In the morning we made our way to El Molino with our favorite drivers Don Ramiro, Don Rene, and Don Fernando. They were all very accommodating and we will miss them very much as this was our last bus ride with them. Once we were at the community we scrambled frantically to finish our three ambitious projects. Everyone moved around from job to job to fit the needs of the group. Along with our three CAP projects we had many other tasks to complete including a path for trucks to drive on, helping to make the snacks for the day, cleaning dishes, and babysitting (aka playing) with the kids. Everyone was so passionate about completing all of our tasks that no one wanted to take a break. I (Jennifer) basically had to drag people away, especially out of the mural room. After four and a half hours we finally finished (an hour late)! All of the projects turned out really really great. I (Jennifer) was really proud of a patch of blue sky that I painted in the mural room. Even though it probably got painted over, knowing that I helped and it is still there made me really ecstatic. I (Jasper) was really proud of the communal house because I was the only person who could reach the top. I even needed the help of the other really tall person in the group (Adrian) to paint the very top of the house by climbing on his shoulders.
We are so proud of our work and couldn’t wait to show the community. It was so amazing to see how happy they all were with our work. After the president of El Molino gave us a heartwarming speech, we surprised the community with half of the donations of school supplies that we brought with us. Stay tuned to hear about what we do with the other half! 😉
Any who, it was really difficult knowing that we were leaving the community for the last time. But we are hopeful to visit again because the president invited us back any time.
After the goodbyes and the bus ride back to our hostel, we gathered as a group to discuss how we felt the CAP project went and also to write letters of appreciation to those that supported us on our trip. Even though we had difficulties gathering the correct supplies and making do with what we had in our budget we all pulled together to create something sustainable and useful to the community.
We now pass the torch on to the next Líderes del Día Bailey and Zara. Good luck guys! 😉
BIG LOVE! Jasper and Jennifer
P.S. Shoutout to the Jackson Liles family! Don’t know who’s reading this blog but I really love you guys and I want to let you know I’m having an amazing time.
P.S.S. Another shoutout to my parents and my dog (Buddy) and all my friends who may or may not be reading this – – – I miss you guys a lot <333 I’ll be home on Thursday at 11:15 am with gifts and love… See you soon!!!!
P.S.S.S. we’re really tired
P.S.S.S.S. BIG LOVE to Jonathon for literally bringing us Chips Ahoy right now!
Jasper it sounds like you have had an amazing time and have had some great adventures. The projects your group has completed will be really helpful and remembered for a long time. It is great that all of you have made new friends while helping others. It should make all of you feel proud that you were able to give back some of the blessings to the people of El Molino that have been given to you. Can’t wait to see you on Thursday and hear about all of your adventures. We love you. Granny & Gran Gran
Jasper it sounds like you ha e had an amazing time and have had some great adventures. The projects your group has c8moletd will be really helpful and remembered for a long time. It is great that all of you have made new friends while helping others. It should make all of your feel proud that you were able to give back to the people of El Molino some of the blessings that have been given to you. Can’t wait to see you on Thursday and hear about all of your adventures. We love you. Granny & Gran Gran
Hope you all get some rest! E- R played all day in the pool with Christian today…he is BURNT!!! Official day tomorrow for me :). Enjoy your last few days there. Miss you.
Glimpsers, great to hear you are finishing up on your project timelines and savoring your accomplishments!
E-,
I’m sure you are doing your best and can’t wait to hear more details of your adventure! Keep up the great effort and proud that you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone!
When you come home, you’ll see a much tanner brother. He is out like a light! :-zzzz 😀
Love, Dad, Mom, and R-
So so so glad I finally got to hear you call!! I’m recovering from Outside Lands by sleeping in your bed btw. Thought you should also know that Sofia’s working at Sidewalk now! It’s time for you to apply again!! Anyways…Very proud of what you all accomplished in just 3 days! I’m going to miss reading these blogs and searching for you in the pictures with Mom, Dad, and Shai every night, but we miss actually having you home with us so much more!
How is everyone? 2 more sleeps? How are you, Debbie? I’m so happy for you all because of this very unique experience you’re having. Debbie said before she left she will be a changed person when she returns. I’m sure the same will go for all the rest. Enjoy your last few days. May Ecuador enjoy a special place in all of your hearts!
Travelers,
Your bond is great and your abilities are extraordinary! Enjoy your last few days and hope to see you all soon!
Jena!!!! Sounds like you’re having so much fun! I can’t wait to see you when you get back!!!! I miss you and I love you!!!!!
Good job you guys!!! ???? we parents for sure are so proud of you, and I can’t wait to hear your stories when you come back home, we enjoyed watching the pics and reading all the experiences and all the help you guys give to the community. We love you Nicky!!?
Great job everyone! Look forward to hearing about the details of your projects.
Pilar, miss you very much and can’t wait to see you on Thursday. Love, Mom
Great team work and determination to get the job(s) done! These blogs have been so eye opening–had no idea how much you all would be doing in Ecuador, and we too are looking forward to hearing even more stories when you get home Joseph. So glad you are keeping a journal to try and capture & remember more details about these incredibly busy days. love you kid, Mom
Hi J, I hope you’re ok now. Your school starts on Aug 22 and there is a mandatory Spartan community launch night on the 16th from 4-4:50 PM. Dad is going to talk to Ms Linda about this because we’re not sure exactly what time you’ll be arriving. Anyways, hope everything’s well with you guys. Finishing up and getting ready to go home. Can’t wait to hear all about your Ecuador adventures. Love you and take care.
Miss P, Enjoy your last couple of days, cant wait to see you
Eric,
I hope your enjoying this amazing experience and gaining a lot from it. I miss you lots and love you lots take care.
Ruth ❤️