In order to become leader of the day I had to sing and dance to “Let it go” from the movie Frozen. It was a competition between Lorenzo and Coco vs Me. I’m proud to say I earned the hat after embarrassing myself because (to let you all in on a secret) you would never see me on American idol.. haha.
On a more serious note, today was one of the most impactful and strongest days we glimpsers have had do far. Poverty day was really a slap in the face for most, if not all. We started off the day by waking up at 5:15am after having breakfast and then we had an academic seminar. The purpose of the seminar was to prepare us for the reality challenge we were going to confront later in the morning. On the way to the community we were silent in the bus to reflect individually and in respect towards the people that live there. The community seeing us laugh and be excited could be taken in the wrong way and we could’ve offended them unintentionally. We first took a trip to Dona Francisca’s home. She is a 76 year old warm hearted person who shared her amazing and impactful story with us. She told us about her background, struggles, and how it is to live in the community. We then witnessed where the people who live in this community work. This was the strongest moment of the day. As the garbage truck rode down the muddy, rocky path all of the workers walked quickly so they could get the most valuable items left, followed by the dogs they own whom search for food to feed off. Keep in mind, before it reaches the dump others search through the trash so these people have to work twice as hard and they still don’t make enough to be able to start a new life, one much more healthier than the one they live in.
As the garbage slid off the truck a black mist of flies appeared from the floor of the dump. Walking through all the garbage and taking in how it is the home of people was an emotional moment. It definitely affected every individual in the group in a different way but we all did feel very blessed, grateful, and fortunate for we have back home as discussed in our self-reflection. We also realized how serious education should be taken. While walking through the piles of there were many obstacles to overcome. I felt very proud and was happy to see one of the three C’s demonstrated by all the glimpsers was compassion. Someone in the group would let the others know to be careful or watch their step.
The reason why I chose poverty day to be leader of the day is because it is a huge issue all over the world . It makes me very sad and resentful how the government doesn’t do much about these situations. I believe more should be aware of poverty and figure out ways to decrease the amount of people who live or are born into these unfortunate conditions. Apart from this, today’s theme I figured would be a huge eye opener, and I wanted the challenge and responsibility of being a leader. There are many minor details to take into account. It makes one realize how GREAT our program coordinators are for all the work they do. It also helps to apply one’s leadership skills and improve. I loved how it felt to help Beverly, Stuart, Bridget and Henrietta to ease stress on them.
Today we learned quite a lot of information. It was a very tough experience. But apart from that we also saw how although these people live in not so great conditions they learn to cope with it and aren’t ashamed at all of the job they have. One speaker shared, “my favorite part of working in the dump is how we are all united and have fun.” They are searching for plastic, paper, aluminum, etc. It is amazing how much love they have in them that that is all they need to be happy.
After the dump we learned that there are organizations that help out vulnerable children . Visiting El colegio mas Vida we met 10 children ranging from the ages 4-10 who come from communities where violence and alcoholism are a huge problem and experience it on a daily basis. However, through the organization they gain educational opportunities they would not normally have.
In conclusion, today was filled with unforgettable images and eye openers. It was a hard, emotional day overall but we soaked in the information and feel waaaay more grateful for how fortunate we are.
Elsa
Messages from a few glimpsers
Jess: S/O to my family and Gabe😍, today opened my eyes to a new perspective that made me realize how much more grateful I am for you guys & how irrelevant problems between us are, miss and love you all. I’m having so many new adventures i’m excited to tell you guys all about as soon as I get back ! Btw I enjoy your guys comments.
Vivian: S/O to my sister Thy for actually reading the blogs and commenting. I cried when I heard it today 😢. Also relay this message to Mom, “Hi mom, con nho me lam tai vi o day con an beans moi ngay. Luc con ve nho lam cho con an bun Bo hue!” 😍
Claudia: S/O to my family for commenting on the blogs and don’t worry I’m doing the activities & having an amazing time. Also to my boyfriend Jesus, everyone waits to read your comments cause they are funny. I love you guys & I’m counting down the days till I’m home.
I try not to comment on every post but I can’t help it! I know how heartbreaking this could of been for you all it seems to me that you all did a great job in how you dealt with this and you guys can help make a difference! With your post I am even learning alot! Jessica, I know how sentimental you can be at times, Te Amo! You are a brave girl! There is a purpose for all this in your future. Mom loves ya very very mucho and sends you big hugs babygirl! XOXOXOXO…
Hello everyone, It’s good to hear you’re doing well.Wow time has gone by fast,you have done and learned a lot from this experience which I think for all of you will be unforgettable. There’s only one week left. Keep enjoying your time and have a great day! Brianna thanks for the letter we love you and can’t wait to see you soon.
Excellent blog Elsa So very proud of you. I’m so glad for Global Glimpse for giving you guys this great experiences you guys are learning how to became a good leader but most important it teaches that we need to give back to our community in order to became a better society.
I can’t wait to see you Elsita, we all miss you!!
Love you Dad
Well am i honored making me feel famous over here…but on a serious note you guys are having a great experience from what i am reading. I wanted to go myself last year when i had the chance but due to baseball,i couldnt because ball is life…i got a game today in case you guys want to go. Its not that far from where your staying its at orange park in south san francisco…about 10 minutes from nicaragua. Anyways i miss you claudia come back to me… and to elsa jimenez we might be related…beacuse im related to almost everyone apparently aha if your from nochistlan or las animas then there is a possibility…and why would sing frozen…you couldnt sing some lion king…hakuna matata is way better than let it go…just saying…if you’re going to sing frozen you might as well sing high school musical.. anyways claudia i miss you…i know i already said it but i cant say it enough…take care…okay i got a joke… what did the duck say when he bought lipstick…put it on ny bill aha dont laugh too hard
Hi Love, Grandpa and mamanie called to see how you are. Cynthia is willing to send Cerica over to ease the pain. We all miss you and check everyday for a new blog post to see new photos and learn about your activities. Have fun and be careful. Dad
Claudia,
I can see you are having a lot of fun, today I can see you in the pictre. I am glad you are OK. At home is very quiet. we miss you a lot, LOVE YOU mami papy lety and the rest of the family.the dogs.
Hi Jessica,
I am so excited to hear about it everything you are doing. This is a great life experience for all of you! These are great experiences that you will cherish forever and will make you see life different! I am so glad that you are having a blast and that you are enjoying yourself! We miss you! Love you!
Hey babygirl Jessica !! I really miss you and I’m so excited for you and to hear all about it you’re doing great things and I’m so proud of you and this experience I know is gonna be amazing !!
ROSIE!!!!!
Me and daddy are so sorry we didn’t get to answer your call! I was so sad/mad at myself after lol. Anyways I hope you are having a blast..but not too much fun without us! I miss you soooooo much and can’t wait for you to come back and I pinky promise I’ll answer your call next time! Haha take care I love you!
Silver 🙂
Hi Hana! We can’t wait to hear your voice again so call or email when you can. I know you’re probably busy and very tired but the good kind of tired, hopefully. It sounds like your days are full of new learning experiences. We are all missing you so much. We visited Bud who is hospice right now and GG (Jim is in the hospital:( They all asked about you and what you’re doing. Everyone is proud of you. We tried to fill them in the best that we could:) Can’t wait to hear your stories and see your pictures. Hope all is well with everyone there. Thanks for taking care of each other:))
mom
What a powerful experience! I hope you all are taking good care of yourselves and each other. Thank you for including the personal messages – we love hearing from you!
@Emma- Grampa is out of the hospital, Uncle Jason is there taking care of G&G this week, Kyle got certified as a personal trainer (whut?), and Brett has a new job in LA.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
Hi Coco,
We really miss you! It sounds like
you’re group is having an amazing time.
What an awesome experience! I’m so
glad you went on this trip. Your world
perspective has been changed
forever! I can’t wait to see you and hear
all about you trip! See you in a week!
Love you so much!
Love, Mom