Today August 4th, 2017, our delegation worked and lived like locals. At 5:30 AM, we woke up, got dressed, and took a one-hour bus ride to Guamote where we visited the Ayol family. Upon arrival, we immediately were served breakfast. We were given fresh hard boiled eggs, tortillas, and a warm oatmeal and passion fruit juice. We then split up into three different groups. Today, I (Mikaela) and Lucas worked in the kitchen to make fried chicken. We began with separating the legs and torso, thoroughly cleaning it, and finally seasoning and frying each piece. We ended up frying 40 pieces to serve to the rest of the delegation, along with the GG leaders, and the Ayol family. We were also served salad and vegetable soup. The entire meal took around 3 hours to prepare. Another group went to the field to strip Quinoa while the last group prepped the soil for planting.
As a group, we collectively learned what it meant to be hardworking and humble. Although the Ayol family let us know that on average it takes two people an hour to strip quinoa plants, 10 kids from the delegation worked for 3 hours and they couldn’t strip it all. Every student completed a task that was both physically and mentally challenging. In order to get the job done, it is so essential to do it with a positive attitude and without complaints. The people in the Ayol family carry out these tasks and more every day with ease. Working with them was not only extremely inspiring, but eye opening. We were so encouraged to experience firsthand how kind and welcoming the Ayol family was.
Many of us can agree that the people we met today exerted positive and strong energy that made us feel happy and grateful. One of the most inspiring people we met today was Andy. Andy was the definition of a free spirit. He would run up the hills, climb all the rocks, and swing from the tree branches. At only 8 years old, he worked with us helping to prep the soil. He was constantly helping everyone and was so happy to have visitors. Sadie, another young free spirited child captured the attention of every Global Glimpser. His enthusiasm to help out in the kitchen was not only adorable, but a prime example of the determination of every single member of the Ayol family. Although he was no older than 2, he seemed to understand what it meant to be a humble worker.
Being Lider Del Dia was not as stressful as imagined, but was definitely hard work. It’s very difficult to remember everyone’s needs and concerns. It was satisfying to be there for people when they needed, and motivate others throughout the day. Today, we learned in order to keep others organized we have to keep ourselves organized first. We also learned that in order to be a strong leader we must lead by example, by not only demonstrating commitment, but courage and compassion as well.
I love reading the blogs and seeing the photos.
Carmen I just read the blog to Jaden. He said to tell you he loves you and misses you!!
You already know i miss you like crazy but I am so impressed with everything you are participating in. I can’t wait to hear your voice. My phone isn’t working so call Jade’s or Erica’s.
:]
Thank you Sara and Mikaela! I honestly don’t know where to begin…. your day sounded exhausting and inspiring.
The are so many things that stand out to me about the experiences on this trip. I knew you would all see how others live but it grew into something so much greater. Learning to be an active part of change. Clearly the skills you will all bring home are unique and life changing.
Forgive me now because I have so much to say to my girl. Sara, I read the blog every day and I am so proud of you. I always knew your passion and love for others. I knew you would broaden and steghten that passion on this trip and learn how actually be a part of change. However I never expected the personal battles you would face. For example….taking the many extended bus rides from place to place in Ecuador. Is this the same girl who prefers to travel 2 hours each way to school to avoid the bus?
Also, the food!!!!! I read this blog daily and haven’t heard anyone mention kale and beans once! Cleaning chickens? I am so curious to know if you actually tasted it?!?!? I just picture you extending your arms s far away from you as possible and turning your neck so far to one side so you Cannot observe what your hands are doing! I would also like to see a photo of you prepearing it since you would not even carry a grocery bag that had chicken inside.
Needless to say I am so proud of each and everyone one of you!
I miss you so very very much.
And yes Sara…..there will be a huge pot kale and beans on the stove waiting for you when you come home!
Love Mom
Sara! Just realized you didn’t clean those chickens!! Lol still curious to know if you tasted it!!
Mikaela and Sara, so happy to see your blog post. Mikaela I was wondering when you would be leader for the day. I love the details of this blog. I can smell the chicken frying. It looks great. Thanks for capturing the humanity of the family members. I love the picture of you with the youngest family member – which is not at all surprising considering your love for young children. Today is your free day! Have a great day Mikaela! I love you!
Hello Glimpsers! What an early day you kids had! Mikaela and Lucus, great job in the kitchen! Most impressed by the meal you helped prepare!
While field work is very strenuous you are absolutely correct that a positive attitude is key! Keep up the great work Glimpsers!
Soleil – we see you! Love, love, love you!!
Hi I am also happy to see all that is being learn, and the difference in the way you guys are being fed. Julie grandma from Puerto Rico is so proud of you enjoy LOVE YOU. And to all God Bless.
MIKAELA!!!!!! I love you. you are having such a great time. I am so happy for all of you. This trip is creating a lifetime of lessons and experiences that you will carry with you forever. Mikaela I look forward to you repeating that dinner for the rest of our family..lol no more cleaning chicken for me!!! I love the picture of you and the little one. You are all doing so much everyday!!! Thank you Global Glimpse for taking care of our kids!! I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU TUESDAY!! love mom
Hello Julie miss you and LOVE YOU Daddy !!!!!!
I was looking forward to the living like a local day! Sounds like you all had a great experience, and a productive day. I’m so proud of all of you, and hope that you carry these experiences and great memories from here on.
Can’t wait to find out if Julie helped in the kitchen!?!? ??
Hi glimpses! Congratulations on another amazing day! What a unique experience for my city girl to work in the fields and strip quinoa. You look so happy! We can’t wait to see you Ani!! Love,