Buenas Noches from Bella and Marcus.
It was a beautiful day – no rain! Today we had a later start; most of us got up around 7:00 am, and as usual, some of us participated in yoga with Michelle.
We had more of an American-style breakfast today: pancakes and scrambled eggs with fruit and some orange juice. After eating, we led a series of energizers as a mental warm-up.
Our morning consisted of two seminars to prepare us for our Community Action Project (C.A.P.). We learned about the importance of sustainable development and the difference between helping and supporting. Our delegation first split into three groups with different amounts of materials with the direction to build their own cubes out of paper. We then discussed what happens when different groups have access to different resources. After a short break, students then explored how we would use our skills to be great volunteers during our next three days of C.A.P.
The afternoon began with a delicious lunch accompanied by mint, kiwi, and cucumber juice! We used our day at home to bond a little more during our free time. We had an hour and a half to play games and just talk before had our afternoon seminar.
For two hours, our guest speaker: Rodrigo taught us how to use our abilities to plan and execute almost any sustainable project. Much Big Love to Hannah and Kayla for their awesome translation skills. Rodrigo only spoke Spanish, so they made sure the group understood the session and took the risk of presenting alongside Rodrigo. Students were then sent off to practice the skills needed to give back to a community. Rodrigo then lead Bella to plant a tree in the backyard of our beautiful home, symbolizing that we are all capable of acting and supporting our community!
We now know that in order to take action, we need to have a plan to execute our ideas. Here is a sample video you can watch: IMG_2894. Students feel confident to tackle whatever work they need to do tomorrow. We’ll be working hard to improve a local school from 8 am to 4 pm.
Our long day of learning ended with time to reflect. Students broke into four groups and asked questions of each other to get to know one another better.
During our nightly meeting, we gave Big Love to our reflection groups, as all of us felt we got to know each other on a more vulnerable yet safe and connected level.
We wanted to give extra appreciation to our chefs: Michael, Marvin, Dona Ligia, and Dona Ligia’s daughter. There is a photo of the with us at the tables where we take our meals; we took a picture to express our thanks to them.
As we finish typing this blog, we have a small bonfire lit to make s’mores to celebrate the fourth of July, or for those to don’t celebrate, just another time to bond and laugh together before our big day tomorrow.
We hope you’re all happy and well in the States, and we’re sending you virtual s’mores filled with love and positive energy.
Your leaders of the day – Bella and Marcus, signing off!
Hello everyone
glad to see pics and glad to hear about all your amazing work and learning experiences
Happy 4th of July
sending good vibes
God Bless you all
love Mom and Dad
bella this makes me so happy!! looks like you’re doing amazing work, i am an extremely proud best friend ♡ costa rica looks good on you! love you always girly
miss you so so much,
liv
Good luck to all on your Community Action Project!
Big Love!
Thank you, Bella & Marcus, for the blog entry!
These blogs are so detailed and keep us all so well informed about what is happening on the trip!
So proud of everyone participating – cannot wait to hear and see more about the C.A.P. !
Hi there
you guys looks so happy like youre having the best time of your life
enjoy every minute of it..take lots of pics great memories for a lifetime
sending blessings to all…give my Baby Kevin my hello
love mom and dad
Dylan,
Love seeing you in the pics!
Miss you so much, but so proud of all that your doing.
Are you going to do a bio? Would love to see that.
All our love,
Mom & Dad
Hi everyone, glad to hear you celebrated July 4th in your own special way. I can’t wait to hear more about your Community Action Plan. Be safe and do your best.
Great work Bella T. We miss you terribly (and the apartment is very quiet without you) but so excited to hear about your adventures. Be thankful you’re not in New York. It’s too hot. Enjoy the rain and those early mornings. Yoga sounds like a grand idea. Moose says hi.
Such valuable experiences over the last few days! Love the blog, the video, and the pictures! You young people are amazing!
Hi Michelle and Glimpsers
This was a truly busy day for learning and socializing and food..my kind O’Donoghue day.
You should all be so proud of what you have accomplished. You projects will be wonderful. I think you mentioned it will take place over a 3 day period. Rest up, sweet dreams and look forward to tomorrows blog about your busy day.
Michelle you are our rockstar who is so loved,
Mom and Dad
We love reading this blog and following your adventures. The pictures are wonderful and your smiling faces make them even more so. I cannot wait to hear more about your projects and the impact you will have.
Emmy,
We miss you like crazy but are so proud of you and happy that you are a part of this amazing experience. We love you so much. Mom, Dad, Johnny, Julia and Lizzie
We’re blown away by all the incredible experiences you’re having. You are all going to change the world. Can’t wait to hear more about the C.A.P.
We love and miss you, Tai
Dad, Mom, Rowan, and Quinn.
Hola a todos los jóvenes, saludó en especial a mi hija kayla…
Te extraño y espero con ansias el día de tu regreso.