As the rooster crowed at 7:00 am in downtown Riobamba, Hotel Mashany transformed into “Fort Knocks” as we (Claire and Sydney) pounded on each Glimpser’s door for a very efficient wake-up. Although we were met by many groggy faces and not so pleasant remarks, everyone’s mood was brightened by the time we were served fresh fruit and pan tostado at breakfast. As Leaders of the Day, we made it a point to always plan ahead in order to keep the Glimpsers informed, as well as promoting breaks and the hydration of the group (sometimes against their will). Personally, I (Claire) felt that I easily fell into the role of Líderes del Día because I was able to utilize my voice to organize the group, even though I am typically on the quieter side. I (Sydney) enjoyed the chaos of the day (managing the Community Action Project) and being able to make sure everyone was feeling peppy and ready to work hard.
At Reyna Pacha, the preschool where we are completing our Community Action Project, we were surprised by the dedication of the locals who helped us. A group of approximately fifteen women (some mothers of children at the school), worked with our fellow Glimpsers in order to level out the field in the back of the school and create a fruit and vegetable garden. Another community member who we greatly admire and appreciate is Pablo; he has been very patient and hardworking with us. He helped us scrape paint off the walls, showed us how to correctly apply and smooth the paste on the wall to decrease the humidity inside, as well as singlehandedly installed three toilets.
We were especially inspired by Pablo because he has no children attending the preschool, yet he has donated three days of his time and provided immense expertise for the greater good of his community. By the end of the day, our group had successfully pasted all the indoor walls, painted the rooftop play area, and leveled the upstairs ground
#CAPonCAPonCAPonCAP. After the bumpy 45 minute drive from the school to our hotel, we took refreshing and slightly chilly showers to prepare for tutoring.
As we near the end of our English tutoring lessons (only one more to go!), each Glimpser has grown closer with their students and enjoyed taking on the role of being teachers. Although we had a few bumps along the road, each Glimpser takes pride in the fact that their students’ English skills improve every day #tutortime. We look forward to finishing our Community Action Project on Saturday and seeing all the positive impacts it will have on a local community. With only four days remaining in the trip, Glimpsers share the foods they desire most upon return, with mac and cheese being a fan favorite. We also have been discussing what we will miss most in Ecuador, including the welcoming community members and stunning views of Riobamba.
Sydney Levy, Highland Park High School
Claire Zipsie, Hinsdale South High School
You worked so hard. Thank you for acknowledging the community’s involvement and help to work together as a team to make the school beautiful. Special thanks to Pablo for his dedication and hard work. I laughed when you had hard time getting up in the morning. I am so proud of you that you wake up early, so you can use the precious daytime to accomplish your tasks and to achieve your goals. Time is money. I hope you will leave a great impression for your English tutoring for your students and an imprint for the CAP. Every minute counts! Everyone’s effort counts! You are an amazing team! So proud of all of you!!!
Claire! Only 4 days left of your trip! I would say the time has flown by but it hasn’t for me. I feel like you’ve been away for so long. Enjoy the last days there. Take lots of pictures and I can’t wait to see you!
I see the Global Glimpse team is really working hard to insulate the room that the children will go to on a daily basis for school. Planting a garden for them. Continue to meet your goals that you are trying to achieve while you are there. Much love to my granddaughter Kyra Turner. Can’t wait to hug you and give a big kiss.
Yay Sydney!! Miss you lots and can’t wait to see you soon 🙂
-Rachel
Work,work,work! Everyone is doing an incredible job. I can’t wait to see the finish product. It is so wonderful how well everyone is blending in with the local community. Oh Czar, now that you can do landscaping, I can not wait to use your talents on our backyard. Stay prayerful, safe and keep spreading joy!
Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!
Another well written and detailed blog. I really am in awe of the hard work that you are all doing. Erika I saw you working hard in the garden. Each of you are wonderfully amazing. I pray that you will continue to use your hard work and dedication here in the states when you come home. It is needed here also. Being able to share yourselves the way that you are doing is a blessing not only for the Ecuadorian people but for you as well. Thanks for sharing another beautiful experience and continue to learn and grow on your remaining days. Love you Erika
GPaL Aunt Dee Dee
It’s so heartwarming to see my daughter actually doing some work?. Danielle, We miss you so much around here! I can’t wait to hear your stories and see all the pictures you’ve taken. Until then we hope to get another call from you tomorrow, mommy loves you bug?.