Today was an eye opening experience for all of us, Poverty day. Although, it was both a mentally and physically tough day, it was a very fun day and some Glimpsers even said it was the best day for them! Today we visited the Pusucua community in Penipe and we helped the community members plant trees there. We weren’t afraid to get our hands dirty! All the community members were very welcoming and kind-hearted. Their story is very inspiring and touched all our hearts. They had all originally come from a different region near an active volcano called Tungurahua. This volcano erupted and took everything from them like their homes and farms, but it did not take away their hope. They then relocated to Penipe where they would have to start their lives all over. This new community was founded by Sra. Victoria who was one of the victims of the catastrophe. After all that the community members went through, her hope and strength guided them to move forward and not give up. This taught us to never give up and keep trying during hard times.
We also learned today that the definition of poverty in America is different then it is here. When we were visiting this community it didn’t feel like they were impoverished. They were all so happy with what they had and what they had to offer. They were all very connected and supportive of each other, whereas in America, when we think of poverty we think of people who have nothing and are all alone. It surprised us that this community was so appreciative of what they had and how close together they were, like family. This taught us to appreciate the things that we have and the people around us.
At the end of the day, we were really proud to have helped out and really connect with the community so they can continue to grow. We all had so much fun working with individual families as well. The families were so welcoming that it felt as if we were at home. As Liders Del Dia, we were very happy everyone had so much fun and had the chance to make deep connections with the community. During the nightly meeting, it was very touching to have a couple of Glimpsers say it was the best day they’ve had so far. We hope to continue to learn a lot more and continue growing into young leaders.
With much love,
Jenifer and Licette
Shoutouts of the day
Hola Papa te quiero decir Feliz dia de los Padres te llamare manana. A la misma vez. Manana voy a montar el Chimborazo que es un volcan! Te amo y te exrano vicho loco anana. En menos de una semana nos veremos! – Jordan Sandoval
Dad, I might be able to call tomorrow, may be either on a random number or the one I used to call on June 8th. Please don’t ignore. – Jay
Hey everyone! Today was amazing! We went up high in the Andes Mts. and visited a small community. There we helped plant which was so much fun! I also got to talk to a lady named Charito and she was super cool! I’ll tell you more about her. Mom and Dad, I might try to call tomorrow, so be aware of that.” – Abbie
Hey dad, I don’t know if you wrote back because Amanda didn’t show us the comments on the blog. But anyways, Today I formed and planted trees and lettuce. K Bye. – Christian
To Alondra: I’ll be able to call between 4:30 and 6:30 tomorrow! I think you don’t have work tomorrow, hopefully, because it is Sunday. I love you and can’t wait to talk to you!
To my Family: As I mentioned I’ll be able to call between 4:30 and 6:30 tomorrow. Today I was gardening with a man in a village, and it really reminded me of planting in our own garden. I was so good at loosening up soil and fertilizing that he asked if I was studying to be an agriculturist! I also got to eat his berries, which Jaara would have liked because they were so sour. Can’t wait to talk to you! – Arjun
Hey Arjun, sorry I wasn’t able to answer today. I was at a training for work I feel terrible. Yeah I’ll definitely be able to answer tomorrow. Hope you had fun today!
Hahahaha Arjun: I can’t believe all that I taught you about digging plants has paid off. I’m so proud that you can use those skills for this trip. Will get some more for you when you get back home :). I need help on the hydrangeas
Hey there Son!
Thanks for the wonderful Father’s Day card Marcus. How thoughtful of you in preparing the card in advance! We’re proud of your accomplishments. The Poverty Day experience must have been very heartwarming; appreciate what you have and be happy.
We can’t wait to talk to you! Ideally, it would be great if you could call after office hour on the 22nd. But not to worry, we’ll try to pick up the phone anytime. Are you able to call today too, like some of your friends? We’re excited to hear your voice again! Take care now.
Lots of love,
Dad & Mom
Btw, beautiful blog Jenifer and Licette.
Great post Licette and Jenifer! What an impactful experience you all had yesterday. It’s great that you are seeing examples of how much strength and hope communities can generate while facing adversity. Keep the excellent blog postings coming!!! Licette-Can’t wait to have you back home in less than a week. We are so proud of you!!! Sending you all our love!
Hi Helena,
Today is the one year anniversary of oma Leona death. We went to the cemetery to put roses on her grave. Grandma Sonja sends her love. She wishes you were her at this very moment. We all love you!!!!!!
Thank you Jenifer and Licette for writing so beautifully. What a heart-wrenching story. Truly a testament to the human spirit. Yes, very inspiring and sobering. Makes me think of all things for which I am grateful.
Also makes me think of impoverished communities here in my back yard and what I can do to help. San Jose, Richmond, and Oakland come to mind. Thank you for pushing me to look deeper. Also how moving to read that each day brings y’all experiences which change your lives.
Arjun! Hilarious story….perhaps there’s farming in your future. I can at least see you tending your own garden one day. Must be cool to unearth these new/dormant pieces of yourself. Meanwhile we have urban farms here! Martial Cottle park has planted so much tomato and melon. Emma Prusch farm is visible from the 680 flyover from 101. Oakland also has urban farms which provide affordable produce to poor communities.
Can’t wait to talk to you!
Love, Amma
Mija,me da mucho gusto que con ese entusiasmo estés descubriendo tus raíces indigenas. El espiritu de unidad,superación y sobrevivencia es lo que traemos de nuestros antepasasados. Recuerda que tu tatarabuela era India legítima mexicana cuídate muchov que Dios te cuide y bendiga. Te queremos mucho Tata y abuelita.
Hi Licette its isa I hope you are having a lot of fun and having good experiences. We miss you and I am having a lot of awkward moments with eduardito that I should be having with you (if you know what i mean lol) hope the rest of your time there is fun love you and hope to see you soon!!!!!!!
Eduardito says “I DONT KNOW!!” Just kidding he says that he misses you a lot
I (isa) also say don’t hook up with anyone there because you are never going to them again, unless he is rally cute then go ahead just kidding lol miss you
Hi Erica!
Thank you very much for the Father’s Day call today!
I love you and am very proud of you.
Keep up the great work!
Love,
Dad
I am so proud of you Arianna. Experiences like this help shape what you become and with what heart you become it. Some of the best learning is out of the classroom and from other’s point of view. I love you mija.
Great Picture Rebecca with the child on your shoulders! So glad you could go and enjoyed reading Leslie and your blog post yesterday! Look forwarding to hearing your stories when you return this coming Saturday. Hugs from the family, -Dad.