Today was a pretty fun day despite some minor happenings. For one, I feel like everyone came together pretty well, stepped a little bit out of their comfort zones, and stepped in to support and help others. We all pulled through together, connecting with each other and trying not to ignore issues but rather talk about it and help each other out.
Compared to our last free day and the beginning of the trip, the majority of us have seen some crazy stuff and some of us would not have believed it without seeing it in person. Others knew these things existed but not to the extent that it currently is. The conditions here can be harsh and a bit of a struggle, and personally I am grateful to be on this trip. This is a really great experience and really touches me in the heart.
Today’s quote was, “Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are the most powerful weapons. One child, one book, one pen, and one teacher can change the world.” This really makes me think that the world does not see the simplicity of changing the human mind with the tools like education, and sees instead violence as something to fix the world, only to make more problems.
Free day usually means, to me, a time to explore myself a little in ways that were unknown to me, and to open up a little more than usual. I did not really know what I was getting myself into…but basically, today I have gotten my nails painted for the first time in a very weird style, that even the workers at the nail salon questioned! I was thinking back to when my sisters would ask me if I could get my nails painted and I refused. This time, my friends pushed me to try it, but this time it was different because they pushed me to think of it as taking a shot and showing the world a different viewpoint. I think of it as showing the world the difference between the common and the uncommon.
I think everyone really cared for each other and people who needed some help and shared their thoughts to each other, and discussed their feelings on how much they care for their current conditions. We’re all looking forward to tomorrow, and I hope for the best.
Hey Charles!
Great write up. I’m glad to hear all of your experiences. You’re a kid with a huge heart and I’m not surprised to hear that this trip can be a bit emotional for you. Your phone call to us was very exciting because we didn’t hear from you on the first free day. Dad was working and wished he could’ve spoke to you, but he loves and misses you and can’t wait for you to come home.
The girls are at grandmas for church but they’re going to be a little jealous that you let someone else convince you to paint your nails. Now they’re going to ask you all the time if they can paint your nails. I’ll show them your picture tomorrow when they’re home. BTW so not surprised you chose black and gold 😉 lol.
I’m glad you and your team are opening up to each other and it sounds like all of you are very supportive. Keep learning, exploring, trying new things and doing the uncommon. I love you will all of my heart and can’t wait to hear more. Goodnight.
Love,
Mom
My dear Analynn, Sorry to hear that you have been thru some difficulty in DR, however, be strong, you have many friends with you to help you out, mommy, daddy, and your brother always pray for you so you have strength to overcome all the problems that you faced in DR. Miss you a lot, just few more day, we will be able to see our baby back home again.. Try to take good care of yourself and stay healthy. please address our thanks to all leaders and friend that help you in the pass days. Hope you all have a good time there.
Love you my dear.
Mommy
You guys look great!!
Love you Anusha!!!
Anusha!!!!!!
It was so good to heard your voice full of great things to share!! I grew up in México as you know and my life as a kid was very similar of what you are seeing in DR! I love you and I start thinking on how much you are growing with this amazing experience!!
Y
Tu Mami!!!
Hi Bella, yesterday your papa and I took a ride to Columbia we got to see uncle David and aunt Cindy . We celebrated baby Collins first birthday . ( Vicki & Anarugs little boy) Desmond & Sophia we also there and we went to the pool and enjoyed the nice cold water on a perfect day . I saw the picture of you with the sunglasses on they look really great on you I hope you bought them !! I cannot believe that next month you will be turning 17 !! Where in the world this time ran off to ? Your papa and I love you to the moon and back and cannot wait to see you ❤️ I really miss hearing your voice but it was sure great seeing your beautiful face ❤️
All our love forever, Grandma & Papa