Hola everyone!!!

A few days ago we lived like a local, but today we worked like a local. We went to a farming community in Suarez and helped the farmers pick out rotten peppers and eggplants, we also helped plant seeds in manure. We were able to talk to famers and get the glimpse of everyday life for a farmer in the Dominican Republic. At 5:00 we started our English classes, each of the students had the opportunity to teach ages 8 – 20+ . We then continued our daily routine, and ended with out nightly meeting. Here are the Líder del Día full experiences:

Julia: Today was my day being the leader with other two leaders. I was really nervous because I am not use to talking in front of everyone but Rhea and Lauren was there for me and I felt more confident about being a leader. I love the delicious oatmeal and bread. The oatmeal was sweet and the bread smells good. Once we arrived at the community in Suarez, I had to chance to experience different types of tasks that were available. One of my favorite tasks was weeding because it is easy and I got use to it from my parents. The weather up there was around 91 degrees but I survived. I love the questions that were asked by us. Now I know why we have to pull of the weeds. In the hot afternoon, I had to teach English with other two Global Glimpsers. The class was two hours long and I wasn’t in the mood of teaching because I was exhausted from the morning activity but the class went very successful and I was very proud of myself. I am so happy to be here to have this rare experience and I have finally stepped out of my comfort zone. Hey parents! I miss y’all. See y’all soon > <

Rhea : Being Líder del Día was a very stressful yet great learning experience. It was stressful because I have never been in charge of a big group before.  Although it was stressful, I have improved my skills on becoming a leader. My favorite part of today was when my group were picking the peppers because we made a lot of funny mistakes. For example, when we were picking the peppers, someone pulled the whole bush out of the ground and the farmer was in shock. I want to thank the farmers for being so forgiving and welcoming. Another good thing about today was that I was able to have a one and one talk with my student. I felt like having a personal connection helps both the teacher and the learner. (Hey ma!!! I hope you see this. Miss you and see you soon!!!!)

Lauren: Líder del Día withholds a lot of responsibility in its name, but overall it was an amazing experience. It was a struggle to wake up at 5:30 in the morning and to leave the hostile at 6:45, but the experience of working with the locals at  Suarez was worth it. As we all divided into groups we all had a one on one talks with the farmers: with learning that one of them is a pastor, one is a baseball player for the capital, and that one of the oldest farmer 75. The few hours of farming could not express the daily amount of labor these men do, with them being supporting, caring, during the intense heat was completely heartwarming. English teacher is whole other subject, teaching a language you already know- to say the very least- is very confusing. Yet, to hear the click of understanding when learning a definition and/or comprehending a grammar concept is a priceless experience. Overall, today had its highs and lows – but more highs-, I wouldn’t have traded my co-leaders for the world. Julia and Rhea were absolutely amazing, seeing them getting in the dirt and working to learn Spanish was a lot of fun for not only them, and me. Thank for every person who had made this experience possible, I am blessed beyond words; can’t wait to see everyone again. Love you Mom, Dad, and Renzo, I’ll see you soon :’)  <