Hola Familia y Amigos!
After an early rise, we went to our third day of tutoring with our students. Things continued to improve; the kids started to become more friendly with us and participative in the classroom. We returned to the hotel to get ready for our first free day. For lunch we had a good chicken broth/vegetable soup with pork chop, potatoes, and ICE CREAM! After that, we walked to Riobamba City Center 20 minutes away to explore the markets and shops. The city was very lively, the traffic was pretty bad, we had to be extra careful when crossing the streets but we all did a good job looking out for each other.
Alam in his Diablo mask and Poncho.
Many of us phoned home and were able to talk to our families, it was really nice and reassuring to hear the voices of our loved ones back home đ (*Tomorrow we will be trying to reach out to our families again between 3:30-4:45 California time, so look out for our call!). Us leaders of the day sampled wonderful crepes and spent a lot of our time looking for traditional ponchos. [Julio] Weâve also adopted a new member to our Global Glimpse familyâŚ..Micaela the alpaca! A few members of our group gave people experiencing homelessness some extra change and rain coats while walking through the streets. It was really thoughtful of them and it made us feel better knowing that they would be able to buy something to eat and stay dry in the rain this afternoon. It was a lively, adventurous free day and overall we had a great time in the city center.
Before dinner, we had some free time at the hotel where we worked on English tutoring preparations, Community Action Project (CAP) meetings, and have great conversations with each other. Tonight, everyone decided to show off their new Ponchos! Our nightly meeting attire was Ponchos & Pajamas, we were super comfy and cozy for the cold weather. Tonight we reviewed our day and talked about our positives and negatives of the day. Tonight we did an Appreciation Gallery Walk where we complimented our peers on paper by writing positive words and phrases for each other. We have an amazing group here and it has been great getting to know everyone in the group. đ
Our next Lideres del DĂa our Laura and Jonathon who shared with us their talents (Japanese language and impressive Stitch voice!)
Big Love,
Julio & Kiyomi
Julio: Hola familia, I hope this finds you in good health. Ecuador has been an interesting trip. This place has come with its own set of rules that would confound the average American. Iâve bought a number of souvenirs that I hope will able to bring Ecuador home. Only a few days left before I set foot back in good old USA. Your messages have both been inspiring and helpful to our group. I want to make a phone call soon so hopefully you answer the foreign number calling the house. Much love to everyone back home and hope to see you all soon.
Kiyomi: Hey Madre and Padre! Ecuador has been an incredibly fun and inspiring trip, but it hasnât stopped me from missing all of you back in the US. Everyone on this trip is so incredibly intelligent, kind, thoughtful, funny, and talented; they inspire me to be better and grow just by being around them and their positive energy (good job parents: your kids are the best). Everyday is an adventure where I learn something new and broaden my perspective, and I am really grateful for all my time here. We still have about a week before I come home, I hope you are all doing well. Knowing my siblings they arenât checking up on me, so let them know:
- I love all you
- Misa- good luck at your next horse show and donât die from tutoring
- Riko- donât sit on your iPad for too long
- Seiji- go to at least one swim lesson
- Nina Cel- I love you and miss you very much
GGL Emily: Hey Dad, Mom, Sarah, and Grandmaman! (and Sierra and Mia of course). Love and miss you all canât wait to see you guys in a week đ
Wow sounds like such an exciting day. Jena I hope you were able to buy a poncho. And keep an eye out for a mug. Dad and I Love you and miss you so much.
Hello Traveler,
Sounds like you all had a great Free Day! It was interesting to read that it was raining over there and that the traffic was pretty bad. We knew there were cars there but didn’t expect to hear too many or traffic.
The ponchos are all really nice! It was very thoughtful of you guys to lend a helping hand to the homeless there, showing you care. You all have been eating really good and healthy,wondering what you guys are missing the most ? Well about a week to go so make the most of it. Can’t wait to join in on the next adventure through the blog an photos!
Hasta pronto.
Mr.& Mrs. Arias
i hope youâre having fun maria mos and i hope you see these too lmao. i canât wait till youâre LDD!!!
Whoa what a beautiful and warm ponchos I want one to?.There is no doubt that you are getting to know Ecuador in all his traditions and culture. What a memories!!!!!Valeria?
You guys look so awesome with your ponchos!! Nicky, I can already tell your mom is going to be taking your poncho all the time haha. Stay safe all of you and make the most out of your trip !!
Hi E-good heading your voice and knowing that your still surviving (at least thatâs what R is always wondering!). Saw âKAâ…very good production. Heading back early morning and hoping A remembers to pick us up! LOL! Obon prep starts tomorrow. đ
Hi Jared! Kuya said you tried to call him this morning. Too bad he missed your call. Tomorrow hopefully, you will be able to call us before I leave . Love you and miss you so much.
Hola Emi!
Soooo great to hear your voice today and to hear first hand your adventures! Glad we were able to conference call in mom and R. Can you tell R misses you?
We enjoyed our last evening in LV. Saw âKaâ and will have to tell you all about the amazing stunts!!! It felt as if we were watching a death defying act on AGT!
We will help out at Obon Prep tomorrow. Look forward to the next post!
Love, Dad, Mom, and R-
I LOVE YOUR PONCHOSSSS!! I hope you wear them around here and at home Deb! Ate Shai and I watched the movie Blindspotting today and the whole time during the movie we were both thinking, ‘Debbie would love this movie.’ It’s set in Oakland, has a bunch of music references like to Kehlani, Warriors references, and some awesome rapping. Hopefully you go see it when you get back. Your free day seemed like a ton of fun, I hope you got me something, hehe. Luh yaaaaaaaa<3
Hola,
We are glad to see all of you were happy! And having a good time. All of you look nice with your ponchos and it seems everyone enjoyed the rain. It was a great opportunity to speak with the family. Charge your batteries and continue your adventure have fun and do your best. We await your next adventure. Thank you leaders of the day! (We like your pet catalina!) Keep up the great work and again a special thanks to the coordinators!
Hi Debbie! We’ve been looking at your photos to see if that is a True Debbie smile, or if you’re just smiling for the camera, and now we’ve concluded that you really are having fun. Zelie gathers us every night, turns off the TV, and reads each blog post out loud. We try to find your face in every pic even though it might be blurry. I cant wait to hear all your stories next week. I miss you, and I miss having someone to share my “healthy” food with.
Enjoy, immerse, and come back with some GOOD stories.
Hi all,
Happy to hear from all your activities and how much fun you had on your free day!! Your ponchos look really nice and warm. Adrian we love you, enjoy and make the most of the days left. Thank you GG Leaders!
Hi Kate,
Hope to hear from you today. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventure and your teaching. I bet that you are the one who learn more from your students there. Miss you so much ( include Mumble, she is sad).
Love, Mom, Dad and Caroline.
Awesome Ponchos! Joseph…Benjamin’s bday in October…I think he would LOVE one (look like the one he loves in Serene Lakes!!). We miss you kid, but so glad you are there having all those great adventures.
Soooo glad to here from you Bailey. That just made my day! The ponchos are all so cute, I hope you got one too Bailey. I really like yours Maria. Hope you all had a good day in the city center.
Hola Chayse,
Como estas? Sus abuela y sus tia dice hola! The family says hello and hopes you are having a wonderful time. You look great in your poncho. We’re glad you are having a great time. Enjoy this time and cherish the memories you are making.