Hi Everyone!
Today we visited a farm that the local community (El Molino) established on their own without outside help or funding. We learned that supporting local community businesses helps the community survive. We think that our day was centered on more than just purchasing and shopping, but more on working together and utilizing local products. We were surprised and happy to see that indigenous community was established and that we got to experience their daily lives. They care so much about each other and the work that they do. Cesar, the community leader, mentioned that one of the greatest challenges was the lack of funding and that the news creates misconceptions and today we actually got to live it and experience what their lives are really like. We were surprised to hear about how the labor was not the most challenging aspect of the community but that the lack of funding was the primary source of daily in the community projects and their deadlines. They are responsible for raising money and resources on their own.
It was amazing to see elder women carrying heavy cement bags and rocks in order to complete the community storage room for their local products that they sell in the markets. We met Marcos, the son of Cesar, and his son Andy, who was the young boy who shadowed us all day, it was great to see the different generations working together and enjoying our presence there in the community. Today we got the opportunity to help the community build a storage room for their crops by transporting the rocks from the top of the hill to the center of the community where they are building the storage room. After eating quinoa soup (grown locally), rice, meat, and fresh salad from El Molino we took the scenic route home to La Primavera, singing classic Disney songs (obviously). We are excited to share our experience that we had today in the indigenous community with our friends and family back home.
In the afternoon, we began a discussion about the potential projects for our Community Action Project (CAP) with El Molino. Despite the many opinions and ideas shared, we were able to come to an agreement on several projects to present to the community. These include: beautifying the communal house, creating a community mural inspired by the president of community Luis (hey dad! -Alam), finishing the current storage room, and buying supplies to help with their crops. We ate a delicious dinner and then had our nightly meeting and reflected on our Living Like a Local day. We are excited to further explore a different worldview in the indigenous community with our new Leaders of the Day Chayse and Brandon.
Big Love,
Raphaella, Alam, Debbie.
P.S
From Alam: I love you Sabrina, trying not to miss you too much.
From Debbie: Thanks Mom & Dad & Zelie, I know you guys miss me! Justin, I miss you too.
From Raphaella: I love you Mom and Dad, give my love to Valentina and tell her I can’t wait to tell her all of my stories when I get home! X’s and O’s to Dante too!
Hi val!! I miss you so much. I hope your having a great time adventuring new places and getting to know a new way of life. -lauren
miss you to deb!
Weather looks to be cooperating and everyone looks like they’re having a great time. The community project ideas all seem amazing. I’m sure whatever you all end up doing will be well received. Looking hot in those long sleeves Bailey! I miss you kiddo!
Sounds like you were all working hard and I’m sure very much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing your CAP project.
Love and miss you Bailey! Everything here at home is good.
Dear Debbie: I know you’re having so much fun. I am happy for your being co-leader del dia. I am also so happy you won the history quiz the other day. See, you’re good at history even without Mr. Lira.
To all of you: Your experience today must have opened your minds to many things usually taken for granted. Keep learning things and hopefully this will lead to increased awareness about many world problems which we may not have in the US. But you and all of us are part of this world and not just the US. Have you heard of the African term “Ubuntu?” It means one should only be happy if everyone else is happy. Ask yourself, when you come home knowing the problems the people of Ecuador have, can you be truly happy? You can do something. Your experience at Ecuador is just the beginning of your journey to find a solution. Have a vision, be focused and driven! I am pulling for you all!
Hola,
We appreciate everyone that worked hard today, we are very proud of you all. Giving back to the community is something very special for the locals, I know everyone is giving them your best. This adventure is going to be in your hearts forever. Keep your energy. Thanks for the report much appreciated.
Julio,
Greetings from your family, we are eager to hear from your next adventure everyday. Love you
Best wishes,
Very impressive how self sufficient the people there are and how hard the different generations work together. I think it is great that your group is there and could help them move the rocks to complete a storage room. The local food sounds delicious and healthy. We should all eat so well. I look forward to reading more about the project you choose to help with. Its off to work you go.
What an interesting day in the community. Thank you for the update.
Pilar, sending you lots of love xoxo Can’t wait to hear all your stories -love Mom
From Shane-Miss P, hope you’re having a wonderful time and can’t wait to hear about it when you come home.
Good luck on your service project! E—A took us to the airport. He has a job at the Great Mall. By the way, It’s going to be one of the hottest week during our stay :(. Enjoy!
You glimpsers are “rock” stars to help building the community storage!
Community involvement at any level goes a long way. Look forward in reading about your CAP!
Emi, we are enjoying LV, though it is very hot (108)!!! We are about to see MJ One soon. Mom is REALLY excited! ?
Hang in there and Ganbatte!!!
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Hi Jared! Nice to see your pictures again and read about your day-to-day adventures with your fellow glimpsers. Stay focused and keep up the good work. Mayin said hi, she misses you too…Love you Jay!
Miss you Rapha! Can’t wait to see you at VOM!! Enjoy your travels! Xoxo
Hi baby!! Vera, Steve, Nambanai, Jane, Valentina, Becca, mama and papa in the house sending HEAPS of love! Sounds like a lot of good work and happy times. Missing you so much! Xoxoxooxo
I miss you, but so glad you are getting to be there and share time with all there people.
love