“RISE AND GRIND Y’ALL!” is what we said as we walked down the hostel halls waking everyone up for our big day.
Waking up to begin Day 3 of our Community Action Project was filled with determination, enthusiasm, as well as sleepiness (due to the fact that we woke up very early). We arrived at Guanito at 7:30am and didn’t leave until around 7:00 pm. All 30+ of us made ourselves busy by either, welding benches, painting tires, mixing and laying down cement, building play structures, repairing slides, and most importantly playing with the local children as they were eager and anxious to begin using the new and improved park. We were greeted with open arms by mothers in the community who generously opened their houses for us to enjoy our lunch after a long day of hard labor. After lunch we went back to work, and a true transformation was beginning to appear before our eyes. At first we felt as if our project had been a bit “too ambitious”, but by the end of day 3 we were proud of our completion.
While working on our tasks we made sure to bond with the locals and make as much conversation as possible. Local community members from ages 10 months to 60 were all positively involved in the project. After our long hours of labor that consisted of sweating, getting sunburned, and getting bitten by mosquitoes, we proudly stepped back and looked at our final project with awe. Children were already playing and parents were already sitting on the newly constructed and painted benches. It was finally time to say our bittersweet goodbye in our ritual of “Big Love.” Everyone who took part in this endeavor stood in a circle and began to thank each other for their time and effort. It was difficult saying goodbye to those who now have such a special place in our hearts. We were overwhelmed with group hugs, kisses, and tears when we departed. We drove past the park for the last time as we made our way back to the hostel. We were left with memories, a feeling of accomplishment, hundreds of photographs taken with the community, and the sweet words of being told “we’re always welcome back to Guanito”.
Julia & Jasmine <3
counting down the days brenda. i hope you’re enjoying your time even though you hate bugs and love sleeping in. can’t wait to hear all the stories you have ready for us. be safe and te mando muchos kisses and hugs.
hey Alex! I’m glad you guys made a lot of progress today with your CAP Project. I miss you bunches bruh. Love!!
Wow!! So proud of you all
NICOOOOOO AHHHHH I miss you so much! I just got home last night and oh boy it was a long flight. But I miss your pretty face and I need you to come home soon because I am lonely. Also funny story, the second we land I got a text from Emily saying I was fired so that wa s a great welcome home. I really don’t know how to feel about that. When you come home you will learn that I know how to properly dance bachata and merengue and love Romeo Santos. I know that will make you happy for when you come over. I hope youre eating a ton of waffers because if you’re not I’m a little disapointed. That is all my delagation snacked on. Anyway, be safe and I love you!
Also Hiiiiiiii Alex I hope youre having a great trip! Love you my dude!
Enjoy your last day there sweetie! I can’t wait until tomorrow night, I’m so excited to see you and to hear all about your amazing 16 day journey. Have a safe flight home and I’ll see you soon sweetie! Love, hugs and kisses!
Such beautiful work! Julia, I’m impressed you took on co-leader del dia for one of the busiest days. The last day of CAP projects is often a rush, but your work turned out beautiful! It’s great you have some artists in the group 😉 I look forward to hearing your stories when we recruit next year’s delegates. Have a wonderful conclusion of the big adventure!
Mr. Sierra