Today was very different for everyone, as it was either long or it was quickly over, it was either fun or it was frustrating, and it was either tiring or it was exciting. All of this somehow came on a “free day.” We got to sleep in for the first time in awhile, waking up at 8:15 am and walking to Rosaura’s by 9:00 am. Breakfast was good to everyone as Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops brought smiles to our taste buds and faces. Ice was even put in a few bowls to chill the warm milk that was served.
After breakfast some of us had free time, while members of the management team for our CAP joined Suarez community members in purchasing all our materials. This task put a lot of pressure on our fluent Spanish speakers to translate and communicate, and they did a fantastic job. Keeping everything under budget was one of the hardest and most frustrating tasks. In the end, they all came back successful.
Those of us back at the hostel enjoyed our time napping, playing chess, or just talking with friends. Then we all enjoyed a lunch of rice, beans, meatballs, and macaroni salad. After lunch we had explore time, where many people got ice cream, went to the park, or shopped for souvenirs. Many people went out with ambassadors, who are all super impactful on our trip. We have all reflected that getting to know people our age has been one of the best parts of the trip.
The second half of our day consisted of English tutoring. This was our fourth tutoring session, and we are all connecting more and more with our students. Personal interactions with students have truly been valued by all of us glimpsers and we have made new friends with our students and learned loads from them. Today’s tutoring session was slow for most today due to fatigue, yet we all pulled it together to put our best foot forward for the students and our partner ambassadors. Our ambassadors are quickly becoming close friends, and we are extremely grateful for their help in the classroom. After a restful free day we are looking forward to diving into deconstructing poverty and global business tomorrow.
Thanks for the update Z. So glad you got to talk to mom today. Continue to keep your eyes and ears open. There’s much to be learned by simply observing and asking questions. Your experiences and the bonds you make in the DR will remain with you for the rest of your life, so soak it all in! Love, Mom & Dad . P.S. Access to your Google account has been restored. You should be able to login from there.
Hey kiddo (sam),…. I’ve been reading your blogs and it sounds like you’re having a lot of fun. Glad you were able to have a restful day today. Sorry I missed your phone call this morning, I was out of cell phone range when you called. I enjoyed your voicemail, all four seconds of it. I love you and miss you a whole bunch. Can’t wait to see you next week and hear all about your adventures. Remember dad loves you more than mom, j/k
love dad
Hey kiddo (Sammy Collins), so good to hear from you this morning! Everything your experiencing is so different from the norm which is exactly what this trip is about. I’m guessing you ventured out to shop today, hope you had fun.
-love mom
hey Chlo, miss you girl. Excited for you to come back so you can save me from the monster Lexi. Love u!
Kailee and GG Frenz,
That’s great that you had half a free day to yourselves before your English tutor session again for the 2nd half of the day. Too bad it wasn’t the other way around, huh? Work then play, instead of play then work. I’m sure your students are very appreciative your time and the new knowledge that they’ve been trying to intake. Both parties are learning from each other, so think of it as a trade off. It’s a win-win, as you both learn ad grow. 🙂 You guys are so hard working and dedicated. I hope you’re all enjoying this great opportunity and adventure in the DR. You guys are really inspiring. You have such long days and yet you guys still manage to post and keep us informed of your updates all the while you’re planning and soon to be executing your CAP, you guys are really making a difference in this world with your selfless devotion and dedication. 7 more days to go. Can’t believe it. So proud of everyone.
P.S. I really hope that these comments are being read to you on a daily basis. You mentioned from last Sunday’ brief call that the comment were being read aloud. I pray they are read so that you guys know you have our moral support and also know what’s going with us in the USA.
Love,
Mom, Dad & Didi
today was great