Hello family and friends,
This is Sean and Sophia. Today we had the honor bestowed upon us to become los lideres del día. The day was a learning experience about teamwork and compassion. This was the first day of the Community Action Project (CAP) which presented the group with many obstacles. To begin with, shopping lists had to be heavily edited to fit our demanding budget. While some went shopping for the supplies, the majority stayed behind to chill and work on prepping for english tutoring. Once we collected all of our CAP supplies, we departed for Imabite to eat lunch. Lunch was the normal buffet and gallo pinto was offered as usual.
After lunch we went to La Association of Los Ninas y Ninos del Fortín to start on our Community Action Project. As we arrived there, the reality of the task at hand finally sunk in. We started off slow, not knowing exactly what to do. For example, the group in charge of painting the benches and walls (“The Bench Warmers”) took a while to get organized. They all began by painting the exact same pillar as each other. Luckily, the group was able to divide tasks amongst themselves. Another challenge of the day was the insects which both the gardening and tree planting groups experienced. While clearing out rocks in the garden, the group discovered a massive cockroach nest. The cockroaches swarmed out in a steady stream for a solid three seconds before hiding once again. The tree planting group had a less traumatic experience but were nonetheless surprised to find a nest of termites chilling in the roots of one of the trees they were planting (which they had named Lil Carlitos). After watching some ants kick the termites’ butts, we cleaned up for the day and headed back to the hostel.
For dinner, we enjoyed a special and much appreciated treat of hamburgers and french fries. The day showed us the importance of communication in group projects and to not take hamburgers for granted. After the nightly meeting, Daniel was kind enough to play the Pixar short film, Lava on his computer for us. This was because the song was partially stuck in our heads after volcano boarding yesterday. Today was long and helped us both to improve our leadership skills. #SaveLilCarlitos #TeamAnts #TeamTermites
[Editor’s Note: We were able to upload a photo of our students when they visited a local public high school. They’re in uniform–navy blue bottoms, white tops. The photo is under Day 9: Education.]
Hello Global glimpse, Sounds like a day of team building. Best of luck with the project. Michael make sure you have sunblock and bug spray on. Can’t wait to hear about everything in person. love you Mom
Sophia and Sean:
Very nice intro to the start of the project. I love the descriptive detail about cockroaches and termites (YIKES!!) offset by calming images of the group eating burgers and fries and watching Pixar.
I can’t wait to see how the project ends up.
Sophia:
See you soon
Love Mom
Sean,
You guys are learning so many life lessons. The power of a good hamburger is an important one too. We miss you and can’t wait to hear all about your experiences in person.
Love,
Dad, mom & Brian
Aditi,
The volcano boarding looked like so much fun! I wish I could have been there to do it with you!
Today, I started my final project for GWC. Me and my group decided to do a game for androids because it’s easier to make, but if we have time we will make it for the iphone too.
I miss you and am excited for you to come home this weekend.
Dipti
Day 1 of your CAP sounds like it ended with a well-deserved hamburger/french fries dinner! How fun it must have been to be working and screaming at the same time! Hope no one was too traumatized by the realities of life that many people in the world live with…Hopefully, the rest of your efforts on your project will not be as unsettling and that your efforts will pay off in the end.
Sad that you’re having such difficulty loading up pictures since we at home love seeing what you are doing; however, slow internet service and lack of access to technology is another reality of life…in the meantime, make the most of your “technology-less” time together just enjoying being and learning with one another…you are making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!
We miss you and look forward to your return home soon! Lots of love from your families!
Kush,
Loved reading another informative blog from your teammates! The first day of the CAP seems challenging, but I am sure it will get easier the following days. Good luck to everyone as you try to meet your tight deadline of completing the project!
A final reminder to take your malaria medicine today.
Love you,
Dad
Kush,
Hey handsome I miss you 🙁 Nice uniform btw you look so cute!!! Wear button ups (downs?) more often ☺️ Anyways I hope you’re having a good time with the project and staying hydrated and safe and etc. I might go hang out with Qianxi tonight while parents are out watching a movie but idk what yet. IMY so much and hopefully I’ll see you before I leave. ???
Seems that a lot of valuable lessons were learned today, many of which we’re sure will help everyone handle things smoothly in future group work situations. Even tasks that look simple sometimes are not!
Maya–hoping you’re doing well and we enjoyed that photo of you working, looking very industrious 🙂