Hello this is Haley Baugher and Zen Thumparkkul, and we were Lider Del Dias on free day #2. First we will start off with a quick recap of the day. Yesterday we wanted to stay committed to our CAP, so as a group, we decided to spend the first half of our free day completing our project. The day started with us waking up our fellow glimpsers at 7:30am, followed by breakfast 8. After we arrived at Carlos Garbay and delivered a brief motivational speech, we split the group up again into roof and mural committees. Miraculously, the mural was completed mostly just in time with all four regions of Ecuador fully painted.
Although, the roof committee faced even more challenges, they managed to complete the plan for a fully safe ceiling, ensuring the protection of students. THey also hammered in a metal frame for the roof, despite only having 2 hammers amongst 7 students. The rest of the ceiling plan will be completed by the next delegation.
We ended our time at Garbay with thank you and farewell speech to Maria, the director of the school who was finally retiring after more than 35 years. Because we wanted to deliver the speech in Spanish, we asked for Kimberly, Dallana, Andrea, and Diego’s assistance in translating the speech. Despite our inexperience with Spanish, our gratitude reached Maria and she was touched to the point of tears with our effort.
At 1pm we had lunch at our usual spot, Nativa, and then spent our free time visiting the supermarket and walking all the way downtown. So we only had 45 minutes downtown to try to call. Sorry if some of us couldn’t reach you.
After meeting up at Parque Sucre, we took our bus back to the hostel and wrote letters of appreciation to our sponsors and donors. Perhaps the most climatic part of our day was dinner. To everyone’s surprise, A large platter of whole roasted guinea pig “cuy” arrived at our table. Although reluctantly, most of us tried the foreign meat, and many agreed it had the consistency of duck and the taste of fish almost.
Following dinner was the nightly meeting and the much anticipated THE BOYZ concert: this group consists of all 5 boys on this trip. They had been rehearsing for this concert for days. The turn out was great thanks to the management team: Julia, Katie C. Maddie, and Meghan.
As Lideres Del Dia, the committment that the group had to the CAP touched us the most. Not only did we sacrifice our last free day for the project, we also exhibited great camaderie throughout its completion. Everyone encouraged each other to keep perservering, be it with “si se puedes” (yes we can) or by supporting each other throughout the project struggles. We hope everyone in our delegration can continue to positively impact each other throughout the rest of our journey and beyond.
Due to technical difficulties once again we cannot upload or write tonight we hope to finish at dinner tomorrow –
however I wanted to let parents and family know that because we all gave up our morning free time and Diego his day off we all didn’t get a chance to call . We will try tomorrow – Friday around 4 Ecuador time which is 2 hours later than of California
Sara, Katie, Diego, and Evelyn – hi!!! This is Ms. Camarillo aka Lauren and I’m so happy to read all about your incredible trip! Sara and Katie – I’m so proud of you and everything that you’re learning on this trip. Soak it all up! Evelyn – I hope your recovery is going well, and Diego – I miss you lots! BIG LOVE to your whole delegation. I’m sure you felt the love from everyone at Carlos Garbay school as you took time in your free day to finish your project, but just know that a lot of other people (like me, your family, your friends, past and future delegations, future students at Carlos Garbay) are sending you love and appreciation as well. Enjoy your last few days…I already miss Ecuador like crazy! ¡ABRAZOS!
Thanks for letting us know. Look forward to your posting tomorrow. I hope the kids enjoy their final day in Ecuador. I know it’ll be bitter-sweet leaving.
Is that a guinea pig? Yum.
Dinner looks yumm….? love u zahhhraa
Can you get the recipe for the guinea pig? I’d like to try cooking it for Christmas this year. We just need to find a guinea pig in California I guess… [insert thinking emoji]
Nice job, Daughter! I guess you didn’t like the guinea pig, since it tasted like fish. But, I bet your sisters would love it.
Please savor your last day. It’s going to be bittersweet leaving, so soak it up while you can.
Can’t wait to see you on Sunday.
Haley!!! You and Zen wrote a great blog! I’m super proud you all decided to spend your free day helping others! I can’t believe you ate the guinea pig! If it tasted like fish I doubt you ate much! You’re the kid who hides and screams when we have fish for dinner haha! Have an awesome time on the rest of your trip and see you soon!!!!
Hey Haley,
My sorta cool cousin! We all miss you a lot! Whenever we go out, everyone asks if you are coming and they ask why they don’t see you come over anymore haha. Dinner is quiter without you!! We love you! When you get back we can get some photos and milk tea!!!!!
Haha I meant pho!!
Hello, my ugly, sorta favorite sister Haley. We all miss u(sorta) and alot of ppl think ur still in California. I love u Haley!!!!
Haley and Zen, thanks for the wonderful account! The murals are gorgeous and the guinea pig looks hmmm… interesting. Thumbs up to the roof committee! Keep safe students. – Love and hugs from the U.S.A.
HALEYYY!! It’s your bestest cousin. EVERR. Although I miss you, your beautiful laugh, your charisma, your evERYTHING, I’m super duper glad you are stepping out of your comfort zone to better our world. Seeing you voluntarily aid the less fortunate with such positive vibes warms mi corazon <3 and makes me so so honored to be your cousin. I can't wait to hear about all your experiences and the lives you have brought joy and light to. I MISS YOU STAY SAFEEEEEE !!!!
p.s. dude remember the super target we saw in Houston two years ago?? remember how DISAPPOINTED we were when we couldn't visit it? GUESS WHAT !!! super targets in Texas are Targets w/ a produce section… that's basically California's target. bottom line is WE DIDN'T MISS OUT ON ANYTHING CALIFORNIA IS THE GOAT.
Haley
Hey there cuz! It gives me such joy to see you
Haley
Hey there cuz! Reading your blog fills me with such joy and nostalgia; it only seemed like yesterday that I was walking in your shoes. Great work on your community action project – it looks great! I especially liked how the turtle in the Galapagos mural moved from a unicolored shell to one with. Kudos to your group for capturing the diversity you experienced in Ecuador with the colored shell, and your acceptance and enlightenment towards that diversity through the turtle’s transition between shells. As you enjoy your last days, remember: the end to a journey is important, but it is the journey that matters, in the end.
With love,
Dat Vu
P.S: Hi Ms. Hartman ?.
Great job on the mural! Oh man how did the guinea pig taste? Enjoy every minute you guys have there! Hi Mindy, was waiting for your call at 4pm but didnt here from you. But ill see you soon on sunday! Love you.
Mom
Wow the school project looks amazing. I’m guessing you were part of the roof committee Julia. You all did a wonderful job and should be proud! I miss you and can’t wait to see you. Have fun on your last days there. ?
Hi Ms B aka Shiloh
It looks like a fascinating trip with lots to see and do. Can’t wait to see you and hear all about your adventures. It sounds like the weather can be challenging but we know your up for it.
Love, Shay n Mom n Allie
I love you Haley! You are G-Force
Ate*