Hey, it’s Lauren and Maya. Welcome back to our blog! We know you’ve been waiting to hear about Free Day #1! We got to sleep in and have a more relaxed and American breakfast that included fruit, cereal, and yogurt. Although there were some minor setbacks, we started our first outing on our own (with a Global Glimpse Leader of course) to the supermarket and ice cream shop. We learned that everything in the Dominican Republic is so much cheaper than at home. It’s great! Three large scoops of ice cream is only two dollars! We bought snacks, indulged in the yummy treats and then headed back. During lunch we ate some bomb arroz con pollo (chicken and rice). We even used cups to save some of it for an afternoon snack. After refueling, we split into two groups. One to go search for the internet café, and the other the other to go buy souvenirs. Unfortunately the internet café was closed, but some of us found some clothes to buy. Little did I (Maya) know, the other group was buying me a cake, but I (Lauren) was actually in on it all along. During our free time we started to notice clouds in the sky when suddenly shine turned into drizzle and drizzle turned into rainfall. We all came back to the hostel drenched. Good thing we got back before it started to pour. Soon after, we freshened up to get ready for English tutoring evaluations. Coming into the school, we saw first-hand the conditions of the classrooms. They were run down and empty, showing us that we had nothing to complain about. However, the second students started coming in, we could see how eager they were to learn even though they had much less than us. The evaluations were pretty slow since there was rain, but our delegation made the most of it. We played games with the youth ambassadors and bonded with each other. On the way back from the school, it started raining again! Luckily, we were prepared this time with umbrellas and ponchos. After a quick break, we met upstairs to get ready for dinner. During that time, we had a lot of laughs and answered some of Francis’ riddles. To our surprise, we had pizza and soda for dinner! We were all so excited and it felt like home. Usually after dinner, we have our nightly meetings, but today, we had a little surprise party for Maya and Francis’ birthday. We took a lot of pictures of all of us having fun and even caked Maya and Francis’ face as an American tradition. We wrapped up the day in the nightly meeting, passed on the torch to the next leaders of the day, and got ready for bed. Although we are super tired, today was definitely a day we won’t forget. Thanks for reading! Like and subscribe!
– Maya and Lauren
Maya: To Seren and Eli, my siblings, I miss you guys! I hope you aren’t driving Mom and Dad too crazy and you’re realizing how much you need me. To Mom and Dad, thank you for always supporting me and I’ll see all of you soon. Thank you to everyone for all my birthday wishes! I love you guys! #geminigang
Lauren: Mom and Dad, I know you miss having your favorite child in the house. Matthew, good luck replacing me, because you can’t. Just kidding, I love you! Jace, I guess I miss you. See you all soon!
Happy birthday, Maya! Ella, Leah and Ava can’t wait to hear about your adventures in DR. Uncle Troy and I are so proud of you and wish you the best! Love ya!
It’s so fun to read these posts about your daily activities. And it sounds like you’re making as much of an impression on the locals as they are on you. Keep learning and having lots of fun. And, Happy Birthday, Maya and Francis!
Hi Maya,
This is Lola Elra . You are one bundle of thrill and joy! I blink and you’re a teenager, another blink and you’re in the DR. I
Am excited for you. Have fun, soak everything in , say a prayer of thanksgiving and be safe!
Love you always.
Aww Happy Birthday girls… I’m really happy for each and everyone of you… I can say from the bottom of my heart as a Mom … That we do cherish you… And do not take any of you our teens for granted… As you bloom into your own adulthood… Have the Best time ever… Love you Serg
Happy birthday Maya! We’re so proud of you for taking this leap, and going on this trip! I can’t think of a better way for you to spend it. Thanks for sharing.
Honestly, if there’s one thing I regret, it’s not getting the travel bug earlier in life. If I could do it all over again, I’d do exactly what you’re doing. When you travel, you realize so much, not just about the world outside of the bubble, but also about yourself.
Anthony Bourdain once said, “As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful..,”
So soak in every moment, every experience, every friendship on this trip. As Bourdain says, it will change you for the better.
Dear Noah,
We miss you and are so happy to hear you are doing well – nice note for leader of the day yesterday! Congratulation on your fair entries:
1.) “The Mayor” won a blue ribbon and “Special Award” ribbon in the County Fair
2.) “12 O’clock News” won a blue ribbon as well
Sarah and I jumped up and down when we saw your awards.
We are keeping the whole delegation in our prayers and sending our love!
xo – Mom (& Dad, & B, D & S)
so glad you got a free day to do a little exploring on your birthday, Maya! Happy birthday! Love Jayden and Jayson
Hi Lauren,
It sounds like you’re having a great time and learning and experiencing wonderful adventures! We hope you had only 1 of those large 3 scoop ice creams. Matthew is enjoying being the favorite child at home at the moment and Jace guess he misses you too. We love you very much and can’t wait to see you. Charlie is still looking for you in your room.
Mom, dad, Matthew and Charlie
Hi Lauren,
It sounds like you’re having a great time and learning and experiencing wonderful adventures! We hope you had only 1 of those large 3 scoop ice creams. Matthew is enjoying being the favorite child at home at the moment and Jace guess he misses you too. We love you very much and can’t wait to see you. Charlie is still looking for you in your room.
Mom, dad, Matthew and Charlie
This is great. would love to see photos !! Can you post photos on the blog. Keep having fun!
Hi Isalei miss you hope your having fun! Its so quiet without you here. LOVE YOU
Hi Lauren!
Sounds like you’re having a wonderful adventure! Love the details! It is such a different world out there! I can’t believe the triple scoop is only $2.!! What a bargain! Can’t wait to hear all about it when you return. Meanwhile, have fun, be safe and take lots of pictures!
❤️ Love you,
Auntie Con Con