Hi from Dana and Sam! Today we went to the Carlos Garbay School and Farm to start our community action project. Our group decided to finish a previously started gazebo including painting and installing the roof, making a wall out of brick and cement, and building ramps. In addition to the gazebo, some students are painting tables and making stools to go inside. A group of about four students stayed at the school to finish a ceiling started by the previous delegation from the Bay area. The weather was perfect to be working outside along with teachers from the school, Juanito the bus driver, and Mauricio the manager of the Carlos Garbay farm. While we were working and taking breaks to drink water, eat some fruit, and reapply sunscreen, we met a new friend, Mateo. Mateo is a little boy who came to help us with our projects at the farm. He was definitely a great help and fun to be around. We finished working on the projects at 1:30 to head to lunch at Isabelle’s. After a quick shower we all headed to our second to last day of English tutoring.
As leaders of the day, we are very proud of everyone and the work we accomplished. Being leaders of the day was a great experience and emphasized the importance of caring for others. After ensuring that people had breaks and were feeling okay, we now appreciate how others care for us more. We learned that leadership truly means servitude, and being willing to do what is necessary to make sure that others are cared for and have what they need. We will bring this leadership and understanding back to Chicago!
We can’t wait to finish our CAP project tomorrow and see the teachers’ and school staff’s reaction to our service. We will truly miss them and their positive attitudes. After today, we all realized that even though work might be hard, whether for a good cause or for people that need it, it’s well worth the pain.
PS. Happy Birthday Mom! I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday (it’s why I chose to be leader today.) I’ll call you Friday to talk more. -Sam
Hi Sam! Thank you for the Birthday message! I had a good day, but of course, missed you! But it looks as though you had a great day too! I’m so proud of all of you! I’ll talk to you Friday!
Love,
Mom
Great post Sam and Dana! So proud to see you all learning to serve others. May you carry these experiences with you and apply what you have learned through out life’s endeavors.
Jose (Sam’s proud dad!)
Hi Julissa,
OMG! This is too epic, I can’t believe your doing so much handy work. Mach would be proud. I read up a little on the Carlos Garbay School. I am so glad you were able to help out there. I know children with special needs is close to your heart. Tomorrow I am taking Baby to Navy Pier there is a new foam exhibit and of course he wants to go to Build-A-Bear. I think this will definitely bump you off his favorite list and put me in the lead. Who am I kidding you will always be number 1. He misses you, WE ALL DO! Can’t wait till you come back cutie.
Love,
Quacks
Hey Guys,
I don’t know if you remember me but I was a part of the other delegation. I just wanted to thank you guys for finishing the roof we started working on, Diego sent us pictures of the completed roof and it looks amazing. Thanks guys!!!
Hi Erin,
You guys are doing such great works and so proud of you all! Hope the weather isn’t too bad there. It is super hot here in Austin… Miss you!
Claire
Hi Amiya and group,
This is so amazing! I’m so happy you all are making a difference and having such a humbling and humanitarian experience! I look forward to hearing all the wonderful details and accounts of your trip! Love you much and see you soon Amiya!