One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things. ~Henry Miller~
We started our first full day in country sharing this quote and it really set the mood for the activities we had planned. To me, every place we go to or have the chance to be at, whatever you experience or live, it becomes an eye opening moment and puts everything into perspective.
First thing’s first: right after breakfast Haffner (our health coach) came up with this great idea of playing a game where we had to split into groups and throw a ball to each other and learn everyone’s name. It was a great way to begin our trip so we could start bonding. After going through our Culture and Safety Orientation Seminar everyone had a better understanding of how Dominican culture is and what to expect to experience in the next 15 days.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in the States and I remember how hard it was at first to get to know the culture and work my way through some language barriers even if I spoke the language fairly well (or at least I thought I did). Today I could relate a lot to our students because I was able to better understand some of their concerns and also share their excitement for all they are about to see and live. In the afternoon we went on the city tour and everyone just loved getting to know the surroundings of San Juan and meeting our youth ambassadors who quickly connected with all our students. IT WAS A VERY FUN DAY! Also very hot —but that didn’t stop us in making the best out of today’s experience. I’m excited for what’s coming up next. Stay tuned 😀
Hi Yesenia ,
So glad you are having a blast and enjoying this once in a lifetime experience. We miss you here back home & wish you a safe remainder of your trip. We look forward to your leaders to continue to keep us updated and see all the awesome pics of the amazing things you guys are doing .
Love ,
Yasmin , Donald & Alex
Hi baby, ( Yesenia) the pictures are great , Omg you are really there mija. Momma loves you and misses you dearly. Can’t wait to hug you. I’m very proud of you. Give thanks to our higher power for this awesome experience.
Hi Muskan,
Very glad to know that you are having lots of fun and learning about new culture. This is one time experience in your life, try to help as much as possible to others and make lots of new friends. We all miss you so much at home and waiting to see you soon.
Love
Mom & Dad
Hey Senia,
I’m so proud of you for taking this opportunity! I hope you’re having fun & learning a lot. I look forward to hearing all your stories! We love and miss you! 😘
Love,
Yailin & Ricky
Deric & my fav Bangko partner Erron 😉 glad you guys made it safe & are having fun out there! Enjoy your time & rep P world for us! Can’t wait to hear all about it when you come back!! Also, Luke from Jessie aka Cameron Boyce passed away 🙁 RIP
Hey Deric, Erron, and Yesenia! I hope you three are having and amazing time out there. Please live it out my babies because this trip is LIFE Changing: seeing your pictures and everything makes me miss the DR so much 🙁 te quiero mucho to any of the GG people that remember me…MISS YOU JEISON AND SAORY AND EVERYONE ELSE. EN FINALE SJ2A 2018
Lizzie – it looks like you’re having a fantastic time already & I’m so happy! Keep enjoying this adventurous time learning & meeting new friends… Miss you & love you very much!
Love Ima
Hi Juju! So happy to see you in the pictures and read about what you guys have been doing. Alex, Chiko and I miss you! Love you peeps! Have fun!
Hi José We are very proud of you we miss you love you mom ,dad and your sisters
Hi mijo, we are hoping that you are enjoying your stay at the DR.
We love you you know that
Hey Yesenia, I hope you are having a great time. I love and miss you!!
Hi Jessica,
I love your Smile! It seems like you having fantastic time, Skye and Bobo are waiting for you back home, we miss you and love you!
Paloma, we miss you so much this are going to be the longest 2 weeks of my life but I am so proud of you and you are destined to do big things in life, touch people with your kind soul. I love you sooo much have fun and come home safe, your family loves you.
heyyyyy senia ❤️ If you’re feeling homesick just breathe and soak up everything you’re learning in the DR. I miss you so much it’s so weird not talking to you. I love you :,( be safe.
So proud of you Deric love you lots and hope you are enjoying your trip
Love Big Atè