Hello everybody. So this morning I (Javier) woke everyone up at 7 sharp so they could gather themselves up after a long day yesterday to get to breakfast at 8:15. We ate some delicious pancakes! We all had missed food like that so of course we devoured every last one of them. We also had a huge discussion about whether pancakes or waffles were better and whose mom cooked them the best! After that we played rock, paper, scissors championship to loosen everyone up after a yummy breakfast and get started with the academic seminar. Todays academic seminar was Aid and Development. Tony and Coach Troy did a good job at teaching us about what type of aid is helpful and when its not. They then split us up and gave us a side to debate. We ended up having a very powerful debate that carried unto an interesting discussion.
At 10 am, we took our first field trip of the day to Santa Cruz, and no not the one in California! So we ended up going to this school in Santa Cruz that was to be the organization we would work with for our project on this trip. We got to ask a couple questions about what they wanted us to do, who this was going to impact, and why we would do this. The principal was very nice and she gave us a tour of the school and was telling us that they really needed to work on the bookshelves because they were falling apart and for the moment they had to put them on the floor. She also was wondering if we could paint the side of the school that showed to the street that was getting bleached and cracked by time. As a group we decided to also paint lines on the huge basketball court they had and to repair the basketball hoops so the kids could have more fun. All this has to be done in only 3 days! But of course, you parents know that we don’t give up, and we will donate our money to be able to buy the supplies needed to help these kids have a better education. Once we had finished inspecting the school and deciding what we needed, we took the bus back to the hotel to eat some lunch. After lunch was over the GG leaders had a talk with Justene who will be the leader of the day tomorrow and went over what she would need to know in order to do that.
After all of that 2 o’clock came around and it was time for another field trip! This one was to Las Mujeres Ambientalistas who where a group of women that had turned a community dump into a beautiful mural covered house that recycled waste and turned it into paper. This paper is used for cards, notebooks, posters, bookmarks, and arts and crafts. These women were all single mothers and wanted to do this to find a way to provide for their families. After this, we came back to some delicious tacos. We all chowed down and got ready to go to our next activity. We then went to the school nearby to begin our first of many English tutoring classes. We were all assigned different age groups from 5-50 and had to make lesson plans accordingly. It was a very memorable experience for all of us because we had never been put into the teachers’ shoes. All of us had a great time and look forward to doing this again every night till we leave. We then came back home and had our nightly meeting where we discussed what went good and bad in our day and gave big love shoutouts to each other. Then the torch was passed on from Javier to Justene. We then wrapped it up and went to sleep in our “really” comfortable beds.
Hope to hear about what you guys think in the comments. More blogs coming daily by the new leader of the day!
-Javier and Justene
Cannot believe how much you all did today. It is so apparent in the group picture that you are all bonding and enjoying having the opportunity to help people. Sounds like you are learning a lot. I know only one of you is my actual child, but I feel really proud of all of you! Keep up the amazing work!
Wow what a busy day you guys had it sounds like it was very fulfilling. I hope all of you are getting enough rest with busy days like that you need it. Rega you look great in the picture I love when I get to see you. Love you mija and miss you. Love Mom, dad and Ruthie.
Estamos disfrutando leer todos los dĂas “los blogs” nos encantan las fotos!
We are sure you guys enjoyed those pancakes LOL
Proud of you Javi!
Hi Rega!!!! What an awesome experience. The mural in the picture is beautiful and the story about it is heart warming. I have enjoyed reading about all you are doing. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures when you return. Rega I saw Ruthie a few days ago. I gave her extra hugs. Hoping to see your whole family Tuesday or Wednesday to make Zucchini bread. Sending lots of hugs your way. Love ya, Clauda
Hey booshers glad you guys are enjoying the teacher world and that you guys learning from this experience as well. Come out more in the pictures man! We miss you! te queremos mucho <3! Love mama, gegi, and olaf!
Hello Rega & friends~ Wow!!! What an adventure. You are all very fortunate to be able to experience this. I have really enjoyed reading all that you have done thus far. Your coaches/leaders/guides are doing a great job. Rega I hope you are having fun and learning a lot. Love seeing your smiling face in all the pictures!
Love you pretty girl, Nina XOXO `
Hey sweetheart Just wanted to say we love you and Sasha said Meow (she loves you too) we all are so proud of you glad you are having the time of your life . Man we wish we was there too . lucky girl lol see you soon . love Mom and Lynn and Andy and Sasha
Dearest Catiana,
The sun just hasn’t shined as brightly since you left us, that fateful day last week. The dogs wait for you at the door, the roof sags a little more, the fish swim sadly in their tank…..you must be absolutely wrecked with homesickness.
Just kidding. Everything is literally the same here. It’s hot. The kids play video games (despite my effort to make a Fun Family Plan for the Week). I am using your room as my personal closet. The parental units are only vaguely aware that there’s some type of blog being kept for your trip. Lola took her water withOUT ice today, PopPop enjoyed our Blue Apron experience, #CipherHunt is getting incredibly more complex, and Ella finally watched the Pet movie.
KEEP TAKING PHOTOS. Hope you’re all loving the gallo pinto! -Chels
Hi Kayla! Sorry I missed your call. Please try again. I loved hearing your voice! Dad went to the Giants game last night — Giants vs. Reds. Sorry to say they lost… but we won’t give up on them — they will turn it around soon.
Love you,
Mom & Dad
OH MY GOSH! Hi Justene! So PROUD of you…just read you are leading the group tomorrow. That’s so awesome. I know you’re gonna do a GREAT job. Though we miss you SOO much, we know what an incredible opportunity this is for you, and I know you will come home to us safe and BRIMMING with new confidence! Anyway, HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! (but be safe) Love you MUCH, ME (lynn), and your Mom!
Ayeee! I’m glad the English classes went well! Good luck being the leader of the day tomorrow Justene! I’m sure it won’t be too difficult, knowing you! Also…HI C! Sending all my love on a segway! Wish I could be there! <3
Hello Sandra.
I am glad to know that you are living this nice experience.
Enjoy this try
Hi Justene! Waiting to read your blog for Day 6. Luv ya, Lynn
Hi Justene!!! I LOVE YOU! Mom
Hi Q! So glad that I got to talk to you today. Sounds like you are having the most amazing experience. Enjoy every moment! We miss and love you! Love Mom & Bean
Javier!!! Thank you for sharing your journey about Santa Cruz! Send my love to Coach Troy!