Today was a very busy day.
Wake up time was at 6 o’clock and we were ready to go for breakfast at 6:30 am. Today we visited a local greenhouse that produces all kinds of crops from cucumbers to broccoli. Working in the greenhouse was very hard. It was really hot inside despite it being a very cool day, and the greenhouse smelled strange because of the decomposing plants and cucumbers. Then we helped plant little cucumber seedlings. It was very eye-opening because even when we thought we had been working really hard it was barely anything compared to what the workers do every day. It was even more shocking that these workers would only get about seven dollars a day for all their hard work.
After lunch, we visited Agro-Marketing where we got to help pack cucumbers. It was sad to see that a lot of cucumbers were thrown away because they were not up to U.S. consumer standards. It was especially heartbreaking because we had spent the whole morning seeing how hard it is to produce them.
Finally, we had English tutoring in the evening. While finding our classes and meeting our new students was a little chaotic, it was amazing seeing the enthusiasm of the students toward learning English. The students’ hard work and dedication was really inspiring as was that of the workers in both the factory and the greenhouse.
Today made me realize that I take a lot for granted, and what I saw is something I hope to never forget.
All of the Glimpsers enjoyed their time planting, teaching their own English class and learning about how cucumbers are distributed to the United States. Everyone in our group has a connection with one another which creates a fun and strong trip. On behalf of the first LDD leaders, Gildardo and Nikita, and all the Glimpsers, we want to say that we are all having an amazing time and we can’t wait to share all our memories with you!
This seems like such a long day! They really do keep all of you busy from sun up to sundown… Really appreciate the time you’re taking to write these blogs to keep us updated… makes my heart happy to see my son in these pictures!
Congratulations for the great effort you have all put today!!! Mainly for realizing how many sacrifices these workers do in order to help their families. Keep working hard to teach these students in class. You Can Do It!!!
P.S Evelyn Silva your family loves you and is very proud of you. Also, we want to see more pictures of you please.
Love,
Mom and Dad
It sure is eye-opening when you get to experience first hand the hard work that the farmers are putting in. I’m curious as to what they do with all the rejected cucumbers.
We’re missing you Nikita! Can’t wait for you to be back.
Very happy to see how much you are learning and experiencing. This is a little glimpse of how hard people work from day to day. Keep up the good work, continue to give back as much as you can and know that your families miss you dearly.
Hi, thank you for sharing these pictures. Gloria, your tia Delia loves you! It looks like you are all enjoying your trip.
N8, we are so very proud of you for immersing yourself as part of the locals. I am certain this life experience on this DR trip will forever change your thoughts of this world, and how lucky we all have it at home. Stay safe and have fun !! Hope you build a lasting relationship with all your new friends.
Although this had only been a few days, but we all miss you very much.
Love, Mom, Dad & Megan.
PS. What beautiful picture !! Whoever is taking these pictures, thank you for sharing. Keep posting them, they really come through.
Keep up the amazing work you all are doing for the DR community.