vol. 7 Ice cream and Concrete

Hello everyone! We are Amy and Danneli and we are today’s leaders. Today was our first community Action Project (CAP) day.

Last night we prepared little cards for our peers with small messages encouraging them for the new day which also helped us organize our breakfast line. We understand that the first CAP can be a very physically demanding day so we did what we could to make it feel lighter.

We started our morning going around the villa cheering our peers on for the new day. It was important that we meet everyone with open arms and a lot of joy. By breakfast the villa was filled with laughter, singing and the smell of yummy pancakes. But beyond our peers’ excitement to spend this time together, they also anticipated the ever lasting change they were making later on. Our passion to make an impact has been something that has united us as a group and made our connection so much more familiar.

On day four we met Senora Luz where she shared that her floors had cracked.  Luz shared that she has no husband, no resources or government help. Without the help of Global Glimpse, Luz was unsure what the future status of her house would be. Luz’s severely broken floors resulted in flooding and mudded floors especially in her bathroom.  As to why, this was not just an act of labor but reassurance to Luz long term stability. We asked our peers to think: How would you feel in the position of Senora Luz?

This realization hit us deep. Most if not all of us had never had to worry about the maintenance or stability in our home. Beyond that however through our days in the Dominican Republic we have also seen the determination and contentment of many Dominican people. Many of us are used to the fast life, but here many locals hold gratitude for spending time with their family and simply drinking a cup of coffee. We knew that if Senora Luz persevered through such a hard time, the smallest thing we could do is put ourselves outside of our comfort zone in order to help her.

For many it was the first time picking up a shovel and pickaxes, but it wasn’t the first time we aspired to make change. After stretches and a quick safety lesson on how to use our tools, we quickly got to work. Every mix of cement was a thank you to Senora Luz for the life long lesson she inspired in us. The quote of the day was, ”You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” This in many ways is true because we did this work not expecting anything in return, but we also earned that through selfless work we were repaid with a wider perspective of the world around us.

Then in true Dominican fashion we had Danneli’s favorite meal, SANCHOCO!!! (Now Amy’s favorite meal). The heat did not stop us from enjoying the delicious stew our cooks made for us. Back at the site, not once did our team give up. We found the fun is talking to the locals and playing with Senora Luz’s grandchildren. The kids stood around waiting for our break time to teach us Dominican games, cheering us on the whole way. When the job was finished we looked around at our peers and their tired smiles. Even more impactful, we saw the smiles of the mansion and Senora Luz. That’s when we knew our job there was finished.  

When we came back to the villa, we were met with a wonderful meal consisting of tostones, pork chops, steamed vegetables, and fruit! The group later came together to debrief about our first CAP and our excitement to bring the same energy to our next two CAP day projects!

SHOUT OUTS

 Can’t wait to talk to mom and dad soon! Chises tell Sele I got her something for her birthday. Miss you guys! – Vanny 

 Hola Pa I can’t wait to tell you all about my trip in DR. Bye Pa Love you -Elizabeth

Hi mommy, Today is my first day building the community. I can’t wait to come home and tell you all about it! – laihara 

 Hola mami y papi tengo tantas historias del viaje. Solo faltan tres días y les extraño y digan me lo que quieren de regalo. Los amo   – Lisbeth (also Hi kelsey!)

Hello parents I have just done some manual labor.I’m dirty but feel good. Now we are eating soup but I wish it was pozole. Miss you Eli, got much to tell you! – Dani 

 Hi Milan, girl what do you mean you don’t understand LOL. Text taurus on tiktok username is paypal I think and send a nice message for me from you (imy or something type of message), but make it known its you texting for me though. P.S they dont know I’m here. I messed up LOLL! But I miss you so much and I can’t wait to see you and call you when I am back. – Akemi