Hey everyone! Today was both poverty and immigration day, two of the most emotional days packed into a day because we had to cancel the visit to the dump the other day. This morning we went to the dump and asked questions to understand how people ended up living and working in these conditions. Most of them said it was due to the lack of education and the only way they can help support their families. We learned that we should be more appreciative of the things we have, including food and not be wasteful so that it won’t affect our environment.
After coming back to the hotel we showered and got ready for our guest speaker John! John is a Haitian immigrant who also happens to be a Program Coordinator (PC) for Global Glimpse. John gave us background information on the immigration system here in the Dominican Republic. We learned that those who are born here to Haitian parents aren’t granted the right to citizenship. He talked about his business, which is about bringing internet to communities who don’t have this resource.
We then visited the Haitian immigrant community, Colonia Kennedy, and heard their stories and why they came here. They said that they came for work since the wages in the Dominican Republic are higher than in Haiti. We were separated in groups to learn more from the different families. In my family, I learned that many Haitians prefer the education given in Haiti and that it is very hard for them to be away from their families, especially their children. Ostave has four kids and three of them go to a private elementary school that costs 25,000 pesos (approximately 505 USD) for each child, per year. He also told my group that he had dreams of having a permanent job that he loves and has a good wage, being able to see his kids, and having enough money to start a public school back home. His wife also lost her uncle today and was sad, but when we got there she welcomed us and was happy, which inspired me. Each family welcomed us with open arms and were happy to see us, which was so genuine and made this trip feel like home.
-Itzel (Hi mom I miss you soooooooo much! No más faltan 4 días!)
John talking to us at Mi Casa
C2A with John and some of the Haitian immigrant family members
Julian, Maya, Ivette, Katie, and the Haitian family they spent an hour with this afternoon
Playing basketball with locals during free time
Thanks for calling Julian it was good to hear your voice. Enjoy your last week!
Hi Ming!
How are you? 4 more days to go until we get to see you!! At the church today it feels kind a weird not seeing you there serving, it was only Don, Xuan and Ate – no Cameron. Next week it’s Father Conrad’s last week cuz he’s moving to his Country for good.. I don’t know who’s gonna replace him. Weather’s hot here ?
Saw a clip of BTS in Incheon Airport – where are they going?
Taehyung’s Tanie is getting popular nowadays ekekekekk ?
Tomorrow’s the announcement of who’s the winner of 100 ASIAN HEARTTHROBS OF 2018!
TAETAE ?
Goodnight MingMing ko muuahhh ?? saranghae!
Mommy ?
Hola ! Vetty q gusto verte en las fotos muy bonitas q bueno q pases tiempo con las familias muy interesante .todas sus actividades disfruta hija lo mas q puedas . Te queremos mucho greñuda ??asta pronto???
Flo Flo,
Missing you. Wanting to hear everything that is happening in your party of the world. Hoping you are sleeping well.
Shelby says hi. We’ll, she didn’t say hi. But she thought it. And it’s the thought that counts. ?
Love, Wawa
Wow Glimpsers?! I can’t imagine how emotional some of your experiences have been. I wonder if any if the Haitian immigrants came to the DR after the devastating earthquake in 2010? I know you are learning so much about economic disparities and the crushing poverty billions of people live in all over the world. What a great gift to experience that and take the gratitude you have and opportunities you are afforded to improve the situations of others. Soak it all in!! Jake, you gotta teach us the new card game you learned when we see you in July!! Buen trabajo!!
Hi there Kaylee!
From these blog posts it sounds like you are on a great adventure and I hope you are having a blast. I am so proud of you for getting out there and trying new things. I hope this is a great learning experience for you and you are making memories. Today also sounds like an especially touching one, and I bet it brought some new perspectives to reflect on. As you carry on the last half of the trip, I hope you continue to reflect and everyday ask yourself what did you learn, who did you help, and why are you there. But most importantly, have fun! Proud of you Kay Kay! Have a great rest of trip! Stay hydrated, rest well, and keep making stories to tell.
Hello Florence:
I hope you have enough stories to fill books! We are missing you dearly, but happy that you are having these amazing life experiences. See you soon, sweetheart.
Love, and lots of love.
-Dad
Hey Mina!
It’s really amazing to hear about these personal stories the locals have to share.
You’re coming back so soon! I trust you’re making the most out of this experience and I’m sure it feels like this trip has sped past so quicky! lol.
Can’t wait to see you in a few days!
Love you always!
~Brandon
Hi Jake and the rest of you glimpsers . What a terrific learning experience. It must feel amazing to know how much just a little help can help so many people. We are all very, very fortunate we live where we do. We must never forget we are a small, small part of this world and do everything we can to help those less fortunate. We are all people who deserve respect, understanding and love no matter what.
We are very proud of all of you. Keep learning all you can. When you get home pass it on.
Love you Jake.
Glimpser Jake: Carol and I went to Haiti, (Cap Haitian) many years ago and it really was our first experience of poverty, however, the kindness of the natives was overwhelming…a trip I will never forget! Didn’t hear any mention of rain today! Were you all spared? So very anxious to see you in a few weeks. Blessings to all you Glimpsers, you’re rocking it out! Patti
Hey Syd,
Sorry I forgot to comment yesterday, but I spent the day getting lunch with Jake and swimming with Owen Bennett at my cousin’s house. Now I’m house-sitting for the German Shepherd puppy by Jake’s house so it’s very relaxing and quiet. I hope you’re having a fun time in the DR, call or text me if you can. I miss you.
Love, Ben
Hi Squid,
An emotional day? Immigration and poverty are 2 tough topics to tackle. What a amazing opportunity you were given to hear personal stories from the families directly affected. Remember, listening is the first step to understanding and ultimately making this world a better place for everyone. Make most of the last few days with your fellow glimpsers.
We love you.
~Mom, Dad, Sam and Luna
Hola criseyda Cómo estás mi niña ya faltan sólo tres días para verte y darte un fuerte abrazo espero que disfrutes al máximo estos pocos días que te quedan te queremos mucho ❤️??