Today, I was líder Del Día. I chose to lead by myself so that I could challenge myself and my leadership abilities in an already challenging environment. I began by waking up extra early to wake the others and remind them of the materials they needed for the day and to give them a little motivation. Being líder del día was a lot of work, but I am proud of myself for keeping things in check and helping people stay happy and energized throughout the day.
My chant for the day was, “Salvemos las” and they would respond with “tortugas” which means save the turtles. That chant was a look into what our CAP project entails (which is kinda funny because turtles are my absolute favorite animals!)
We began the day taking a 45-minute bus ride to Pedasí where I led the group through our mental warmup. Here at Pedasí, we met our CAP project coordinator named Robert. He spent an hour telling us devastating information about the endangered turtles and telling us the importance they have in Panamanian culture. As much as I expected our CAP project to involve people, this project makes just as much sense since this is what the people wanted. Turtles are essential for the food chain to remain stable and for us and Panamanians to continue getting vital resources for survival. One part of the aid is LISTENING to the community and asking them what they want. It is not necessarily what we think they need, it’s what they ASK for. That’s something I learned today that I think is really important. We will be making a large hatchery for the turtle eggs as well as painting a beautiful mural for a school, promoting Pedasí tortugas while also giving the school a piece of art they wanted.
After lunch and rest, we went to our first teaching session! I was so excited and it was already such a rewarding experience. My students were so much fun and it was beautiful seeing their faces light up when they got a new subject. I can’t wait to help the students out in pursuing their dreams of learning English. Knowing that this will allow them to be more successful and earn 25% more than their peers who don’t speak English, is something we look forward to and are proud of.
Sorry if this made no sense, I feel like I haven’t gotten much sleep haha. But I wanted to tell my family and friends (you know who you are ;)) that I love and miss you all so much! This experience has been so rewarding already and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.
I’m so proud of you Riss!
I 💖 You and miss you
G-ma
if someone from global glimpse with this group sees can you tell william butler “i miss you willy billy cant wait to hear your experience when you come back and hope youre building great friendships with the panamanians!” -JJ
The smiles say it all Maren, so excited for you. You are in your element.
The family misses you and we all love you so much, now go help some Sea Turtles:)
Hey kait,
I hope your are having the time of your life in panama and enjoy every single moment your there! Morgan hill honestly isn’t the same without you but I know your gone for a good cause and your doing is for the good of everyone! What a coincidence you are helping turtles because they are your favorite animal. Well just wanted to let you know we’re thinking of you and MISS you so much but anyways have an amazing time as you experience a whole new world there!
-Michael(Miss you kait)
Wow Macy you get to work with turtles!! That is so cool you know I am so jealous.
MISS YOU!!
Hi Kaitlyn,
I wish I could have seen your reaction when you found out you were helping the turtles! How exciting for all of you! Love your turtle necklace too. Hope you’re taking lots of pictures (with your new friends and with the locals!). It’s good to hear how you’re enjoying the culture, sharing with the locals and learning lots!
We miss you!
Love mom & dad
Hey Kait,
WOW! Such descriptive language in this blog! I can feel your newfound sense of leadership. What an eventful day you guys have gone through, the experience sounds tremendously rewarding for you and I’m glad to see that. A little update on our lives: Julie is still really smart and still lives to party. Michael is really tan and confessed his love for Julie. Nick is at Idaho and eating potatoes and playing Minecraft. And I left my phone in my pocket for 20 minutes when I went into the ocean. Our lives are pretty basic w/out you and we miss you a lot! Julie needs help figuring out whether she shud start things up with Michael or not… Kinda awk but its fine. Anyways, we all miss you so hurry on back cuz I have some surprises for you.
– D
Hey lil Kait! Hope ur having an amazing time out there! We’re all waiting for you to come back so us five can hang out and watch bach again finally… Can’t wait to spend the rest of the summer hanging with you and hearing about ur awesome experiences! Be sure to bring souvenirs for Julie even though she didn’t get us bday presents 🙁
Cya soon!
-NK (ur brother)
Kaitlyn,
hope you don’t have bad diarrhea
xoxo
Kiara
ps: get me something cool like a necklace, mine is breaking. also luke P is still on the bach – im mad. See ya soon buddy!!! (: