Day 9: Community Day (No. 4)

Hey, chat!! This morning we woke everyone up to very intense, moving music at 6 am. We are pretty sure they all loved it. We haven’t heard any complaints thus far. Despite the excellent music choices, there was one group that refused to get up. We were forced to CLIMB through their window and BANG on their door. After waking up, we made breakfast at 7 am. Imagine this… all 22 Glimpsers helping out in the kitchen! We had eggs, cheese sauce,  ensalada de pepino (cucumber salad), ham, papaya, pineapple, toast, and fruit punch.

After breakfast, we got ready to transport to La Escuela de la comunidad (community center) to separate into groups and start helping out families. They welcomed us into their homes and we helped them do their daily chores such as taking out the trash, washing the dishes, folding clothes, sweeping, and mopping. After doing the chores, we were able to talk with the families and get to know their daily routines and personalities. We ate lunch with the kids from the community and after, we RAN to the river to take a swim with the kids. It was very joyful, festive, and overall fun! We all walked back to the community center together to just play games and sports with the kids. They took over our cameras and took pictures of any and everything! There was soccer, baseball (a Dominican favorite), basketball, volleyball, hula hoops, and hair braiding. When it came time to leave, it was a very emotional departure from the children. Lots of hugs, smiles, and tears were exchanged. It was a short ride back home, however, once we got home some Glimpsers decided to go to the downtown city or stay at home and eat pizza. After that, we had dinner, which was sausages, fried eggs, and Mangu (Mashed plantains and onions). Next, we had our nightly meeting, which as always, contained a recap of how our day went and related it to our quote/question of the day. Then, we passed the torch over to the next leaders of the day. To finalize the meeting, we each shared our “Big Loves” of the day. Overall, today was very full of community and connection, and we are very grateful to have been able to lead everyone throughout this eventful day.

Adamaris Urcino, Ariana Campbell, Elizabeth Ries

Hola Mami, love you and miss you, Miss all my family cant wait to see you guys again! -Ada

Hello Mommy, Padre, Louie, and Lola. I miss you all very much and I miss talking to you about silly things – Ariana

Hey family! Community day reminded me of all our gathers. I miss you and love you! – Bethaca