Hello family and friends!
Today was the day we had all been anticipating, CAP (Community Action Project) day one! As you know, the group decided to paint a mural for the primary school in the community of Las Gradas. Today was a shock, in a good way, as to how much we were able to accomplish!
Let’s start at the beginning of our day. We had a pretty early start to our day at 6:25 am (4:25 am back home). Following the wake up call we had an early breakfast of arepas, scrambled eggs, and crossaints. Then we scurried off to the bus in order to get to the school to begin the much anticipated project. Upon arrival we were greeted by the students, staff, and a local community member. All of them seemed to be just as excited as we were.
Today was a bit uncertain as to how the weather would treat us. However, we were lucky to see partially cloudy skies with sun. We began to sand down the wall as soon as we got there. Having everyone work together we got the wall sanded down in less than an hour! Then, with the help of Don Justo, we got to priming the wall. At first we were skeptical about adding water to the primer because we were not told to by the vendor. However, after trusting Don Justo we were able to have a lot more primer than expected! We were even able to sketch and paint solid colors on the wall – all before lunch! We were also able to paint the steps, which we had in mind, but thought it was not going to be possible due to time and materials. Today we learned that as a hard working team we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to.
After we got done with painting and sketching for the day, we headed back to the hotel. Once we arrived we were all so tired, so some of us napped, others showered, and we all got ready for English tutoring. Today was our second to last day of teaching our students, it was bitter sweet. We had informed our students we would not be seeing them after tomorrow. In my class the students told me “please don’t go, we want you to stay until August!” I was surprised to see how much we had grown on each other within three days. The students are just so sweet and enthusiastic to learn English which puts education into perspective. I had never realized how much students in America take education and language for granted. We are lucky to have grown up and learned English – which is such a powerful language in the world. I think that most of us did not realize the advantage we had until we came here. We feel truly fortunate to be here and receive an education we could not get in a classroom.
To be able to do something as simple as a mural may not seem impactful to others. However, in reality this has been a really eye opening experience – things that might seem little to us, aren’t little at all to others. Also seeing the reaction on the kids faces was heartwarming. We can’t wait to see how they react to the final product! We are all so thankful to have the opportunity to have come to Ecuador and have our perspectives widened and thoughts and ideas about people and the world challenged.
I know that for a lot of us in the first week we were quite homesick. However, this second week, we have all become really close to one another. Today we feel that doing this project together has made us even closer. We all just want to make an impact on the world in anyway we can. In fact our quote of the day in our travel journals was, “A lot of little people, doing little things in little places, can change the world” Eduardo Galeano. The quote could not have been more true for our project today. When we all work together we got a lot done. Today is just the beginning to a mural that will hold significance for a long time, hopefully. Day one – check; day two – here we come!
We are also extremely lucky – we are fed the best food in Guaranda, Ecuador. We had some of the best chicken wings in a long time tonight. The food is always outstanding, and we even got ice cream!
Thanks for reading and please comment,
Crystal & Marelyn
PS: Hi mom, dad, Jocy, Paco, Evelyn, and Pollo. It is Marelyn. I love you guys so much I can not wait to come back and tell you about all about the great adventures and lessons I have had. I will see you in a few days. Love you so much. Tell Shakira I miss her too. Ha Ha Ha love you guys.
PS: Hi mom, dad, Jeanette, Anthony, Dulce, Miguel, and Paloma I miss you guys and love you all. I can’t wait to see you and tell you everything about the trip. Also happy early birthday Dulcinea – have fun! See you all soon. – Crystal
Dear Kalei. Hello from San Ramon! You and the team should be so proud of the mural you’re creating. I bet you all never imagined you’d be able to leave a mark on a small town on another continent. One that you can go back to see someday! But the bigger mark will be the impact you had on the kids there.
We are all fine here. Working away, taking care of the house, the dogs etc. carter is studying away and working on his App. Aline has started her citizenship process. Grandma’s Bday is tomorrow. We will be going to their place Saturday to celebrate her bday and their anniversary. We love you and are now counting the days until you’re back. Love Dad
Powerful words today, thank you for sharing!
Kieran, so great to see you and the glimpsers working hard and helping out the community! It looks rewarding, and we can’t wait to see more.
<3 a a n t p
I can’t wait to see how the mural turns out! So glad you’re connecting with each other and the community! I love you Lindsey!❤️ I’m looking forward to hearing all the details once you’re home!
The CAP project sounds absolutely great – I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Just think how long it will be there and be enjoyed by so many. I’m hoping that the cold a few of you have come down with is going away. Lucy, I hope you are not too sick : (
I must say, your meals sound delicious and everything you are experiencing sounds interesting. You will carry such a different perspective after this – that is what travel and service will do! Not that I’m an expert. Best wishes for a fantastic Friday!
Hello glimpsers,
What an action packed day. You all are not just creating a wonderful and colorful space in the school for everyone to enjoy in the years to come, but you are also creating history in guaranda by coming together and doing your little bit to learn and shape their culture. And the best part is, you all are learning some key life, social and world skills. I am sure this trip will help shape you all into world thinkers and community champions.
Asha – so proud of all your hard work along with everyone in the group. Keep shining your light.
These posts from you all have been the highlight of our days.
Love you lots. Enjoy your time there. Can’t wait to see the finished mural.
Love you lots
Mom Dad Ravi Sparky
Glimpsers, Another great update! So wonderful to hear how much you’ve all grown in a few weeks. I keep telling everyone I know about global glimpse and what A life changing experience it sounds like this will be. Glad you are sharing it with friends. I can’t wait to see pics of the final mural and hear how the kids respond!
Simone, we are so excited to see you next week. I loved your update yesterday. Xoxo. Mom
glimpsers: they are being of impact in that beautiful country, those children of that school will not forget them for those English classes that they shared with them and that project they are doing. I know that they will continue to have beautiful experiences that they will not forget, they look so beautiful in those photos working, and the group looks amazing, they have treated them very well all the time they eat rich !! that envy, you know it’s great to see them working and embellishing that place, we go glimpsers you can achieve everything you want !! Josue put into practice his art skills, we love you and we miss you so much, Mom, Sister, little brother. kisses and california bear hug !!
Very impressive team work Glimpsers! I am sure the children and community will enjoy your mural for years to come. Your hard work combined with your passion and determination will surely result in an amazing final product. Can wait to see it! I am glad your students are so attached to you. That means you must be excellent teachers. Looking forward to seeing you Ariana in just a few days. Love you koo koo sabzi!! Love, Mom and Oliver (woof woof)
The project you guys are doing warms my heart! And I agree with you guys sometimes we don’t appreciate the things we have. I’m sure each and everyone of you will forever remain in these kids hearts. And I’m sure you all feel very happy and accomplish once you see these kids big smiles. Crystal for some reason I have a feeling you wrote about the food? LOL We all miss you too! Everyone is excited to hear your stories. We always think about you and wonder what you are doing or create scenarios of what you might be doing. Enjoy your last days! Take lots of pictures! Best friend goals!!💕
-Love you, Jeanette
Happy Friday Kalei from sunny Castro Valley! I can’t believe how fast time has gone by. Chicken wings and ice cream…yum:) So sweet to hear the students not wanting you all to leave. You can make a difference in peoples lives and leave a great impact. I am so proud of you and can’t wait to hear in more detail of your trip. Enjoy the last few days xoxoMama
Glimpsers,
The mural is beautiful and I am so touched by how you are working together, supporting each other, and creating beauty in the world.
With your open hearts, you will accomplish so much! My heart bursts with pride for you all!
Love you, Mads. Missing you tons 😘
Keep up the incredible work and spirit, Glimpsers!
Madison’s mom
Marelyn this is the most powerful post I’ve read from the group and I’m really proud of you. I knew this experience would change you and I’m glad it did. I miss you so much and I’m sad that I’m going to be in Mexico without you. But I hope we get to FaceTime everyday while I’m there. And girl I have so much to tell you a lot of stuff happened lol. But anyways Shakira has noticed you’re gone. She went into your room crying and whimpering. Also you have a new bed and it’s way better than the one you had before, trust me. Lastly can you record when you approach the house and see Shakira, I think she would go crazy seeing you. Anyways I love you and be safe. -Jocy