Quote of the Day: “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” – Chinese Proverb
Question of the Day: What are the similarities and differences of poverty in the US and Ecuador?
Hello everyone from the leaders of the day (Helena and Lisa)! Today we started off bright and early in the morning at 6:30 AM to head off to the beautiful city of Salinas, a town with one of the best cheese, chocolate, and woven products in Ecuador. The Glimpsers split up into three groups and rotated between salt mines, a chocolate factory workshop, and shopping. For the salt mines activity, we helped pick up trash to clean the area and splashed salt water onto the area of plants to create more salt mine landscape. It was truly a beautiful sight with greenery, streams of water, and breath taking mountain landscape. In the second activity, working at the chocolate factory, the Glimpsers learned the process of making Salinas’ chocolate and had the chance to taste and buy all the different kinds of chocolate they make. While shopping, students had the chance to tour the different types of shops as well as the community. It was difficult to walk up the hills to get to the shops (the elevation is always an element here), but it was worth it in the end.
After the activities, the Glimpsers finally reached the pizza everyone longed for. During lunch, we had an intense singing session that even the locals couldn’t resist. We sang songs from various artists that reminded us of home such as Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, etc. When lunch was over, we had the chance to speak with Padre Antonio Polo, an Italian priest that had helped Salinas develop economic solidarity (which is a society that collaborates like a co-op). He shared an inspiring story of how he came to Salinas and helped the community to grow into a bustling center of cheese, chocolates, dried fruits, textiles, and more! Throughout his time speaking, the Glimpsers were moved by his positivity, openness to share with the community, and the history of Salinas in general. He was willing to answer ALL of our questions with a smile and opened our perspective to how we viewed aid and development and what we can do as a community to help. Additionally, Swiss volunteers had come to Salinas to help the society out with the business aspect, truly exemplifying the quote of the day.
Returning back to the hotel, the Glimpsers enjoyed a quick break before heading into the reflection session of Deconstructing Poverty. We had a seminar, talking about how poverty effects Ecuador compared to the US. The Glimpsers brought up the changes they could make in their communities from their experiences. As leaders, we had the courage to step up and use our voices to lead a truly fantastic day with meaningful and impacting moments. We also showed commitment to our roles as leaders of the day by taking all of the tips from our Global Glimpse Leaders and from previous leaders to become role models for our peers. The Glimpsers showed compassion through listening to our speaker and giving them our respect. We were moved by how genuine, humble, and welcoming the people of Salinas were to us. They helped us experience everything that the community had to offer. The experience impacted us personally through the fact that it shaped our perspectives to view problems that could be solved through the community instead of outside forces. In Salinas, the town did not start off great because their original cheese idea had failed, but through trial and error, they were able to grow through persistence and patience. They had a closer cohesive bond with one another, helping each other through hardships. There is always something to learn from communities, such as Salinas, that the Glimpsers will take back with them.
Big Love shout-outs to everyone in the community of Salinas who let us tour around their city, expanding our knowledge and mind-set. Big Love to the Glimpsers who remained composed with speakers while getting EXTREMELY high in energy throughout the day. Big Love to our Global Glimpse Leaders who had helped us (the leaders of the day) by giving us tips and constant reminders. Big Love to our Program Coordinators for coordinating this beautiful day. Big Love to Luis and the rest of our tour guides for opening their arms and welcoming us into their community. Big Love to Padre Antonio Polo for sharing his amazing story with us. Big Love to everyone back home reading this – your Glimpsers are counting down the days until they are able to see you again. Whenever we read the comments at night together at the meeting, our faces are always filled with joy from the support that everyone has shown. Although we only have 4 days left until our departure from Ecuador, we will use every second to cherish these great experiences with the people around us.
Unity Clap
Salinas
Salinas
Dad aka Father Camilo aka Camilo Wonka
In The Chocolate Lab
Tasting for Quality Assurance (And Pleasure)
Salt Mines
Salt Mines
Padre Polo
Ashwin Musical Invention
Ecuadorian Volleyball
High School Musical 2: Nothing Can Stop Us From Singing (Except Pizza?)
Pizza pizza ?!!! Love the singing and smiley faces!! Thank you for the heartfelt video you posted to all the dads and moms out there. Iana, I hope you are bringing some yummy chocolate home for me. Love you, mom
BRANDON Hi my son, I look for you every day on the posts. It looks like your having a great time. I really miss you!!!!! Today was fathers day the first one without you. I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AN BACK. Seeing you smiling makes it easier. So keep smiling. I hope your taking a lot of pictures.BE GOOD BE SAFE BE SMART.
LOVE DAD
YAY, PIZZA…..
What a fun day! Chocolate factory looks so cool. Nava hope you got some of that chocolate 🙂
Can’t wait to see you in 4 days Glimpses!
Lots of love
So much fun!! Love seeing all the adventures you guys are up to! Alexia… you cease to amaze us!! We are beyond proud of your journey!!
Hi Ashwin,
Aaji and mamma here. Very impressed with your musical instrument. Get lots of chocolate, and SMILE a lot more. 🙂
love and hugs
Hi my Lauryn,
Wow… sounds like you guys had a great, fun day in Salinas! Good to see you looking happy in all the pictures 🙂
Is that armful of chocolates I see you holding coming our way!?! ?
Love you & miss you
Mom
Good to see everyone working hard and having fun @ the same time! what’s a treat for cheese and Chocolate!
Apryl,
We miss you so much and I hope you’re having a great time there, please post
some more picture?
Love Always,
Mom & Dad
Salinas is indeed beautiful, with a sustainable economy. Those chocolates looks delicious. Sophia… I hope you bought us some chocolates & cheese. ?
I saw you with the new sweater…looks nice.
Much love,
Mommy, Daddy, Iffy, & Pluto & Mars.
P.s. I told papa about your trip & he wants to see your pictures when u get home.
hi
from: Henry and chibi
Love the pictures and the video of all of you singing is adorable. 4 more days until I get to see your face my Boo!!! Love, MOm
Everyone looks so beautiful and healthy! Eunice, I am so happy to see that you are having really good time in Ecuador. Until I will see you in few days you will grow even more… I am happy for you and proud of you^^*
Love,
mom
Hi Helena! We miss you! Haha, everyone misses you, mostly mom because she didn’t get to talk to you on the phone. Looks like you’re having a ton of fun and making a lot of cool experiences. (: Remember to stay hydrated.
Hi Maritza! I knew you were the first to reach in for the pizza, (it’s my tummy’s favorite). The town of Salinas looks like it offered delicious treats. The chocolate factory must have smelled amazing. And you probably wanted to rap a J. Cole song, huh. Keep embracing all that Ecuador offers you to share with us soon. I know you are very happy visiting Ecuador, but we are very eager to have you home. See you soon Mari! -Julio and family
It is really fun to see everyone’s faces shining and happy and engaged. The experiences look amazing. Carter I love your cute sweater! Just super thankful and pleased to see how well you and everyone are doing. Keep up the good work.
xoxoxoxoxo
mom and dad
“Smile, smile…” I think I heard you. teehee. Can’t WAIT to see you Thursday. Make the most of your last couple of days!
What a fabulous day – love all the singing and smiling faces! The video you all made was fantastic – heartfelt messages, lots of love, and I’m super impressed with the editing ;-).
I was also hoping some chocolate may be coming my way, though was wondering if they export and maybe we can buy it here too? Would feel good to support the people of Salinas.
So excited to see you in just a few days, Grace. I am so proud of who you are and what you are doing out in the world! I love you and miss you! xoxoxo Mom
So much fun! Breaking out in song seems to be the norm with you Glimpsers and we love it! Meia, hopefully when you get back, we’ll be able to see more of that – you know, like when we ask you to help clean all the bathrooms! ?
And thank you for the nice surprise today. I’m glad I got to hear your voice. Dad misses his girl way too much and hearing you cry just made it worst. You got me all teary-eyed at work! Don’t worry baby girl, you’ll be home soon. I know you want us at the airport too, so I’ll try my best since I’ll be on the clock. Worst case, we’ll be reunited the next day anyway!
Oh, and we can assume you’re bringing back some of that chocolate to add to our neverending stash in the pantry, right?! ?
We love you and miss you so so much!
Dad & Cat
Yuvi we miss you an love you !!!! Can’t wait till you come home.
Your sis ,brothers and nieces
Hi my beloved glimpsers. Its Carlos, your GGL. I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love and support during a very difficult time. Thank you to those who left me a note in my room and for everyone in general. Im bummed that I had to leave early and did not get a chance to say goodbye to all of you due to the circumstances I was in. I will honestly say from the bottom of my heart that I love and appreciate all of you and the moments that we shared. You are all bright and amazing souls and I am really excited for what the future holds for all of you. Continue to spread love and light and enjoy the remainder of your trip. I am back home now with my family and im doing much better with my health so thank God for that. I will be sending you all an email expressing my innermost thoughts and feelings after you get back from your trip. Much love to all of you and enjoy yourselves to the fullest! Feel free to reach out to me whenever after your trip—you have a friend and source of support for life. Much love ya’ll and take care.
Hi Brandon!!.. it’s your sister just wanted to tell you I miss and hope your have the best time ever.. I’m so proud of you I love seeing all the pictures and videos.. I can’t wait until you come home!!.. love you boo
Hi Kayla,
What a wonderful day for you all. Having fun in Salinas : visiting chocolate factory! Hope to taste one, too. Pizza for lunch! And singing too! Wow!
We can’t wait to see you in just a few days, Kay, we are so proud of who you are and what you are doing out in the world!
One big news, you are now an Aunt!! Kuya and Bonnie had Conor Greyson this morning.
We love you so much!
❤️Dad, mom, Nikki & Chai
Lola says hi!
Hi Ash,
I’m so happy to see your smiling face. Looks like you are all having fun and enjoying it there. Did I hear you visit the chocolate factory? Ethan would love to hear about that. He is so bored without you home. He is counting down the days until he see you. We miss and love you con! BTW thanks for the greetings for dad on Father’s Day. You really made his day!
❤️mom, dad, and Ethan
Hi Ashwin,
I hope you’re enjoying your trip :). (I can’t tell though because there aren’t many pictures of you smiling) Your instrument was pretty cool by the way. I see you’ve got a fan
The cats miss you(or at least Oreo does, I don’t know about Alana). They’ve been sleeping all over your stuff.
When you come back you can watch the world cup with us. Mexico played really well against Germany and won.
We all miss you, please bring back lots of chocolate if you can!
Maanasi
Isn’t it amazing how music has the strength to pull people of different cultures together? Music is essentially a universal language. Your group has tapped into a very powerful tool.
Meia- so that’s the chocolate you were referring to! They look so exquisite that I can’t wait to sample them ? I may have to hide a few pieces because you know how I like to indulge in chocolate slowly. If it sits long enough someone will be tempted to taste it for me. Lol! When we’re on the phone, I keep the energy in my voice to be strong for you over the phone while in my heart I miss you like crazy. I’m more happy for you than sad because I know this experience fills you with happiness and that makes me feel joy and peace within.
We know you’ve had an emotional roller coaster while you are away and it’s A-ok. It’s not as though you’re an just an hour away so it probably feels more overwhelming. In the same breath, you are miles and miles away with wondrous views and breath-taking moments. It’s ok to feel vulnerable and it’s ok to be brave all at the same time. Keep your head up lil Goonie. ? The world is meant to be explored and that includes all the emotions that come with it. So there is no reason you need to be mulling around the Bay Area with your families while the world awaits YOU! We are so proud of you for sharing your heart and compassion with those that equally want to feed your spirit with positivity.
We’re done sharing you with the world and would like to have you back soon since we only get very little time with you during the summer and that’s the only free time we’ll have all year! ?? ? See, we too have mixed emotions like you. Baby Val is making screeching/chuckling noises at Kayleb because she missed him so much. I can only imagine how excited she’ll be to see you. Watch out for your hair-she loves it and has gotten rather quick. Ok, 3 more days and counting!!!
Love and missing you from Cali!
? The Goonies
Christian, Mom, Valentina, Kayleb and Faith