Bienvenidos to Constanza C2A! This is Jake and Taylor, leaders of the day on day 9 of our cultural immersion trip in the DR. As we are sure you read, yesterday afternoon was not super fun, as it included us having to give stool samples. Unfortunately, we got an early start because our wakeup call was at 6:30 a.m., which meant we had to wake up at 6 a.m., as leaders of the day. During breakfast, we decided as a group that we did not have sufficient energy to visit the dump, as previously planned, so we postponed our trip until Sunday.
We spent the morning planning the CAP (Community Action Project) components, which included greenhouse structure, greenhouse irrigation, and our mural of the plant cycle. The new schedule basically gave us time to recuperate and visit the clinic for the remainder of the delegation to make sure everyone was taken care of. Therefore, the morning for everyone consisted of working on the CAP, and progressively getting bored of card games, specifically UNO and CRAZY 8. The reason why we could not present the CAP project was because the community members could not make it out to us due to the rain. The rain made the roads so dangerous they could not make the 30 minute drive down to our hotel. After this happened and all our plans had to be reworked, we decided to rename this day “flexible day”.
After lunch, we had the opportunity to go out after it stopped raining very hard. Being the adventurous Glimpsers we are, everyone in our 26 member group ventured out in the rain at some point during our free time. Most people had gone to the souvenir store, some people went to the super market, and a small group had gone to a local bakery after leaving the clinic.
One of our Global Glimpse Leaders, Ester, taught us a super cool card game called Nertz. It was evident that everyone was exhausted from over relaxing, which is not a bad thing but it was a bit stressful not having any new activities to do. We got the opportunity to customize our own T-Shirts for our trip to the Dominican Republic. Students were given the opportunity to submit a design for the shirt and Zhonna was chosen to be the designer for our T-shirts. A big reason why we are making the shirts is because we want remember this once in a life time opportunity in Constanza, Dominican Republic.
For dinner everyone got a taste from home (a.k.a. lasagna), which everyone was stoked about. Because of our valient efforts in recruiting people for English class, the night before, we discussed how to gauge the English level of the new students when they show up tomorrow for our new 6 to 8 p.m. class. After dinner, we were glad to pass the torch to Ivette and Criseyda. Tommorrow is a day to look forward to, as it is our second free day. Some things I’m looking forward to tomorrow night, includes a basketball game after our nightly meeting and a chance to hang out with our friends.
Taylor and I learned a lot about ourselves today. Because of the strange circumstances surrounding the day, we learned that we are pretty adaptable and prepared. Furtheremore, we were able to relay announcements to the group throughout the day very well. Overall, we were bummed that today lacked activities. However, we feel we made the most of our day today.
Sincerely,
Jake (Shout out to all of my amazingly supportive friends and family for all the awesome comments, and most of all, my brother who I miss most)
Taylor (No shout outs, but thanks to everyone for reading)
A group of us at our favorite dessert place during free time
Hanging out during free time
Our crazy new favorite card game – Nertz!
Zhonna working on the T-shirt design
Hey Squid,
So, it’s been a rough couple of days. All of you look like you’re making the best of it. Often, it’s through adversity that you learn and grow the most. Hang in there!
The CAP project sounds awesome. I can’t wait to see it come to fruition. Looking forward to hopefully getting a call from you tomorrow.
Big hugs…
~Mom, Dad, Sam, and Luna
p.s.—make sure you take all your medications. I know pills aren’t your thing…
Hi Abby! Sorry to hear about the illnesses on the trip. Hope everyone feels better soon.
Have fun adventures on free day and hope you have lots of English students tomorrow night.
We’re trying to make sure Oscar doesn’t get any fatter while you’re gone. The kittens and the humans all miss you like crazy.
Lots of love, mama
Zhonna, great to see you smiling and engaged despite challenges.
All of you Glimpsers KUDOS for your stamina, great resilience, & spirit.
I’m excited about your greenhouse project.
?
Papa Jay
Thanks for staying flexible C2A team! Going with the flow is part of the fun sometimes and excited to see the t-shirts and card game you bring back.
@Taylor: GG staff are always happy to take any shout out you want to send to us 🙂
Hi Ming!
How are you feeling now? I got a message saying that you got diarrhea.. ? I got worried and pray that you’ll be fine.. but when I open the blog I saw your bright smile ? Thank God ?
I was late doing my comments cuz I got busy, We picked up Uncle Ed from the airport and he asked about you.
OMG! MingMing! DDaeng! Taehyung have a new hair color! DDaeng! Blonde/peach! DDaeng! It doesn’t matter what hair color he still good looking! I’m not sure if he got a new hairstyle too. I wonder about his mullet heheh.. ?
Goodnight ??
Iloveyou Princess!
Saranghae ?
~ Omma ~ Mommy ~
Hi Mimi,
Good to see you smiling and kicking it on the couch with Glimpser friends! I’m sorry to hear that y’all have gotten stomache bugs 🙁
Hope you’re feeling better today and have a great time exploring. The CAP projects sound cool. Which one are you working on? Hoping to hear from you today.
Emerald says she misses lying in front of the heater with you 🙂
lots of love,
Mami, Emerald, Kai and Andre
Florence Fasugbe: I am glad to see your pix in this blog. It gave me some comfort that you are doing great, though missing you dearly! We miss you and hope you acquire lots of great life experiences to build upon your good heart. Love you mucho grande!
Hello everyone, hope all is well. Hi Katelyn, sorry I missed your call as I was in a meeting when you called but glad you able to reach dad. I got your messages and I was in tears hearing your voice. Glad to hear you feel better. I know you miss home a lot and we all miss you too. Call me again tomorrow when you have a chance.
Love, mom
Hi Kaylee!
It was very very nice talking to you today. Sorry to hear about the tummy issues. You’ll be better in no time at all! Glad to hear you are having a good time. Hopper and I miss you! Glad I was able to tell you Dad’s funny travel story.
Love,
Mom
Kaylee P.S. You’ll have to teach us how to play Nertz when you get home.
Hey Syd!
Hung out with Jake yesterday. Him and dibbs look like there might still be life, but he may be stuck in the friendzone. Will keep you updated. Your trip sounds so exciting and I hope you’re loving every minute, can’t wait for you to come home though. I might just go hang out with your family later today with Jake. Food sounds amazing and weather does too! Update: did not meet my future wife, but I met a lot of friends I know I’ll be close with forever. I know you will too. Enjoy every second, also I’m going to try and blog everyday (I’m actually in a boat right now at rowing writing this).
Love, your favorite tall person (Ben)
Hi MING MING!!!!
Oh my goodness I do not know how many times I have texted you expecting you to reply!! I can’t wait until you get back so we can hang out!!!! I miss you so much!!! I hope you are having a great time out there!!! Enjoy your time make friends!!! You always choose the best!! Go back to having fun out there can’t wait till you come back!!!
P.s. I accidentally lost the website and I just found it!!
Hi MingMing Ko! ?
I’m SORRY I missed your call I was at work when you called. It BROKE my HEART hearing you crying on the phone..?? I REALLY MISS YOU TOO BIG TIME! ?
I was trying to call you back but it won’t let me.. I was crying at work too.. I know this is not helping you telling you this.. but hang in there and pray..?
Iloveyou baby girl??
Mommy
Hola Deyaneira no pudimos hablar hoy se corto la llamada solamente quiero decirte que te extranamos y que me alegra mucho que estes bien ya faltan pocos dias para que regresen disfruta ? a otra cosa si puedes hablar con alguien del programa para ver si pueden dejarte ver tus emails esque te llamaron de UCSD y dijeron que nesesitas responder los emails que te envian francisco te esta ayudando un poco pero hay cosas que solo tu tienes que hacer . Atte tu mom ?
Dear Kristen?
Thanks for the brief chat which totally ease my worried mind.
So glad you sounds cheerful and you’re doing well, be sure to make lots of friends and enjoy you time.
We miss you a bunch.
XOXOXO?
mom
Thumbs up to the leaders of the day! Can’t wait to hear more about the CAP presentation. Was great to hear your voice today, Jake. You sounded very happy despite the health challenges. Jared talks about you everyday and can’t wait to give you a big hug. Love, Mom, Dad and Jared
Dear Kristen?
Thanks for the brief chat which totally ease my worried mind!
So glad you sound so cheerful and doing very well. Be safe and Do make lots of friends. We miss you a bunch at home and enjoy every moments there!
XOXOXO?
Mom
Hey Squid,
Your sister and I were so happy to hear your voice today. I’m relieved you’re enjoying the trip despite the health issues. I’m sure having supportive friends and an amazing GG staff makes any challenge manageable. Love reading the daily updates and seeing the photos! Thank you LDDs!
Sending you lots of hugs!
~Mom, Sam, and Luna
p.s. We delivered your messages to all your friends. They miss you, too.
Hi Florence!
I am so proud of you and I love reading about all your adventures. You inspire me to do more in my life. I can’t wait to hear all your stories!
Love, Peter Pan
I hope you are all feeling better today. I have never thought of giardia as a bonding agent, but it sounds like Ms. Carey’s science lesson taught you all a lot.
Hi Syd,
I miss you so much and I hope you’re having a great time. Cody went to the beach for the first time today!!! He had so much fun fetching but he was very scared of the ocean. My parents decided it would be a good idea to leave me home alone for the weekend sooooo lets see how this goes. I can’t wait for you to come back.
Love, Jack
hey SYD THE DAWWWGGGG!!!!!
This is jamison and SPencer. I hope you have fun. TODAY: I HAD A WOPO TOURNEY IN MORAGA! Jack and I had no subs and we played TWO GAMES. We won the first game but then we got killed in 2nd game. ALso after ward i was so tired that i got into a car accident and helen is dented and will never recover. I then CRIED. I ended up having MElisa drive us home.
ALL the wh1L3 spencer was at work!!@
HAVE FUN.
STAY w!ld haha.
sincerely,
Jamison and SPencer
Hi Flo. I am so proud of you and what you are doing. You are in my thoughts daily. I am excited to hear your about your adventures. Be safe and savor the experience. Love granny xoxo
Jake, so glad you feeling better. Sounds like you made the most of your Flex day. Great blog. Have a great time doing your t-shirt shirt and CAP sounds cool. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Love you and we are very proud of you.
Hola Maya! gracias por tratar de hablar.
Te extrano y me da gusto ver que te estas divirtiendo.
Te amo..
Tu papa