodle and natto-gohan, your effort for living for the sake of others is precious in the eyes of God and local people. We are also happy that you are together with a group of such amazing young people.
We missing you every day and looking forward to the next posting, to read about your adventures and to find you on new pictures.
Hi everyone. Thanks so much for all the time you put into these blog entries — so many people are enjoying them. You guys sound like a terrific group, and your trip sounds amazing. A special “hi” to Allegra! I wanted you to know that the puppies came this morning — 4 of them! Totally awesome, and we are just so excited and proud. Knew you would want the good news right away.
Besos y abrazos, mi amor.
Robert,
Love it, so proud of you. Yes of course you were coined as th GG coffee drinking leader….so I bet you are enjoying DR coffee. Its fresh isn’t it. Its great to drink the coffee, but more important to know how it is grown and the work that is put into growing it.
Hey, any free coffee, just kidding…well, looks like hard work, but yes we know you all can do it.
Love the blogs and keep them coming…
Mom
Wow! It’s sounds like you guys have had your work cut out for you as far as finding equal time for sleep and sightseeing or fun stuff. Decisions decisions lol choose sleep your body and mind will thank you later. Amanda I cannot wait to hear more about the coffee farm and if you can grow coffee beans on the hill I will send the boys to help you pull weeds when you need them.
Teaching English to the locals is so awesome! I’m sure you guys will not only teach them a good bit of English but pick up more Spanish as well. Take all the pointers you can get baby and soak up the culture, enjoy your days and nights in the DR and spread your happiness through your beautiful smile (and voice I hope you are singing!).
We love you mija. We are at Momo and popo’s this weekend. Aaron is enjoying treasure hunting with popo of course and popo is enjoying having the company. Momo and popo said to tell you hello and to enjoy the remainder of your trip. They send their love and Momo will be keeping up with your guys’ blog once we go home.
Otra vez mija con amor, besos y abrazos
Tía Nini, Primos Aaron y Zacky