¡Buen Trabajo!
¡Estamos listos! We are Katelyn and Savinnie, the Líderes del Día for our CAP 2 Delivery day! The quote of the day was “A lot of little people, doing little things in little places, can change the world🌎” -Eduardo Galeano. Someone once said, when you’re scared that you don’t have the power to change the world, start first by changing yourself, and once you’ve become a better person, the world will also change for the better. Today, the world changed, because we’ve all changed ourselves for the better. By immersing ourselves in a different culture in a different country, we have all become more compassionate, committed, and courageous.
My day started off with a confused alarm situation. Both the alarms that I set the night before did not go off as planned, but I managed to wake up at 6:09 AM, thinking it was 5:09 AM. I looked out the window and a touch of blue sky shimmered through the clouds. After not being able to fully comprehend the numbers on the watch, we successfully got everyone ready to embark on our adventure to the farm. After our wonderful breakfast of a cheese and butter sandwich and freshly cut fruits, we arrived at the farm to continue building our glorieta and to put our final touches to the structure. We split into groups and went off to work on our group tasks, such as transporting more soil to the base of the glorieta and applying primer paint to the tables. After a few hours of work, the students of Carlos Garbay surprised us with a special dance that they organized to thank us for our contribution to their school. They were dressed in traditional clothing that was full of color and intricate designs that fully embodied their culture. As they danced, they invited several glimpsers to join the dance and gradually everyone was on their feet, swaying to the music and sharing a moment dedicated to gratitude. As Líderes del Día, we thanked them for giving us an opportunity to give back to the community in Riobamba in such a special way.
Lunch, an American-style sandwich, was a refreshing reminder of home. Energized after a delicious meal, we were ready to get back to work. We made the cement as the base of the glorieta and the art crew painted 3 of the 4 regions of Ecuador on the tables. Our entire group left our marks on the rocks leading to the hut, by placing our handprints with colorful paint. Although the roof is still incomplete, we are very fortunate that the next delegation has decided to take on our project to finish our legacy. We said our goodbyes and captured some memories with everyone that contributed to the glorieta.
Next, we had our fourth English lesson. Despite the time crunch, we all got accustomed to leading the class and all our lessons went smoothly! We will be really sad to have to leave all our students that have taught us so much! We headed back to the hostel and enjoyed a delicious meal. We concluded the night with a very meaningful self reflection.
The moments we shared with everyone at the school created a sense of family that made the work we put in these few days not seem like work at all. Although these few days were full of drops of sweat and many blisters, there could not have been a better way for us to give back to this special community that will always have a meaningful place in our hearts. Our glorieta will continue to harbor our passion and love to serve.
Lauren, it looks like you are having a wonderful experience. I love reading the blogs . Keep up the good work and enjoy every minute. Love, Nana
This looks amazing! Great job glimpsers! You all look so happy. The locals do too. Love their clothes. Enjoy your last few days! Sending Okmin love to Cammy – Baylee sends her cuddles. We live and miss you.
The glorieta looks great. Thank you for all for the detailed blogs and numerous pictures. Enjoy the last few days together. Lauren, Emma and I are dressing up as ghosts for the Amazing Race ;). Love you! Mom
The glorieta looks great! You all did a fantastic job ??
Reading the blog has become a family gathering every night, we love ❤️ it. Love you Sam. Muchos besototes mi amor ?
Hi Katelyn (Mamita) – YAY!!!! Finally a post from you I have been patiently waiting for. It’s exciting you got to be a Lider and please hurry back and build me a glorieta in our backyard 🙂 The thing about giving a little is that when everyone gives a little, it turns into a lot and so doing little things can definitely change the WORLD! I Love it !!! ….So philosophical and wise. Glad you’re having a very rewarding experience and can’t wait to hear all about it. Please teach me the dances you have learned too and do you like cheese now other than mozarella? BUEN TRABAJO! We all miss you!!! JP says hi and see you in 4 days! love you, MOM
Hi Katelyn!!
I’m glad to hear you are having fun! ….So you are learning a lot…! the pictures you just posted I can’t find you….I had to click on other blogs to see you!
What a great experience, continue the good work and keep us posted! See you soon…
love,
auntie Doris
Katelyn,
I am so glad you are having fun and enjoying your time in Riobamba, and making a difference there. Can’t wait til you get back and miss you!
The framework with the concrete base and tables looks great. The hand printed pathway makes it fun and personal. A solid foundation for a very impressive CAP project, well done!!
Sounds like it was super rewarding to interact with the school and students as they acknowledged your welcome addition to the farm.
Keilana, you’re probably feeling like the experience is ending too soon. You’re young and have the freedom and ability to take your life in any direction. We’ll support you in pursuing future excursions and causes. Whatever your passion, know that we feel it too, because we love you.
So, stay focused and in the moment. Observe, interact and immerse as I assume you have a couple free days coming up. Feel the handrails in the churches you visit and think of all the generations of Ecuadorians past who’ve done the same. Shake hands with the restaurateur, shop keepers and interesting people that you meet. Stomp on a Riobamba rain puddle, chew on raw quinoa. Live, breathe and embrace Ecuador…just don’t drink the water. Just kidding.
Hi Katelyn, very happy for you and learning a lot about life in Riobamba, you will have a a better view of how some people live in the remote areas, You are very lucky to have this opportunity to experience. How do you adjust it to thefood??? Very proud of you!!!
see you soon, love auntie georgie
Hi Katelyn! It’s great to hear from you (finally)! It sounds like you’re having a very productive trip, and a great time helping others. That’s awesome!!! I’m happy you’re doing ok, and I’m sure you’re learning a lot! However, your presence is definitely missed here, and we’re all waiting for you to come home! See you soon!
Uncle George
Greetings Katelyn,
Thanks for the great blog! Seems like you are having fun. I am glad this excursion is fruitful for you and the locals. This is a great opportunity and you are making the best out of it. Looking forward to seeing you when you get back and hearing more about your trip. Miss ya!
Love,
Uncle Mike