Hey friends and family, I hope you are having just as amazing a day as we did! Our names are Courtney and Isabela and we are happy to finally be able to talk to you guys. We are very excited to tell you how our day went. We first started off by waking up at the crack of dawn…aka 5:00 am. We had to wake everyone up for breakfast today and that was no easy feat considering how much teenagers love to sleep in. We made sure everyone had their laundry bags packed and their to-go bag ready because we were going to be on the road for 4 hours. Fernanda said that her small bag was about to explode with the amount of clothes she packed. I (Courtney) even had to help Keziah repack her bag because she packed too much. I swear that girl is such a diva, but we all love her for it. Our breakfast was a little delayed today so we all hung out in the common room, where we made sure everyone put on sunscreen had their extra pair of shoes, and had their water bottles filled. When breakfast finally came out we ate and some kids even took food to go on the road with them.
We got on the bus at 8:00 am where it was nice and air-conditioned. We listened to music for a while and even tried to make a playlist, although that didn’t really work out too well. While on the bus Keziah did her face mask, Shailyn did her bangs, Graycie, Johanna, and Ava were knocked out, Malaik was reading a kid’s book named Dogsman to the back of the bus, Chaya had a lot of fun listening to Malaik’s story and even said that was the highlight of her day, and David and Xavier were dying of laughter. Although my (Courtney’s) camera died, Princianna covered for me and took a bunch of photos using Fernanda’s and Graycie’s cameras.
We made a pit stop at a little bus stop where we stopped to use the bathroom and we took 15 minutes to stretch and walk around. Kat our Program Coordinator, said that the bus stop was called a Parador Jacaranda, which is a new Spanish word for. David even paid for Cooper to ride the mechanical bull and he had a great time.
When we got on the bus, we took another nap and played some more music. When we finally got to the accommodation we got to see our new house and roomies which we all loved. We later ate a good lunch and then we were off to our new adventure. We took a bus ride to ASCALA, we got to hear from our Haitian speaker and he told us a little bit about his life, which was very interesting. It was a very heartfelt conversation about discrimination towards Haitians here.
After ASCALA, we went to the sugar cane field where we got to see how a retired Haitian sugar cane harvester works. He showed us how to harvest and plant sugar cane and even gave us some to try. And even though a lot of us like Ana, Katherine, and Emely struggled at first learning how to chew on sugar cane, we ALL enjoyed the cane, and we even asked for seconds.
We went back to Juan Dolio, which is our new accommodation for the day and we all jumped right into the pool where we played chicken. Rachel and I (Isabela) Immediately lost. Malik has been constantly winning every chicken match we ever had.
We had an amazing dinner, which was tacos and we ate everything up…there were not even any crumbs left. Fernanda and Mariia loved the tacos so much…that might have been the highlight of the day! After we ate, we went right back into the pool so we could have our last moments of fun before we had to go to bed. Chaya took a lot of underwater photos of us using my (Isabela) camera.
Today was definitely a day where we learned a lot, took in a lot, and experienced a lot. Some of the topics we were learning about were quite heavy and hit close to home for many of us. Immigration is a big topic not only in the DR, but in the United States as well…considering many of our parents and even grandparents are immigrants or descendants of immigrants.
P.S.
Isabela – Hearing your comments always pulls at my heartstrings. As Courtney and I were reading comments she read the one you left me for yesterday’s blog and I had to excuse myself because I got emotional. I’m just like you Papi, and I wouldn’t change a thing <3 (that’s a heart by the way) I miss you guys incredibly. To ma and pa– I love you infinidiously and beyond!!! <3 <3 <3
Courtney – As I mentioned before we had tacos today, and it very much reminded me of home. I realized how much I missed your tacos mom. I miss you guys and Gabriel and Skyla very much, and I can’t to tell you all out my experiences and show you all the picture I took. I have about 700 pictures so far so beware…it may take a while. Give Stormi a big hug for me. I love you and I’ll see you eventually, zozozozo!!!!!! <3
These comments mean a lot to everyone here, so the more comments the better!! Thank you for all the love and support and we can’t wait to hear the comments to come!
It is so GREAT to hear from you guys! We MISSED you last night. Five AM wake up! Isabela and Courtney should get a medal for waking you guys up before breakfast was even ready. We were worried about your long hot four hour trip to Juan Dolio at first, but then we learned your bus had AC. The trip must have been amazing as you passed the different towns to the South. Learning about peoples’ lives at ASCALA must have been hard to hear. Reading about it from a book is very different than hearing it from the person that actually is living it.
La caña (sugar cane) must have been a real treat. We both remember eating it straight from the cane. There are places in NYC where you can actually buy actual pieces of sugar cane. Spending time in the pool must have been another real treat for you guys. Isabela and Rachel, sorry you lost the chicken fight so quickly and did anybody get that taco recipe. Every groups’ blog raves about Juan Dolio’s tacos!!!!
Isabela, we’re so glad you’re getting to experience so much in D.R. Meeting interesting people and making long lasting friends. You ALL look and sound like an amazing group of young leaders!
Isabela we are getting ready for our block party tomorrow, you know what that means – LOTS of cleaning and cooking. We are SPENT!!! Love you and CAN’T wait to hear from you giys again!
What a great, detailed, blog!
Sounds like a great day, packed with activities, learning a lot and good food. Fernanda does love tacos!
(Fernanda, I just found a place that makes sugar cane slushies in our neighborhood!)
Enjoy this new location. Keep the blogs coming. I missed it yesterday! Have fun you guys…
Four hours on the bus is a long time. Glad to hear everyone is enjoying things so far, and having fun together. Nice mechanical bull, Coop. We miss you!
It’s so amazing how all of you guys are becoming close in your own way and now having this bond that you guys can always share with each other xoxox
I love you Xavier and smile more in those pictures Mr joker himself lol
Magdalena (la mama de Shailyn) me alegra mucho saber que estan disfrutando y al mismo tiempo aprendiendo cosas nuevas,muy orgullosa de ti mi princesa hermoso y como siempre su frequillo no puede faltar😂 te amamos y te extraños te mandan saludos tu papa, tus hermanas y milo gracias a este blog podemos ver toda sus aventuras.Bendiciones para todos gracias por comprartir sus experiencias.
My Rachel loves her sugar and loves to pose for the camera. Wouldn’t change her for the world. Love you and miss you.
ISAAAA so happy you’re having an adventurous time in DR!! Can’t wait until you come back so you could tell us in person all about it, and can’t wait to see the new Deadpool Wolverine movie when you get back!! Love you so much pookie dookie<3333
Hey guys, thank you all for such a detailed descriptions of your activities. We are living vicariously through you. Y’all may not know it now but you are changing the world like a pebble in a pond. You have reach many on this trip
Graycie, im surprised that you were sleeping and not reading on the bus. Lol.
Keep changing the world!!!
~Love Auntie Aprille
Isaaa! I hope you’re having an amazing time in DR! Can’t wait to see you when you get back and to hear about your wonderful experience! Have fun and live out your mermaid dreams!
Hey.
What a busy day long day. I loved chewing on sugar cane as a child, but from my grandparents backyard in Florida.
Hearing about your Taco meal, has gotten my mouth all ready for me to make Tacos for dinner tonight . And by me saying making.. I really mean going to a Taco store and buying some because I don’t feel like cooking…
Grayson, i hope you enjoy the rest of the week, and again, take lots of pictures.
Love Mom❤️
Yes,about the experience of these days,when I was your age,I never had a chance to experience that,I appreciate the global glimpses leaders had a great arrangement for you!Keep on doing the good job,I’m so proud of you,we miss you!Ava,your little brother asked “when will you be back?”we love you!😀
hi isa! we miss you and love you can’t wait to see you soon!! super proud of what you’re doing and so excited to hang out with you when you get back. make sure to tell us all about it! much love!!
Courtney words can hardly express the immense pride I feel watching you blossom into the incredible young lady you are today. Every day, you amaze me with your strength, your resilience, and your determination. You face challenges head-on with a grace and courage that leave me in awe.
Watching you pursue your dreams with such passion is truly inspiring. You never settle for anything less than what you deserve, and you never let anyone dim your light. I know you will achieve anything you set your mind to.
Beyond your accomplishments, it’s the person you are that fills me with the most pride. You are genuine, honest, and you have a sense of humor that never fails to brighten my day. You are my confidante, my STRAIGHT A daughter.
Remember, no matter what life throws your way, you are never alone. You have a family who loves you unconditionally and who will always be there to support you. Most importantly, never forget how proud I am of you. You are my greatest joy, and I love you more than words can express. Mommy!
Hopefully you will learn to appreciate your parents better.