¡Hola!
After two long days of travel, we are all finally settled down in our gorgeous hotel for the next 2 weeks. We have had a very warm welcome from our PCs Marco and Margarita – they’ve truly made us feel at home!
We woke up early this morning in Quito and then headed out on a long, but beautiful, bus journey to Guaranda. Not only did we have a pretty amazing soundtrack made by Marco, but we also learned that Asha looooooves bus rides! We even drove past Chimborazo, a volcano we will be exploring later in our journey!
After we settled into our hotel with our assigned roommates, and met our gracious hosts, we headed off to have lunch at a restaurant just a short walk away. This delicious meal was followed by a welcome orientation in which we were all reminded of the rules, expectations, and protocols. Glimpsers then met with us one-on-one to make sure everyone was feeling comfortable – so far so good! In fact Kieran and Ellery gave us quite a laugh, they seem to have a great sense of humor. While we got ourselves organized, Glimpsers initiated their own card games, including a makeshift, very energetic, game of spoons. We have had yet another great meal and our first nightly meeting – success!
We are really excited to continue to get to know the students – you (parents and guardians) seem to have raised really great young people who are already exhibiting amazing leadership skills. They are respectful, compassionate, and enthusiastic and we are so looking forward to experiencing the next few weeks with each of them!
BIG LOVE!
Kate and Emily
P.S. Please leave comments for your Glimpser in the comments, we will read it to them and we know its something they really look forward to 🙂
So glad to hear all is going well and that you’re settling in! Lindsey Gaul, the cats miss you and so do we, but we’re so excited to hear all about it when you get back! 🙂
We’re happy that you are in your spot after a long trip! Have fun while you are helping out ❤️
Asha, it is so lovely to see this photograph. I am missing you more than I imagined I would. But I am so happy that you are having the time of your life at Guaranda with your friends in such a wonderful community. Dad and I were talking about you on our way back from P2P. Ravi has gone to Berkeley today to watch the Warrior’s game with his friends. At home it is work as usual. It was a little hard to get back to work today after the vacation. But, all good. Sparky is his usual self with his tantrums and cute little things. Lots of love to you from all of us here. We will keep reading these blogs and stay connected.
Have a wonderful and joy filled time… be happy… safety first.
Hi Kalei! We hope you’re having a great time in Guaranda! It was 100 here today – hope it’s cooler there! We miss you already! Love Dad, Aline, Galliano, Valentino and Chester. (No bubbles). PS how’s the eyelid??
As a former glimpser (Leon2B in 2017) I know how easy it is to take this trip for granted but you will all grow so much and have so much fun these next two weeks! Just to update you on what’s going on back home: Warriors won game 5 and it was 104 degrees today(!!) Emily, we all love and miss you and can’t wait to keep up with the blog!
-Rachel
Ellery we are glad you arrived safely & are settled in! We are so excited to hear all about your amazing adventure! Hope you have a blast! We love you & look forward to seeing you soon!!! Auntie Jenny, Uncle Lance, Alyssa, Mathew & Andrew💖💖💖
Thank you for documenting the experience the group is having! I’m thrilled to hear (& see) that Ellery is happy and spreading laughter. Please let her know: it was 100 degrees in Pinole today – she picked an excellent time to be in Ecuador!
Glad to hear that the Glimpsers are enjoying themselves. I hope the next two weeks are as fun and eventful as the first day!
Enjoy this once in a life time experience we love you -yanez family to crystal yanez💕🎉
I’m so excited for all of you! You are going to learn so much about your new community and yourselves and I have no doubt that you will make the world a better place.
Hi Madison and fellow Glimpsers,
Love seeing your photos and following the blog! Hope you’re enjoying the adventure so far…what an amazing view of the world you have in this moment. Take it all in- I look forward to seeing what your share.
Hugs to all (and Madison, in particular :),
Mom
Hi Lucy and other glimpsers,
It’s so cool that there is a blog for us to read!!! Lucy, awesome to see your face there and to know you are safe and sound. You are missing a huge heat wave here..
Hi Emily!
Can’t wait to see more pics and hear about your trip.
Love mom
Hi Josh & all Glimpsers,
We are really thankful you all arrived safe in Guaranda.
Josh, we know you are nervous but excited in this journey. Just have a great time while learning, making new friends and making a difference.
Thank you Emily & Kate for taking care of our Glimpsers!
Hey Marelyn, so dad hasn’t been able to sleep. The warriors are now 2-3, dad and mom say they really miss you and que te cuides mucho, Evelyn is sleeping in your room, y mi abuelo williams, mama maria, y papa luis said Hi y que dios te bendiga. Shakira hasn’t noticed you’re gone yet but she keeps going to your room and scratching your door so who knows. Oh and Paco has kept asking if you are okay. But anyways we love you and miss you hopefully you are all good there and we hope you enjoy this trip and take something back with you. Love, Jocy
Hi Ariana!! Bijan, Mom and Oliver here to say hello! It sure is quiet around here without you. But it looks like you are having an amazing time with your fellow Glimpsers. What kind of food have you eaten? Anything unique that you have never eaten before? What is the weather like? Is it really as chilly as we thought it would be? Did you overpack? Can’t wait to hear all the deets! Be safe and enjoy. Love Mom, Bijan and Ollie (woof woof) <3
Was so happy to see the blogs and to know that you are all there save and sound. EP we miss you and hope you and your fellow Glimpsers have amazing stories about all the wonderful things that you’ll see and learn about while there. You all picked the perfect time to escape our area – it’s quite hot here (over 105 today). Hope you all keep journals and take pictures – Can’t wait to hear more. Enjoy and hugs all around.
Hi Kalei – I hope you are having a wonderful experience and meeting lots of people. Enjoy every moment as it will go by fast. Don’t forget about your little notes from me to help pass the time:) I miss you loads and can’t wait to hear all about your adventure. PS you are not missing much here and it’s super hot here in Castro Valley. We are in the high 100’s. Love you pretty girl!!!!! xo Mama
Kieran! we miss you! dinner just wasn’t the same without your valuable opinions and insights. Dada watered your plants tonight and tin tin continues to enjoy the Berkeley heat wave. Hope you continue to entertain, and enjoy Guaranda! <3, momma and dadda
Josue: we are happy and happy because God has blessed you this summer, has given you the opportunity to go to that country where you will live a beautiful experience in which I imagine there are so many beautiful places and extraordinary people that you will not forget, that you enjoy and live every moment, every moment to the fullest, and that you enjoy working with your group of colleagues, and that they know and discover many things. We love you very much and we miss you.
Arriba josh its me dweeb.