Hi Friends and Family!
Today was Immigration Day, were we focused on the culture, history, and politics pertaining to the identities of immigrants living in the Dominican Republic. To take a step deeper in understanding the lives of immigrants, we had the opportunity to hear their stories and not only visit their communities but set foot into their humble homes. We started the day off by learning about the lives of Venezuelan Immigrants and their difficult journey to a now more comfortable life in the DR. They now have easier access to basic necessities like water, food, education, etc. As our Venezuelan partner Mariangel told us her story, she also taught us how to make traditional Venezuelan bracelets. These bracelets had significance to her family because when they first arrived in the DR they sold them in the streets to raise enough money to pay for a lung transplant. After learning about the lives of Venezuelan immigrants, we hopped on the bus to a small Haitian community called Colonia Kennedy. This community is located close to the border of Haiti. Glimpsers broke into smaller groups and had the opportunity to enter the homes of different community members homes. We had conversations and were able to learn about the story of why and how they came to the DR. We also learned about their daily lives and the struggles they go through including being discriminated against for being Haitian. The Haitian community of Colonial Kennedy was truly an unforgettable experience and just one of the many reminders of how fortunate we are to live where we do.
We love and miss you all very much! Thank you for supporting us and helping us take advantage of this opportunity.
Sofia
I am so glad to know that you guys are decovering the reality the reality of Domica Republican and this a great basis for comparison and find out how fortunate we are to live in such great country with so much abundance and opportunities. Great life experience for all of you!
Oh Maycee and Josh thank you for the insightful article on immigration day. Having a friend to share her family’s personal story and experience and learning how to make a traditional bracelet that was their means to a lung transplant and experiencing the stories first hand about the discrimination the people of Colonial Kennedy….all I can say is “wow” yes we are fortunate and blessed. Your experiences in the DR remind me of my experiences and seeing your smiles gives me hope. I am so proud of you and your new friends and am sending you a big momma Bear hug and kiss.. keep shinning your sunshine I love you more than rice!❤️???
Hi Michelle,
I hope you are doing well and having a lot of fun. I am glad to hear that you are exploring and learning about a different culture. I can’t wait to see more pictures of you, stay safe!
Love you!!
-Tanya ❤️
Hey Maycee
Great article!! We miss you and love you so much!! I am so glad that you get to have this opportunity. Seeing your smile makes me so happy ❤️ Mommy
Hi Maddy. Wow baby very excited that you are experiencing so much. Looking forward for you to come home, so you can share all the wonderful stories and, experiences. Glad were able to find your smile on this site. Love and miss you. Cruzie
Hi Josh,
Wow, I’m so impressed with your groups impact on the local community! I just see it in everyone’s smile! The group as well! All so genuine! Josh and Maycee, your article actually made my tears come out. It was so touching. I am ever so grateful as well to have been able to have you go on this experience! I am happy and proud of you Josh and happy for everyone else with you too!
Take in every moment and just be in it!
Love you!!!
Mom
Hi Josh
Mom again!
Looks like I missed a few days! I was looking every 2 days because that’s how I thought it was done. Was just catching up on blogs here! I love the pictures with all the children! They look so happy and you can see the love with everyone!
I love the pic of you with your baseball glove! Classic!! It warmed my heart!
Hint: I also noticed families reminding loved ones to bring back ☕️. Just saying….!!
Ok! Love you!
Mom
Nice boogie?, Emerson.
Mari! ?
We miss you mama! We can’t wait to hear all about your trip! I hope you are having fun and enjoying your trip! Camila is counting the days! ? Love you!
Maddy you showing them the SWAG over younder? Continue to have fun.Dana and all have been asking about you. Love you. Call when you can LOL! It’s probly killing you not having a phone hahahahahahahaha!
Mari,
I hope you’re enjoying your time in the DR. We miss you back home and can’t wait to hear about your trip. Behave yourself and have fun.
Jose
Hey Armon and company!
In case you didn’t know Armon, our ancestors originated in Haiti. You are close to our heritage and don’t even know it! The struggle is still real today for many immigrants. Keep learning. I love that blindfolded pic of you!!!
I have so much respect for all you Glimpsers! If you ask any typical high school student how much they know about the struggles of immigration outside the U.S. – many wouldn’t have a clue. Many of us parents wouldn’t have a clue so THANK YOU for sharing your experience and bringing it back home to us through your posts! Can’t wait to hear about it when you get home Cat!
Hey Armon,
This journey will stay with you forever! I’m so proud of you all by making a contribution into their community. This is so culturally stimulating, be sure to bring stories back to share. I love you Prince