Bienvenidos!
As a group, we successfully completed day two of the CAP (Community Action Project)! We finished way more than we anticipated and we could not be any more proud of our work. We are practically finished with one mural with three more to go!
At the beginning of our day, we woke up at 6:25 am Ecuadorian time, and made our way to breakfast at La Estancia where we were once again welcomed to a lovely meal by a lovely staff: Butter croissants, fried plantains, ham, cheese, and eggs is what got our day started! However, we had to wrap up breakfast earlier than usual at 7:30 am in order to make it in time to attend the Celebration of the Solstice that Las Gradas hosted. This included traditional clothing and dances that the community participated in to come together in unity and “greet the sun.”
When we arrived, we all decided on the background colors for each mural. As groups switched off to see the celebration, those that stayed behind, got started on painting the background to all four murals; baby blue, lavender, salmon and teal. Our dear friend, Don Justo was unable to help us today as he did yesterday, but his work was highly appreciated. After, the group agreed to continue the colors of the Ecuadorian flag on the stairs and the leftover white was painted grey. Everyone was on a roll when we started to feel raindrops, but luckily, it quickly passed and the sun began to shine. With one of the murals, details were already beginning and it could not have looked better!
Once again, Ana did not disappoint with lunch! She packed us each beef fried rice and as always, she had something special for our vegetarian friends. After lunch, we continued our work and nearly completed one mural by the time we left. Clean up was quick and easy, then we made our way to the bus where we jammed out to early 2000’s throwbacks like young Justin Bieber and Ke$ha. When we made it to the hotel, we got ready for English tutoring- our final day. It was a rewarding experience being able to teach students that were so passionate about learning English. At the end of Emily’s class, a student of hers came up and gave her a hug with a bag of beans saying, “I will miss you!” She has never been so grateful to receive something as simple as a bag of beans. Lucinda’s students took continuous photos on their phones of her and Ellery as they departed and said their good-byes. We are all grateful for such a great learning experience!
The very first time we visited Las Gradas, it was a bit difficult because they had so much passion and energy as a community, but you could tell they did not have the resources to provide everything that they would like to for the kids. At the risk of speaking for the group, we all seemed to come to the realization that we are here to leave our mark with a positive impact on their small community. Seeing our initial sketch on paper transformed onto the wall of Las Gradas primary school is invaluable.
Keep the comments coming family and friends 😀
– Lucinda D. & Emily N.
P.S. Hey Mom and Dad, it’s Emily. Just wanted to say that I love you and to remind you I will be home on Monday. And say hi to my sisters. I got them gifts XD. Hi Uncle Chu Thi! Love you!
P.P.S.- Hi Mom and Dad ummm miss you 143, tell the girls I got them something nice. And Cisco I love him! That’s it.
Greetings Ariana and all Glimpsers! I am so impressed by the important work you are doing on this trip. The mural looks phenomenal. What a wonderful gift for the community. I cannot wait to hear about how this experience has impacted Ariana and the rest of you too. Treasure the last two days in Guaranda with the locals and with each other. See you soon!!!! Love, Ariana’s Mom
Hi Lindsey,
The mural is already looking great- I like the corn! So glad you got to paint-it’s your special talent! It will be a really nice way for the children to remember you all.
Gma & Gpa
Great job Glimpsers on the murals! Wow, you are all so talented!
Josh, we are so proud of what you have accomplished in Guaranda. We are truly blessed that you are able to share your time, talent & knowledge to this community even for a short period of time. We can’t wait to personally hear your stories on Monday.
Ate’s home but she will leave on Monday too.
Enjoy your last days there with your leaders & peers.
glimpsers: it’s beautiful to see them working on that project is amazingly beautiful, the colors are very beautiful, I’m sure that with that effort and unity of all working together that place will be beautiful and they will not forget, they will always talk about you with others of what they did. I am so happy that as well as they spend energy like that, they are treated very well with the delicious food that they are given, I think it was so short, those children do not want to let them go, they want to continue the classes. God bless you for that beautiful work of teaching these children. Josue: I want to see you in a picture painting, I know that you always hide from the photos, hahahahah saludes and hugs send the brothers, Shabbat Shalom! We love you and we miss you so much, Grandma, Aunt, Little Brother, Sister, Dad and Mom.
Hi Kieran!!! We can’t wait to see how the murals come out. Tami will be so excited to hear about it too. Take lots of pictures so you can tell us the process and how it all came together. Tin tin has been a sleepy lazy boy. We are trying to perk him up a bit. Penny is just yelling at us lately. She is not pleased with how late I feed her with dada out of town. We love you!!
Lucinda!!! Lucinda D!!!! 😀
This looks like soooo much fun. I’m so proud of you and grateful for the woman you’re blossoming into! Your heart is so loving. We’re so blessed to have you and we’re all glad others get to know how caring you are. These murals are awesome, and the food sounds delish! I made chicken mole at mom and dads tonight and you know how Melinda was, “OMG! This is soooo good!” Haha I even brought Reyna over so her and Cisco could play. They played alllll daaaay! When we got home she knocked out. Lol. Well alright monkey see you soon. We miss you, Drew said hi and keep up the good work. Love you sister!
Missing you the most Ariana!!! Just got home from Panama tonight <3 Your murals going to be loved by everyone there!!! I'll hold it down here in San Ramon for you for the rest of the time you're gone :)) love you !!!!
-Kim
I am so excited about your Cap Project! The photos of the project are amazing and I can’t wait to see the completed mural.
Prior to the trip, Skyler said he was going to starve in Ecuador. However, every blog written has described all the very delicious food and sweets you all have been enjoying. Skyler and Tyler are going to return looking like emperor penguins at the beginning of the winter.
Remember it is a two way street – as you have touched the lives of the people in this community, think about the positive impacts this experience has made upon you.
I am so proud of all of you!
Skyler’s Mom
Wow. The mural is awesome. Can’t believe you all incorporated so many elements – the flag, peace, tree etc. we are all so proud. Looking forward to see the final product.
Asha – look forward to seeing you back home next week. We are going to Jayashree’s house today for lunch, followed by Hanuman temple and then a visit to Ravi in Berkeley.
Shine on sweetheart. Love you lots.
Mom Dad Ravi Sparky ❤️
Hi Kalei
The mural is beautiful and definitely you all made an impact. I’m sure it’s been an amazing experience and opened your eyes to the world. I’m sorry I won’t be there to get you but will call you later that day. Also, good news…you will be coming with us to Arizona July 2-8:) we will visit the Grand Canyon and watch fireworks in beautiful Sedona! It will be a fun family vacation and you will be able to tan and relax by the pool😎 love you pretty girl xoxo Mama
Hola Glimpser’s
Wow! Lookin good ! Lucinda I known this is one of your favorite things to do and yes to know you all will leave apart of you in Las Gradas, I’m sure it’s a awesome feeling! I’m proud of each and everyone one of you ! I’m sure the mural is going to be so beautiful with all the great artists working on it. Can’t wait for you all to get home safe. Lucinda 143 💕🐾
The mural is looking great and you accomplished so much today! I can’t wait to see the final photos of your work and Lindsey we are looking forward to seeing you Monday!❤️
Dude my comments are always so late omg but i hope you’re having lots of fun and staying safe over there! We miss you lots and we’ll all definitely be there to pick you up from the airport! Love and miss you <3