HEY EVERYONE,

It’s Janelle & Emmanuel!!! Today’s morning began at 5:45 a.m., making for a long day. We woke up early because it was our first day of the Community Action project. Sandra Vasquez founded Pro Cero Azuero, an organization that protects the environment and endemic animals such as spider monkeys. Panama’s population of animals is progressively declining due to deforestation. Our goal is to plant 2,000 trees by the third and final day of the CAP. When everyone awoke, we grabbed breakfast to go and boarded our bus for a 45-minute drive to Pro Cero Azuero. Everyone was prepared with boots, ponchos, and whatever else they needed to get muddy! We were divided into groups of three; each with seven people. Some people were preparing a new soil mixture that would be used to plant trees. While others picked out weeds from the different species of plants. Those were separated and organized by their species. The last group planted seeds ensuring that they would be in a safe environment to thrive. On this day, we saw a lot of different insects such as millipedes, giant spiders, centipedes, worms, and caterpillars. There were also mango trees, avocados, guavas, and much more. During this activity, all glimpsers were focused on their task, well-organized in their roles, and, most importantly, having as much fun as we could!

As you all know it is DAY 7 !!! were halfway through the program and learning so much about what a day in a life of a Panamaian is like. Through these daily activities, in the heart of Las Tablas, we’re getting a true experience of the struggles and perks of living in this wonderful town. Although the CAP project is very hard work and requires a lot of endurance, it is all to help the longevity of the native Panamanian people. Through this work, we feel rewarded because we get to help all endemic species thrive. This, in turn, helps the overall quality of life here in Panama. We are having a great time and enjoying each other’s company. We are learning so many new and incredible things. We have learned to work more as a team and get out of our comfort zones. We are all so excited to go back home and reunite with our families but for now we’re having a great time in Las Tablas.

See you next week !!! ❤️✌️