Hello everyone, we were the Leaders of the day for our Living Like a Local Day. Today, wake up call was at 5:45 am and we took a bus to Don Carlos’ restaurant for breakfast where we had a simple local’s breakfast of gallo pinto and a glass of water. Afterwards, we took the bus to Comunidad La Pruisa and gave a gift to our speakers, Santos and Ivania as thanks for letting us spend a day in their beautiful and friendly community. We were then separated into groups of two or three and escorted to our respected homes for the day. Both of us (LDDs) and our partners ended up being close neighbors and spent the day as a larger group sharing the responsibilities of doing household chores and taking care of the many children living in both homes. At 11am, all the groups around the neighborhood met in front of the LDDs’ houses and there was a pinata party for the children. After that, each group was sent to collect enough servings of food to serve the members of their families and themselves for lunch. Lunch consisted of rice with shredded chicken, a bread roll, and a salad along with a bag of iced tea. After lunch we spent an extra hour with our families then went to the hostel. Once there, we started E.T prep for the following week as well as last minute adjustments to our CAP project pitches. At 4:00pm we had our CAP seminar and all three teams presented their ideas to the librarians. All three ideas were accepted! Once the CAP seminar was finished, we all separated to free time. Some of us went around the city and some of us stayed at the hostel. Then dinner started, same thing as breakfast which was gallo pinto with water. As dinner passed by, the whole group did a self reflection about living like a local. When our day has came to an end it was time for us to pass the torch to the leader of the next day.
Adrian’s personal note: Today was a very impactful day, when we went to the houses in the community, it was an unbelievable experience. The kids had endless smiles, though all they had was a single ball and tons of time. It’s really cool how the families had a farm in the backyard, growing their own garden and making a lifestyle for the families.
Jade’s personal note: Today gave me insight on how other communities in low income neighborhoods live and it was a very beautiful experience. Spending time with such positive personalities like the children. The homes were small and uninsulated, but they had a familiar homey feeling we can all identify with that comes with the warmth of a loving family. We learned the importance of appreciating what we have and that home isn’t always made from american style houses, tall celings and fancy cars, but from the happiness that your family and/or friends bring you. Home is where the heart is.
Best,
Jade and Adrian
Wow! Living like a local seems as though it was another incredible day ,that was unforgettable. I loved reading the blog and seeing all of you and your smiling faces with such beautiful families. It is so rare, to be able to experience what it is really like to live in another country and culture, and in addition shadow and help out families for the day. How fun! You are all so lucky. I know you will all take so many beautiful memories of this day home with you. Jade and Adrian, I loved reading your personal notes about all you learned from the day.
It sounds like you have a busy week up ahead with your library projects. I can’t wait to see what you all do next! Enjoy every moment.
Jared I can’t wait to hear all about the details of your day “living like a local” when you come home.
I love you
Mom
Living like a local day enhances a sense of family belonging and a sense of community belonging.
Love, the true meaning of home!
Awh, all these pictures are super cute!! Such a nice thing to know you all enjoyed the visit to the community! Jackie!! You look so cute. I’m happy you got to interact with one of the families and I hope you learned a lil something about local families. Today I went to the Sonoma race way and the cars were really loud and I could only think about my favorite loud noise! It’s you when we watch Nacho Libre )::: I’m jk. I miss you lots, though. I’m still writing to you every day! And good job to all you LDD’s (::
Faith, I like your picture:-)!!!
I must say you have all learned a little something about life out there to bring home with you that can last a life time.
It brings me such JOY to see you guys engaging with the locals and serving them must make you all feel so good inside. Keep up the good work.
5 nights left and I get to see your beautiful face again!!!!
xoxoxox
Love you,
Dad & Mom
I can’t wait to hear all about your experiences! Loves, Mom
Wow, how did I missed this post! I think is because I responded to the one that was one day late because of the power outrage! Anyways, I am glad I llike to go back and read posts again because I noticed it.
Jade and Adrian what a great day to be Lideres Del Dia! In your descriptions it seems that as others days this is an opportunity to really get to know what is important in life. Although we all want the commodities to live a comfortable life, it is ultimate the people, the care, and the love that really gives you the true happiness. It is wonderful that you noticed that and that you describe your feelings and thoughts about it. I love the pictures!
Stephanie, I understand now why in your call on Sunday you told me about a family with a baby and that they wanted to stay connected to send you pictures of how the baby is growing! It is amazing for me to see the first picture of you and the family together and to think that you want to keep in touch with them. Mija, you are living experiences that will change your life and will bring sweet memories for the rest of your life. Everyday is a day closer to your return, make sure you enjoy every minute and take every opportunity to learn and have fun while doing everything!
I’m so proud of you and all the Glimpsers and I’m eager to see your CAP project final products. Cristian still in LA and suppose to return today. Ulisess celebrating his birthday with Gatepath by going to Denny’s with the group yesterday. He want d to wear a tie because he said it was a party after that!
Te extraño mucho mija,
Tu mami??????