This was our free day…I have never been so chill in my life. For today I was leader of the day and had to take on the responsibility of leading a group of glimpsers, which was pretty cool. Wake up call was at 8 AM or more so 8:10 if you want to get technical. We woke up to the sun shining down on us and the temperature skyrocketing with immense speed. Remember no air conditioning, but fans…REGULAR SIZED FANS!!!!! Therefore the sweat we were experiencing was something serious. Our day started off with walking to Onaney’s (our one and only food spot) for breakfast where we ate cereal and fruit (pineapple, papaya, and melon). After breakfast we walked back to the Hotel and began our first laundry day. On average the group spent about 400 Pesos just on laundry.
After laundry was all squared away, our Ambassadors Francis and Victoria had arrived at the Hotel and for about 2 hours a group of glimpsers were playing soccer with a baseball in the center room. the soccer game got super intense like the Barca vs. Juventus Champions League title game! By the way Barca won 3-1 GO MESSI, NEYMAR AND SUAREZ ;)!!!! After the soccer game we walked to Onaneys once again for lunch (that would be picture 2). Lunch consisted of Rice and beans, Pollo Frito (fried chicken), scalloped potatoes, and seared sweet plantains. The lunch was very filling and this was the first time I didn’t finish my plate, well maybe it was because I had a pint of delicious oreo cookie ice cream beforehand that probably was a bad idea.
After lunch we walked back to the hotel to figure out the rest of our free day (well the time we had left before we had to prep for our English Tutoring class). Most of us wanted to go play basketball but we didn’t have a ball. Our GG Leader Sia and our GG Leader Leonel came in clutch with a brand new basketball and as soon as we saw it we were off to the university to play. The heat made us all sweat waterfalls and the walk back didn’t help either but it was fun altogether.
After walking back to the Hotel and taking a shower it was time to prep for our classes. Fast Forward to our actual classes. Our classes were so empowering! Just to be able to teach your native language to another culture that is so enthusiastic to learn about your melting pot of cultures is amazing! Our classes range from 12-25 and the fact that most of us are 17 teaching people younger and older than us makes us (well me because I cannot speak for everyone else) be inspired to become a teacher in the future.
Overall the day was great, our dinner was good but we had some serious rain towards the end. The storm had become so dangerous we had to get picked up and driven back to the hotel. If the weather permits we will be working with local farmers tomorrow in addition to teachingd yet another class of English.
Woot! Woot! So glad to see your post, De’Aunte. Sounds like you all had a super rewarding and fun day. I’m so excited to read about all that you all are doing and learning. I can’t describe how proud of you we are and how much you have grown even in this short time. It is great to read about the people you are meeting and the experiences you are having. Please know the two of us miss you so much. Our triad feels incomplete without you. We are counting down the days ’till your return. I’m so proud to be your mom. Please say hi to Emily. We love and miss you.
Love reading the blogs. Glad everyone is enjoying themselves. I’m especially missing you today Joelle. Your sister’s and nephews took me out to lunch for my birthday. You were the only one missing.
Wow! I’m jealous. I wish I were there with you, but I know it’s better for you that I’m not! Jacinda, I hope you’re having a fantastic time. Not sure how you couldn’t with everything you’ve been learning, seeing and doing. Hope you enjoyed a little downtime today. Love you!!
I’m so proud of you Deaunte. Just to be able to read about the impact this adventure has been on your future. I know that you are more that you are destined for greatness, but now knowing that you also believe it makes me so blessed. Your nanny is blessed to have a grandson such as you.
Hi Jacinda! We are enjoying the posts and learning about your activities. Keep smiling and let us know how you are doing. Miss you! Gramma and Jim
I Love how we get so much detail…what you ate, etc. I am so proud of you. I wanna be there with you! lol.
These updates are so wonderful, De’Aunte! Thank you so much for keeping us posted on what’s going on with you and everyone else. I’m super proud of you and your growth and reflections. You already ARE a great leader, and there is no doubt that you will continue to do great things as you experience new adventures and make more connections in your journey. Miss you lots and can’t wait to see you when you return. Much love to you!
Well DeAunte your post shows us how you are embracing new cultures, environments and meeting knew friends. I’m proud of the person you are becoming. I wish you were able to be here to see me do my Presentation of Learning. You would of witnessed your mother talking about how I have become a better person because I took a chance to be a Public Ally. Auntie Brenda said you are in trouble, because you haven’t called her in a very long time. I miss you and love you.