Tonight we met at 8:30pm (a los ocho y media por la noche) with Members of the Board and Principal Don Blas for dinner. The restaurant we went to (Hemingway) had the feel of a sports bar/grill, but served authentic Dominican food. We ate (comimos) family style and shared chicken and steak (pollo y bistec) as well as rice (arroz) and the most delicious vegetables. During dinner we talked deeply about the value of living in a global, interconnected world and how valuable it is for children and young adults to learn (aprender) from each other in authentic and real time ways.
We discussed a number of ways that IJ and Kent Place can further expand its relationship, including the idea (incluyendo la idea) of a skype partnership with other classes, such as the general music class in Middle School, other grade level partnerships, and even the idea of our students making a global trip to the school in the future (en el futuro). One of the directors of the inner city program is a tour guide and was very interested in collaborating on an itinerary for our students. We explored what a trip (un viaje) could encompass and agreed that our girls must see the possibilities (las posibilidades) not just of giving, but of learning about the beautful history, customs, and sites of this fabulous country (pais marvelloso).
Dinner ended at about 11pm, before which we celebrated (celebramos) Principal Blas’ birthday with a huge cake and singing in both Spanish and English. Parting ways was bittersweet, as we are truly appreciative of everything that the Board has done to support a successful and enriching experience. Tomorrow morning (Manana por la manana) we will pack our things and prepare for our four hour trip (viaje de cuatro horas) back to New Jersey. We have much to think about and have truly been affected by the hospitality, generosity of gifts, sharing, and celebrating our healthy and growing partnership.
