Hello! Glimpser Lyric here! Today marked a full week that we’ve been active here in Constanza, Dominican Republic, and it was also our Immigration Day in which we learned about the intense relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, in terms of immigration. We began our full day by eating fluffy ham and turkey sandwiches along with today’s mystery juice, passion fruit juice. Soon after, our immigration seminar was held, and the group as a whole was deep in conversation and discussed the issues of immigration between Haiti and the DR and how some of us related our personal immigration experiences with the broader issues, which still happen today. Later on we had a minor setback when our guest speaker, Octave Alix, a Haitian immigrant who lives here in Constanza, was unable to make it to speak to our group at the scheduled time. So we put our flexibilility into practice and watched a powerful and informative documentary which enlightened us on the roots of the distinct separation between Hatians and Dominicans, culture and why it still exists today on the shared island of Hispaniola. Dominicans, while still being part African, tend to relate solely to their Spanish roots from the colonial days, while Hatians tend to embrace their African roots. This leads to Hatians having an extremely difficult time immigrating to the Dominican Republic for work purposes because of their darker shade of skin and compared to Dominicans and the history of invasions between the two countries. Our guest speaker did eventually show up, and we shared a big lunch with him and discussed his experience and perspective of immigrating to the Dominican Republic from Haiti. Luckily, he was able to obtain his documentation and citizenship much easier than others who immigrated to the DR. We then visited the village he resides in and mingled with his neighbors and families to further discuss the perspectives of Hatians who immigrated to the DR. There, my group was greeted by a man who left behind his mother and 6 month old daughter in Haiti, because he feels they would be discriminated against by Dominicans because of their heritage. His life and his family’s were ultimately affected by their perceptions of the locals here. We ended our jam packed day by winding down with each other at the local bakery where we feasted over an assortment of sweets, and talked with each other about our different experiences. We had a dinner similar to what we might eat back home in the States, which was hot dogs and soda, and we reflected on what we learned throughout day and what we may not have ever known had it not been for this amazing Global Glimpse trip. I would not have had it any other way when it comes to my peers, the staff, and location. And on behalf of some of my fellow Glimpsers, we would like to wish all of the fathers who may be reading this blog, a very happy Father’s Day, including my own. Buenos noches from here in Constanza, and remember, it always goes down in the DR.
Hello parents, this is Glimpser Bryan writing my view on the day we had today. So today was immigration day so we learned a lot about the most common immigrants here in the Dominican Republic which were Haitians. We started with a discussion on immigration and people shared their personal experiences with this subject. We were able to get to know our fellow glimpsers on a more personal level and know more about their culture and families. We also talked about the challenges many immigrants here in the DR go through to get here like discrimination and not being able to get a passport. Also, immigrants from Haiti faced a lot of discrimination and are often shunned by the locals because they don’t fit in. We were also told how even if you were a legal immigrant you still faced discrimination and could be deported. Today we met this Haitian immigrant named Ostave Alix who spoke to us in French, English and Spanish about his experience moving to the DR from Haiti and living here in Constanza. However, our speaker was late so we watched a documentary going further in depth on Haitian immigrants in the DR. Our speaker was late because when one of the staff here Angel went to pick him up he was gone and Angel couldn’t find him. This further showed me the fear that immigrants faced here because when Angel would ask where Ostave was the people there wouldn’t tell him because they feared he was trying to hurt Ostave or deport him. We later got to visit Ostave’s community where we talked to many of the locals who were also immigrants from Haiti. The woman I talked to lived with her son alone here in the DR while the dad worked back in Haiti because they would be safer in the DR. We talked to her and asked her about how she feels in the DR and she seemed like she had a lot to say but couldn’t express herself because she could only speak Creole well and only knew some Spanish. We could still tell she was in pain and felt like she was treated unfairly by the people in the DR because she is Haitian. She told us how even when going to the doctor she would have to wait until all the people from the DR were treated first and then she could go. One of the things that stood out to me most was the third question we asked her which was “do you like living here” and she said “no”. She couldn’t speak Spanish very well and we knew she wanted to say more but couldn’t. She was however able to tell us that she didn’t like living here in the DR because of the people and how they treated her people and felt hurt by them. This question changed how I thought about the rest of the talk because it was unexpected and I could tell she meant what she said and it was justified. The fact that she said no really showed me that the discrimination against Haitians is a big problem. I felt bad for her and it just really affected me emotionally. I learned a lot about the way immigrants are treated and I definitely feel like I understand it better because of the way our speakers talked about it so passionately. Hope to see your comments down below and goodnight. Also I want to say happy father’s day and that we all wish we could be back home to say it directly to you and that we miss you.
I am learning so much about the DR and Haiti! Again, thank you for your well thought out and detailed descriptions. This is definitely a topic that touches close to home. We need to be talking about this and spreading awareness on this important and relevant issue.
On a side note, today is Juneteenth! You probably already know that Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Actual date was June 19,1865 in Texas.
Love you Soha Bear!
It is Sunday night here in the Bay Area and I was just able to read the blogs from the weekend. All four of the entries were very informative and made for a good read before bed. Living like a local sounds like it was such an amazing experience. Everyone must be excited to implement their projects to further help the wonderful people in the colonies that they have made deep connections with. You have all been away for one week now. That went by so fast! Continue to immerse yourselves in this life-changing adventure. Before you know it you will be home again! Us parents miss you all so much and can’t wait to hear about your adventures first hand when you get home,
Bijan’s Mom
ps Love you Bijan!!!!!!!Hope you are taking some photos!!!!
What an emotional day for you all! Hugs all around. I am at a loss for words. Thank you once more for sharing your day and thoughts. I am touched by today’s entry. Wishing you a good evening. Double hugs Brianna.
Today was a heavy day for you all, and I feel the emotions and conflict from reading your journal entry today. Im happy you all have learned such in depth issues that prevail within the DR, it makes it that much more meaningful! I also commend you all for being considerate to the people who live there, as well as being open to knowing their lives by asking questions.
I’m proud of you Brianna and other glimpsers! Youre all strong, keep it up!
From Bianey’s dad. You guys are amazing. See, this situation in RD is just a small scale of what’s going on here in the USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, and others. By immersing yourselves in knowing what’s happening in la Isla de Hispaniola you get a “glimpse” of the big enchilada! You dig it? Nice people at Global Glimpse ha?! They are preparing you all for the future and when you get there, you will have an educated and serious idea of what this world general situation is. Even Ostave’s late arrival helped illustrate what’s at stake. So fortunate young people you are. As my fellow blogger said, it’s being a week and it’s gone by like a jet. Bianeysita mi bebe, yo la extraño mucho and trust you are liking your trip so far. So I was cleaning the house today, including a big bath for Benjita who now is deep asleep as is past 11:00PM. Love you very much and can’t wait to hear more of this good stuff. This episodes, are so professional, are you sure you are not novel writers or media people? Excellent job, keep it up!
Hi Lila!!!!! Okay let’s get straight to it: the English language cannot provide enough words to express how much I miss you. I will just randomly burst into tears and can’t stop. I had a dream last night that you came back and I woke up hugging the air. But, on other topics I have my Prospect Sierra Middle interview today and I turn in my essays. my friend, Dora, might be sleeping over this week. (Don’t worry, we won’t go in your bed.) The Warriors lost the championship. However all this news is bland in comparison to yesterday. Yesterday was Fathers’ Day. We went to an art museum and it was really scary 1) because there was a mummy exhibit, 2) because I have a fear of art museums, and 3) because you’re the only one who knows about my fear of art museums (well, not anymore.) I made Daddy blueberry pancakes and gave him a shoehorn and a bike lock, but nothing was the same without you. I was ready to cry at least 3 times yesterday. Things sound really fun in Constanza, though. Teaching English is something you’d be great at for two reasons: 1) You’re really good at writing, grammar, etc with English and 2) You’re a great leader. It hurts me to know that you might be sad at any point, but, easier said than done, don’t worry. Everything will work out and you will be fine so just have fun. For my sake, just be happy. Anyway, I have to go to swimming lessons soon so Bye for now. I love you more than words can say. Sweet dreams since you’re reading these at night.
Emmensely, entirely, completely ALL MY LOVE, your dearest sister, Rosalie
P.S. Whoever is reading this aloud please say that in the previous line “ALL MY LOVE” is in all caps.
I am at loss for words after reading this blog entry. It took me a while to gather my thoughts. Immigration is such a touchy subject that is a real life problem for many people in the States and around the world. Compassion, and love go long way. I am sure that just talking to the people today you made them feel a little better. Knowing that someone cares to hear about their plight gives them some comfort. I am very happy that day by day you guys are learning to be better global citizens of the world. A big hug to my little boy Angel. Love you and miss you a lot. It was wonderful to hear your voice, you made my day.
Thank you Bryan and Lyric on your recap of “immigration day”. It is a complicated subject but I’m glad you guys are getting an understanding of the challenges that immigrants face in this world. It is a global problem that becomes more real when you listen to people versus just reading about it.
Bijan, I wish we could be watching Copa America together but the US Argentina game was tragic. I’m sure they will be talking about Messi’s goal for a while. I’m sure you are keeping it shape over there cause coach Ricardo is emailing about soccer practice already!
Bijan’s Dad, Mehra
Its one thing to read about immigrants and another to understand what immigrants go through. Many politicians talk about immigrants in an abstract way.
Bijan, I wish we were watching the Copa America together. However the Argentina US game was tragic. They will be taking about Messi’s goal for a long time.
Take Care,
Dad
Awesome blog guys and girls. Lyric I am sooooooo proud of you words cannot even explain. You have taught me a lot about the DR just in your blog so I can’t wait til you get home to tell me more. I’m proud for all of you and hope that you all continue to learn more, grow and enjoy your trip. Oh and Thanks for the Fathers Day shout Lyric. #POLS