Today began like any other: 7:30am wake up, 8:10 breakfast, yet there was something lingering in the air after last night’s nightly meeting. The sentiment arose that CAP Day 3 would contain a lot of last. The leaders of the day, Jared, the funny one, and Max, the true representation of a true leader, challenge the team to see tomorrow as an opportunity to have more first than last.
After our last arrival at Carlos Garbaye, the ramp and gardening crews got to work. The ramp group, Jared’s group, made quick work of the rest of the ramp while the gardening crew, Max’s group, struggled against many adversities: bricks, weeds, spiders, and bureaucracy. By lunch, the garden was nearly complete and the two forces came together for the first time. The glimpsers of Riobamba 3A were to accomplish what we set out to achieve while becoming unidos.
During our free time, there was a role reversal: the boys, who are accustomed to going out, decided to stay in. Following the free time, we had our last mini self-reflection in which we discussed our take ways from the CAP project as well as reasons for why we are in Ecuador.
After our shortened last English tutoring lesson, there was a touching moment at Santa Roma. Today is Nelson birthday. Big love to our Ecuadorian mother, Isabella, for inviting us to celebrate Nelson’s birthday. Also Big love everyone who signed the ball. Some so small to us but real big to the guy Nelly. Nelson gave a big speech that touch everyone’s hearts. To keep it short, Nelson stated that we are family, to keep the small memories because those are the ones that we are going to keep. It was very hard for me, Jared, because I had to translate what Nelson was saying in Spanish. We are family.
Big love to the parents for writing those meaningful messages that make us miss home.
Jared and Max
Awesome blog you guys! Jared I am really proud of you! Huge thanks to all of the staff that made it possible for this trip to Ecuador happen. Huge big hug and Thanks to Isabela for making sure you guys were well fed. Mr Biddex thanks for believing in Jared. See you guys soon.
Max and Jared, thank you for challenging your fellow Glimpsers to have more firsts than lasts. What a great sentiment to inspire everyone for CAP 3. We are amazed at all you accomplished in your short visit to Riobamba!
We cannot thank Isabel enough for sustaining you all during this trip. What a touching testament to her giving spirit that she invited you all to celebrate with Nelson. Feliz cumpleaños, Nelson!
Huge thank yous to Paúl, Andrea, Chris, and Kristen for caring for you, keeping you safe, and planning such meaningful activities. These young adults will be forever changed by this experience.
Congratulations, RB3A! Your hearts are beautiful, your spirits are strong, and your resolve will change the world.
We love you all and we will see you soon! The safest of travels and your loved ones await you.
Cannot wait to hug you, Carter! We love you e-e-e-e-e-e much!
Love, Mom, Dad, MacLaren, Jensen, Hudson, and little Surfer
We’ve so enjoyed reading about each day’s adventures and insights. Your CAP projects look amazing and will surely leave your Ecuadorian home so much the better for it. Have a wonderful last day and safe travels. Can’t wait to see and hear all about your memories!
Love you Zoe,
Memaw & Pawpaw
It has been amazing to read about the experiences you all have had. I can image this last day is full of many mixed emotions: sadness to being saying goodbyes to the many new friends made yet excited to be heading back home to family, old friends and your familiar life. Remember, even as you head home, that this experience is now a part of who you are. The challenge now is who will you become because of this experience: how will this “global vision” be implemented at home? Can’t wait to see you all in Chicago. Love you, Alex!
Thank you for the continuous updates and amazing photos!! It looks like our Glimpsers really had a fantastic time and truly enjoyed the experience. I get a little teary eyed to watch all of you grow into thoughtful, caring and appreciative adults!! I applaud you all. 👏🏻Come home safely. We can’t wait to see you all. 💓
PS We love and miss you Kenz!!
Oh and thank you to the leaders for doing such a fantastic job teaching, guiding and protecting our world travelers. 😊
What a day all of you had. We are so proud of all of you and we’re sure that all your families are anxious to see you all and hear first hand all the memories you have made in the past couple of weeks.
What a touching story today and seeing all your hard work come to a fruition. We are grateful for Mama Isabel filling your stomachs, sharing Nelson’s birthday celebration and Paúl, Andrea, Chris, and Kristen guiding and watching over you. What a beautiful last blog that Max and Jared collaborated in writing and seeing what you’ve accomplished today. We can’t wait to see you Max. Love you! Mom, Dad, Nolan, Frankie and Luna.