The adventures of living like a local started the day before.We started off this experience by getting around the hostel with only our flashlights (Part of this experience was cutting off the electricity) and taking bucket showers. We started off the day with a 6 am wake up call (which was originally scheduled in for 5) followed by a breakfast at Imabite that only contained a serving of gallo pinto and a tortilla. We then took a trip to a community, Reparto Tomas Borge, to live like a local.
At the community, we were split into 8 groups of 3 – 4. Although many of the originally planned families were at work or busy, the program coordinators and community were able to find families to “adopt” us. We shared many experiences, stories, memories, laughs, games and more with these families. Because we were to live like a part of the family, many of us helped with house work. This included raking leaves, cleaning dishes, folding clothes, and gardening. Once the house work was over, the families introduced us to fun and games. This is where the many different personalities of the families. The children, and Glimpsers, found joy in playing soccer, braiding hair, juggling, throwing balls, and talking about anything and everything.
Before we departed, we had two pinatas for the children of the families. The children were excited to hit a spiky ball shaped pinata and a terrifying clown pinata. After the pinata, we headed back to the families homes to share a meal and leave. Many Glimpsers had difficulty saying adios to these families they connected to. Bonds were made and stories were shared.
After visiting Reparto Tomas Borge, we prepared for our CAP presentation to Amalia. In a brief summary, the presentation was a total success. Amalia loved the idea of repainting the murals inside the classroom walls and retouching the murals outdoors. The biggest priority of our CAP is to inspire the youth to have a bright future with positivity in their life. Not only will our murals create a positive aroma, but fixing up the backyard and providing trashcans will also help encourage their education. We still have a long way to go, but it’s a start.
Today was our first day exploring Leon without adult supervision and 60 cordobas ($2). Parents don’t worry; we made it back safe and sound. Plus there was pretty strict rules. we had to be in groups of four or more, come back 15 minutes before the next event, provide info about where we are going, and the leaders would check up on us often. So its all good. Drivers are unsurprisingly more tolerant with smaller groups of people.
After dinner, we came back to the hostel for our nightly meeting. As a result of no tutoring today, our free time was like 2 hours!! Now we are here writing this blog and yea. This group of Glimpsers gets closer and closer everyday. Every situation gives us more opportunities to work together, build positive relationships, explore the world, and discover change. Sorry, this is like an essay. I like essays
– giselle & jocelyn
Jeremiah, I believe the best way to learn about a country and its culture is to live like the locals. Do what locals do, eat what locals eat and try to feel what locals feel. Makes me so proud you are way out your comfort zone, taking it all in and even exploring León without supervision. I am glad you are safe and I know this experience will teach you how to be self-reliant.
I love seeing your pictures on here. Now let’s see if you can live on $2 a day when you come back home!! You should try and I think you should accept that challenge. LOL!! ?
Your journey today reminded me of this quote.. “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything!”… Keep this quote as a reminder in your heart. ❤️
Ella turned 2 today! She’s birthday twinning with your PC!! ??
Miss and Love you,
?Mom
PS. You know I’m going to ask you to show me the winning moves from your energizer when you get home! ??
Living like the locals seams like a great experience and seeing you guys in the pics And how simple things and the locals games can be so much fun. I hope you guys had fun experiencing the city by your self. Eduardo tomorrow we’re all going to your tio Juan’s home for Father’s day and it’s going to be 110 degrees in Stockton, thank God I’m not the one to BBQ tomorrow, But just wanted you to know that I’ll be missing you, I’m hoping that you’re feeling better and not missing out on any activities, your mom and your brother’s says hi love you. Don’t forget to take lots of pics for us, cuidate mijo, te queremos mucho y toma mucho agua. Dad.
Hola Flor. veo tuvieron un intenso e interesante día. Se que todas estas experiencias enriquecerán aún más tu espíritu bondadoso. Te quiero mami. Tu mama
Saturday Nana Di and Grandpa Al went to Davis to attend the jazz concert in which Alex was playing. It was over 100 degrees; probably hotter than where you are. Then we went out to dinner with Kevin, Marty, Megan, and the Moody family at Ochoas!
I love reading about all your adventures and connection with the local people. I guess you’re figuring out that people are people wherever we are.
Love to all,
Grandpa Al Barnes
Dear Nicole,
The things you are doing in the day are so interesting and you are learning so much about different people and there lives. We are missing you here at our house celebrating with the family for Father’s Day. Love to you and your new friends. Gramma
Great post! So great seeing the smiles on yours and Jenna Rose’s faces!! Hope you’re loving the experience. Embrace it while it lasts! 🙂