Today was a big day for the group. We woke up at 6:30 and got ready to go to a delicious breakfast at Cafe del Tren. Carlos and his family served us a delicious spread of fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bread and butter, hot chocolate and juice. Around 8:15 we walked over to our first partner of the day, Coordinadora Política de Mujeres or “Casa de la Mujer“. There we met the coordinator Suzana, who shared the moving origin story and purpose of the organization with us. Casa de la Mujer provides legal, psychological, reproductive, and entrepreneurial services to women at risk. We had a lot of questions for Suzana, and after an engaging panel-style discussion some of us bought hand-made crafts made by the women of Casa de la Mujer and got on the bus to head over to our next partner.
Around 10:30, we arrived at Jambi Kiwa (Herbs that Heal when translated from Quechua to English). This organization was founded by an indigenous woman who wanted to provide an opportunity to spread indigenous knowledge, and generate more jobs in the local community. Jambi Kiwa works with over 50 farmers in the local area to produce a plethora of delicious and healing teas. After a tour of their fields and processing plant, we really understood how passionate these people are about equitable and environmentally conscious business practices. All their products are 100% organic and fair trade.
We then stopped at Roma Santa around 1:00 for soup, salad, beef and rice, chickpeas and mushrooms for vegetarians and passionfruit juice. Most of us then returned to the hostel, enjoyed some free time, went to the internet cafe and worked on english lessons. Danielle, Lydia, Mario and I went with Juanito and Ana to go buy supplies for our CAP (Community Action Project) that we’re starting tomorrow!!! From 4:00-6:00 we had english teaching at Maldonado as per usual, and afterwards returned to Roma Santa for dinner. At 7:30 we returned to Tren Dorado and the torch was passed to Dana and Sam at our nightly meeting. After some reflection on the events of the day, their significance and connections to life back home, we had a half hour to relax and take a little time to plan english lessons before going back to our rooms for the night.
Being Líder del Día was both challenging and rewarding. I think the hardest but most gratifying aspect was having to push myself out of my comfort zone in order to help my peers do the same. On my part this included speaking out and being a little more assertive than normal in order to make sure we were all engaged and making an active effort to gain new experiences with new people.
We definitely have our work cut out for us tomorrow, good luck to Sam and Dana on mañana’s adventure!!
Wow! I’m glad that you had the opportunity to meet with the Quechua , and see their community and business enterprise! How fascinating! Look forward to hearing more about your wonderful experiences tomorrow! What an amazing opportunity!
Hi Toots,
This is so cool that you were able to visit the Casa de la Mujer and Jambi Kiwa! It is so cool to hear about how the indigenous folks are growing their own herbs. I hope you were able to try some tea. I hope you tried the passion fruit juice too. I was telling your mom that it was so cute to see you wearing the “sisterhood of traveling jacket”. That is that jacket I took with me on my first global adventure to France. I miss you so so much! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip and what you have learned. And to see the stamp in your passport lol. Love you!!!!
-Quacks
❤️ your post!! We just don’t have enough words to express our pride! Sam has also developed a passion for passion fruit. Is it a major export? Sending BIG Love ❤️ from Deerfield, Illinois, Mom & Sam
Em,
Not sure if you get to see these comments but wanted to post one in case you do. What a full and amazing day and trip! Am very proud of you for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone – this whole trip represents some of that I am sure for all of you and then you pushed even farther being Lider del Dia! I look forward to hearing every detail of your perspective on the entire trip when you get back. Keep on learning, enjoying, growing and pushing!!!
Oceans of love,
Dad