Wake-Up Call. Ice cold shower. Pregunta del dia(question of the day). Desayuno (breakfast).

The dabble of cold water on the napes of our necks and Gallo Pinto are beginning to become a norm in our daily routine.

Glimpsers had an early morning travel to the Sor Maria School located in the outskirts of the city.  We were transported by the Bibliomovil La Chispa–a mobile non-governmental organization that provides materials to underresourced schools in rural areas. The roads heading towards the Sor Maria School appeared to be occupied by more stray dogs than the people living there. As we stepped foot off of the bus we were greeted by two little girls who were out of school due to a self-diagnosed enfermedad.

The little princesas de Sor Maria

The little princesas de Sor Maria

We sat in a dual-purpose room used for class and a dining hall. Glimpsers were divided into small group activities for the day ranging from P.E. to arts and crafts. Despite the tattered school desks marked with the visible signs of aging, a soccer field paved with solely dirt and damaged floors and ceilings–it was clear Sor Maria aims to provide a good education to local kids in the rural community.

P.E! Queso!

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Arts and Crafts Time!

Arts and Crafts Time!

Following a motivational speech from the director of Oasis for Hope, the non-profit who built and designed the Sor Maria School, Glimpsers prepared to meet with students apart of ACCESS–a language academy for exceptional students aspiring to learn English.

The assembly of  ACCESS students and the Glimpsers began with a game of When the Wind Blows reigniting the energy that was starting to dissipate following our activity intensive morning. We ended with the exchange of slang words–Spanish speakers reciting YOLO (you only live once) and English Speakers yelling Sea Caballo (a popular phrase used when you make a mistake).

ACCESS Students & Global Glimpsers

ACCESS Students & Global Glimpsers

Finalmente, our day ended with the start of our English tutoring sessions. Glimpers had to create a lesson plan and deliver in less than 24 hours of receiving their assignment. Anxious but prepared, Glimpsers began their first class. Despite impromptu changes in lesson plans, overcrowded classes and the trepidation that can consume any teacher on their first day–Global Glimpse delivered!

English Class!

English Class!

–GG Leaders: Erick & Leila