Today we visited an impoverished town of 1,500 in the upper Andes, known as the San Juan de Llullundongo; where our purpose was to help build adobe bricks to make a community kitchen. When we arrived we were greeted by Ángel, the community leader, as well as many local kids. This really was a moving moment for all of us, as we were able to see the curiosity, excitement, and hope within the community. Ángel showed us their community house where they hold meetings, which was beaten and run down with two barely stable handmade benches and tables. Additionally, Ángel expressed to us that he hoped that improving the quality of the house would strengthen the community so that the future generations could break the cycle of poverty and addiction that is prevalent today.
Our goal for the day was to make 150 bricks; but not only did we reach our goal, we surpassed it and reached a total of 207. We worked for 4 hours in high elevation with little to no shade, and although we were all exhausted everyone did a great job at pushing through in order to gain an authentic experience working like a local. Now that we have experienced the hard work the Ecuadorian farmers go through on a daily basis, we are so much more appreciative of the food on our table and lives we are fortunate enough to live. Working along side Ángel and others from Llullundongo and witnessing their happiness truly left an impact on us, as we can now see that the happiest people have the least.
Back in Guaranda, we had our first English tutoring session. We were split into 9 different classrooms teaching students with a range of english skills: from basic to advanced. This allowed us all to fully grasp the challenges teachers face daily, giving us more appreciation and gratitude for the educators in our lives and the world.
Overall today has been very eyeopening and has made us appreciate the little things in our lives. We would like close out this blog with our quote of the day which truly encompasses the lessons we learned today: “At least once in your life you will need a doctor, a lawyer, an architect, but everyday, 3 times a day, you will need a farmer.” – Anonymous.
Signing off from Guaranda
Hey Lilly! Only 4 days in and you’ve already seen and done things most people never will!!!
What a great write up on a hard days work. We’re very proud of you all! Its very exciting to read about each day and we look forward to what the next day brings.
Just remember “Each tiny effort builds on the next, so that brick by brick, magnificant things can be created”
We’re Looking forward to the next post! Hope to see more pictures of the group. Take Care and be safe!
Wow great job Brianna! Which group were you in for the tutoring? Did you help more on basics or advanced lessons? I hope you’re having a great time. I miss you a little bit ;).
So very proud of all of you for giving and caring. You are so right about true happiness being found in the least—the gift of simplicity. Great job on meeting and surpassing your goal.
Nice precedent to set for yourselves.
Looks like you, also, saw again the power of teamwork. Hauiling the mud went better with a partner. Right Keiana?
Much love.
Awesome story Brianna and Kate!!! The pictures of your fellow Global Glimpsters erving the global community is very inspiring!!!
Great photos! We look forward to the updates each night. Rest well Noah! Miss you!
Good Evening
I look forward every night, to read about what ALL of you have done in the day.WOW 207 bricks.That is Great.
And that is awesome teaching English to the children.
Lilly,hope you are taking lots of pictures.
Love,Grammy
Thank you so much on the nice detailed blog Brianna and Kate. Congratulations to all of you for surpassing the goal. To Guadalupe we as your family are so proud of you for working so hard and learning what it means to live as a local. We wish you many more great experiences and we can’t wait to hear your stories. Love, your family.
Well, All of You were very busy today.207 Bricks,that is really something to be proud of.
And teaching English is another thing to be very proud of doing.
I look forward to reading your blog everyday.
Hey Lilly,take lots of pictures.
Love,Grammy
Sounds like a very full and impactful day! Congrats on exceeding your brick goal and working so hard to not only make a difference to others, but also to better understand how so much of the world lives. It sounds like you are gaining a great appreciation for your own luxuries and what really matters in life (I.e. often not the materials things.)
Looking forward to seeing what other strides and adventures come in the next week!
So proud of you Keiana for experiencing new people, places and things. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the trip and make the most of every second!
Love, Ashley
This is awesome, stay safe! Can’t wait to hear all the story’s!
Hi all,
Great work! Now you really stepped out of your comfort zone and experienced how hard people worked to make money. After this trip, I bet you will learn a lot and you will appreciate what you have!
It’s been only five days but I feel like a month already. I miss you so much Peter! (you can be shy if you like but I just want to say it out loud! ha ha)
Mom & Dad
Hi Peter!!! We are so proud of the things you accomplished so far!! We hope you are making new friends and having fun hehehehe. Anyways when you have the chance, text or call us ( we will try to answer).
Love,
auntie kat and alena uwu
Wow, such an amazing journey and to be able to help others. So proud of you kylie and all the others willing to help! Thank you for the updates. Have fun and be safe!
We’re so proud of you, Edward! We’re missing you everyday.
Great post BG and Kate! So inspiring to hear about the work you have all done. Such an eyeopening experience to get to know the locals and work and live along side them. I am so proud of all of you! Learning and helping those less fortunate than us. A lesson all of us need more than once in our lives to be reminded that there are others who do not have as much as we do and that we as a human race should reach out to them. Good stuff you guys!
We look forward to your post! It has become the highlight of my day!
What an amazing experience! I can’t believe how much you’ve done in such a short time. It’s wonderful to see how this experience is shaping your understanding of the world and the benefits we have. Can’t wait to see a picture of you and a llama.
Kate,
Reading your blog was like experiencing your day in some small part. I look forward to reading more blogs to further understand what it is like to live where you are visiting. Grandpa and I are wishing you well and looking forward to having you home. We love you
Nonnie
Wow Brianna! You’ve grasped and accomplished things with deep understanding of what’s happening outside your community. Hearing this story warms my heart. Can’t wait to hear what else you’ve done.
Hey Brianna! Hope you had a great experience at Ecuador. Though your trip has ended and you are back here, I hope that this message would remind you of the memories and energy you have dedicated for others and yourself. For the time that I have met you, you have done great things and worked so hard and this part of your life has really exemplified you. You have commuted hours to help others and learn about new lives. It is really a prime example that you are full of curiosity and passion for people. It is great to hear that you have done great things across the hemisphere and I know that you will continue everywhere you go. Don’t forget these memories!