HOLAAAAAAAA, from Hillary and Lovely.

We have officially made it to the end of our journey here in Constanza. While it’s a bittersweet ending, that did not stop us from making the most of our final day. We began the day bright and early at 7:00 am. We had oatmeal with some freshly cut watermelons. At around 9:00 am, we began our Final Reflection as a group. We drew and reflected on our Global Glimpse experience, emphasizing our five most significant moments, lessons learned on leadership and ourselves, as well as a person we met who inspired us.

Our traditional Big Love came with a twist today, allowing for all of us to individually provide each other with amazing words and affirmations that we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing during the duration of this trip. We shared out our thoughts on our personal papers, which began the reoccurring tears and then we proceeded to give the group Big Love. Finally, we ended the seminar with our Unity Clap, shouting the word “Familia!”

Around 12:30 pm, we gathered once again for our final lunch here at Dilenia. For lunch, we had rice with corn and pork chops (sorry to the pigs, I still love you). We also had a regular salad along with a tuna salad on the side as an option. While it is unfortunate that it was our final lunch, we thank the amazing cook and workers at Dilenia for their delicious food and gracious hospitality towards us these past two weeks.

Though the morning had some tears, it was time to make sure everything was in order. Around 1:30, we began to confirm our e-tickets for our departure and completed our evaluation forms. The process began smoothly until the power had shut off, meaning that not only did we not have water in our rooms, but the internet was down. However, thanks to our amazing Program Coordinators, we were able to get a router and get access to our internet to complete our forms. While others worked on their papers, others conversed and played card games with one another to pass the time. 

It was finally time for our most anticipated activity of the day…EXPLORATION. We began as one group as we entered the souvenir shop to buy gifts for our relatives back home. Then, we split into two groups, one group headed toward the basketball court and the other headed toward ice cream. In the end, we all met up again, unintentionally, around 5:45 at the supermarket to get last-minute snacks. As one group, we headed back to Dilenia with around 45 minutes of free time before we headed out to our SURPRISE!

After walking for 5 minutes, we arrived at Moncarlo, a nearby restaurant where we ate our heavily missed pepperoni and cheese pizzas with sodas as beverages. After eating, there was a stage right next to the restaurant where we all took photos, danced, and talked. Toward the end, tears began to roll yet again as we realized it was our final dinner here in Constanza. 

To end our final day, we headed back to Dilenia for our final nightly meeting, sharing out a series of Big Loves for the group and each other, specifically our roommates. At this point, the crying had begun and did not want to stop. Our one final unity clap ended with us saying, “Hasta luego!” Then more tears came out, but the words perfectly captured the past two weeks as we don’t say goodbye to one another, rather, see you later.

Hillary: Hi mami y sisters, I’m coming back homeeeeee. I KNOW YALL MISSED THE QUEEN HELLOOOO

Lovely: Hi mom, manang, and Murielle. I’m heading back and I expect a lot of food (no more pork though) and tears otherwise I’m going back to DR. Love you! P.S. I actually made friends.