Daily life in the Dominican Republic is a rich tapestry woven from myriad threads including vibrant traditions in the areas of music, dance, religion, and language.
Today on our “Día de la Cultura”, Global Glimpsers visiting San Juan de la Maguana had the opportunity to learn about the area’s beloved traditions in all of these areas as well as share their own talents in the classroom as they dove into their first day of English tutoring at El Liceo, the local high school.
After a healthy breakfast, Glimpsers spent their morning enjoying a high-energy dance lesson led by local luminary Chailyn Cabrera who guided them as they courageously hit the dance floor to master the basics of merengue and bachata.
Following a well-earned lunch and rest, Glimpsers spent the first part of their afternoon with Angel Jacob Bobadilla, who visited to discuss the truly unique belief systems and practices of Santeria, a religious tradition which arose when indigenous belief systems were synthesized with the Catholic doctrine which arrived along with Spanish colonization.
Last – but most certainly not least – today we saw our Glimpsers stride into their first day of English tutoring and instruction at El Liceo, the local high school in San Juan. Tasked with teaching a wide range of students from true beginners to advanced speakers while working with very limited resources, they embraced the (admittedly daunting) challenge with courage and style. We were truly impressed to see them emerge from their first day in the classroom beaming, both with pride and with enthusiasm for the new connections they have made to the students they will be tutoring throughout their stay here in San Juan.
We could not be more proud of how they showed up today and are looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings!
Valerie. Your mom says “she misses you so much and she wakes up sad that your not home but she knows your having fun.” We all miss you more everyday and I can’t wait to see you!!!
-Bestfriend and Mom
I miss you so much chloe D!!! I hope you’re having lots of fun. Love you girl! You guys too, Sam L and Katie T!
Kailee & Global Glimpsers,
It must have been a bit of a challenging day, yet fulfilling at the same time. I can tell that you glimpsers are already making such a big difference in the DR with everyone that you’ve interacted with so far. Everyone looks so professional and amazing, especially with the hot weather. Great job, guys and gals, keep it up! I feel so proud and blessed that you all have joined together on this amazing journey. And thank you GG teachers/leaders for keeping our kids safe and happy and for keep us parents up-to-date with what’s going on. You gals are amazing! I feel honored you’re like ‘the awesome 2nd mom/sister leader’ to our children. Have a wonderful adventure and experience that awaits you tomorrow…and the rest of this trip.
Can’t wait to read your next post,
Mom, Dad & Didi
Hi Miki, Sofi,
Hope you’re having a great time! We miss you guys. So, cool to see that you guys were out there tutoring and learning about religious beliefs! Can’t wait to hear more.
Love you guys,
Mommy, Papa,B, Osito and Chewy
Navi , everyone’s missing you a lot especially grandma. Cont. to enjoy your program, learn and give what you can to the community. Proud of you. Love you mommy
Hi Valerie,
We miss you so much and the girls were asking when are we going to pick up Nancy and Valerie from the airport… I’m sure you are enjoing yourself. We miss you here, have a great time!
Kailee~
I miss you!! TT
I’m listening to BTS and NCT (especially Taeil’s “Because or You”) twice as much to make up for you not hearing their songs :PP
Anyways have fun and saranghae!!
-A Unicorn 😉
PS Whenever I say “It’s so hot”, I can always hear your reply in my head ;P