¡Hola familia y amigos!
This is Aaliyah, Jordyn, and Mark reporting our very eventful Living like a Local day!
Living like a Local was huge adjustment for all of us. We went an entire day with no electricity, no running water, and no cameras to take pictures for our beautiful family and friends. We had to take bucket showers and put our flashlights to use throughout the day.
After a very early 6:30 wake up call, we had a local breakfast of hot chocolate and bread. We learned more about the families of the community Cañada de las Palmas during our Mental Warm-Up before being divided into our groups. Once we arrived at Cañada de las Palmas, we met the president of this neighborhood association, Jose Victoriano, who takes pride in making sure everything in the community is straight and that everyone has a positive attitude. When we arrived, half of the Glimpsers took an intensive hike up the mountain to Los Gajitos and the other stayed on the lower parts of the mountain, but nonetheless we were all put to work. Our host families tasked us with different chores such as washing clothes, mopping, sweeping, and heavy outdoor lifting. After we completed our chores for the morning, we had the opportunity to get to know our host families a little better and even got to enjoy a cup of coffee with them.
For lunch, we had rice and beans, orange rice with salami, and potato salad…with carrots! Lunch was prepared not only the women of the community but also some Glimpsers, and after we ate we got a chance to play with the children. Games ranged from baseball to capture the flag and there were more than enough piggyback rides given. The rain shortened our fun time with the community which only made it harder to say goodbye :(. We really enjoyed our fun time with everyone in this positive community.
After that we came back to the hostel and finalized our Community Action Project (CAP) presentation. Once our presentation was flawless, we jumped right into our self reflection groups where we talked about how Living like a Local impacted us severely and how we will improve our lives once we get back home. Ending our self reflection, we all quickly changed from lounge wear to business attire to present our CAP presentation, which went extremely well. The panel loved all of our wonderful ideas, and we are excited to move forward with this project and show you all in the near future.
After a hard working day, we squeezed some free time into our schedule. During this time, most of us were playing card games, others were sleeping or taking their final bucket shower :). Continuing on in the life of a local, we had dinner which consisted of plantains with onions and deviled eggs. Although we were quite exhausted, we successfully made it through the day with a positive attitude and smiles on our faces.
Thanks for reading our blog!
Much love,
Aaliyah, Jordyn, and Mark!
This is such a great experience and opportunity for our children to learn a different culture and be a blessing to others. The Hatch family is ever thankful for Global Glimpse in providing this vehicle of growth to our son.
Yes it was different and maybe difficult and it probably seemed like the longest day of your life but this was a normal day. I wish I could have been their during the discussion of Reflection.
Glad you guys are sharing your experiences. Love Ma
Mark, Aaliyah and Jordyn What a fantastic experience you had! To “Live like a local” the entire day without the basic essentials that we are used to, was very brave of you. To know that the president portrays a positive attitude that matriculates to his community, I’m sure made your experience more bearable. Hearing that you will transfer this learning experience to your life when you return home is magnificent! Great job guys!
I know this was an experience you all will never forget. It should be a reality check for you and an appreciation for what we have here in the USA which we take for granted!!
Buenas Tardes Glimpsers, today’s blog was great! I enjoyed the detail and great photos. Continue to make great memories and bring back all the positive energy. Mason- I have a bucket with your name on it if I don’t get my piggyback ride. Love Mom
Amazing day. Great blog. Thank you.
Hello Victoria and fellow Glimpses! This trip is truly an honor and a blessing, make sure you share it all with everyone when you return! We miss you!!! I wish you could bring me some of their authentic meals, I’m sure they are very tasty! Well enjoy the trip and SAVOR every moment!
Awesome baby you in all the pic ?? so glad You are getting this life experience a memory that you would never forget I love you so much nd can’t wait to get my arms around you. Love you more than you know. Daddy