Hola familia!
Today, we woke up early with a positive and energetic attitude after witnessing the Warriors sweep the Cavaliers last night. After gathering together and walking to Roma Santa, we had delicious marinated beef strips paired with mashed yellow plantains and a creamy hot apple soup. On the side, we had papaya and grapes. The beef was so tender and paired perfectly with the sweet bananas! After a hearty breakfast, we walked back to the hotel for a fun group energizer with Jerry.
Then we walked to Parque Maldonado and watched an unexpected lively parade on the way. Upon arrival at Parque Maldonado, we were greeted by Javier and his group of children. Javier is part of a program called Manitos Trabajadoras, which aims to alleviate poverty by providing children and their families with free food once a week. Through this program, Manitos Trabajadoras has been able to provide kids not only with food, but also another family, offering children the support they need to achieve their dreams. (David is the best!!!) In the afternoon, we were introduced to some of the children struggling with poverty everyday and were able to build a strong connection with them as they guided us through their jobs. Some of us sold bubblegum, bracelets, and candy to the locals, while others learned how to shine shoes! Doing these jobs gave us an insight into the struggles and goals of the Ecuadorean children. We learned that these children are just like us, in the way that they love to have fun and connect with others. In addition to having a delicious lunch with the kids (chicken and rice), we also played some traditional Ecuadorean games, took pictures with them, taught them English, and played soccer with them.
After lunch, Javier told us his story and the vision for Manitos Trabajadoras, inspiring all of us to make a difference. Another activist, Luis, also joined and explained to us how to alleviate poverty in Ecuador. With their lessons and messages in mind, we walked back to the hotel for group self reflections, discussing the factors that cause poverty and the similarities and differences between poverty in the United States and Ecuador. Then, we were introduced to our CAP (Community Action Plan) and discussed potential projects we can do to benefit the community as well as learn that in order to truly help a community, we must listen to the community itself to understand what they need. After our long day, we headed back to Roma Santa for dinner, which consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, and salad. To end our day, we summarized the day and passed the torch to tomorrow’s Líderes Del Dias, before going to bed and looking forward to our free day tomorrow!
Sincerely,
Clifford and Victor
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Great work today. We look forward to seeing how you are able to turn the needs of the community into tangible benefits for the people that you are there to serve. A Community Action Plan should always lead to a result that is sustainable and beneficial for the community. Other than the personal relationships you are forging, the work you will do will have a lasting benefit. We are proud of you all. Zack, thank you for your efforts and leadership. We miss you at home and love you very much. We hope you are able to attend Mass tomorrow.
I love reading your blog posts, and love the pictures. Every day, I look forward to the new one. And I’m so impressed with how much you have all packed in to the trip so far. What a fantastic experience you all are having. Will, it’s SOOO quiet here with you and Dad both gone. Abby is getting sick of me, I think. Have a great time!
Thank you for another vivid description of your day in Riobamba. I think it is a real school of life to spend time with the people from Riobamba.
Luisa , we are looking forward to hearing your voice sunday. Kisses and hugs
Shreysi, hello from home! Shrey went for WP game but their team lost. They will try again tomorrow.
Today’s experience seems very unique in terms of giving you the perspective of a different side. The mental connection you develop with personalities from different culture and backgrounds will help you become a better human being. I am sure this would make you a kinder person.
We all miss you at home but very happy to see your smiling face in pictures.
All of GG members are learning great things. We are so proud of all the things you are doing to make a difference around. Today’s food choices sound delicious. Shreysi, I’m glad you are also eating fresh fruits. Hope you already got a chance to look at the little care box that we put together for you and I hope you liked it too. I can’t wait to talk to you, eagerly waiting- love mom
Aloha Kai.
Hornado looks good. Get the recipe if you can. Looks like you guys are having fun. Went over to Kayla’s apt to put her shelves together. Aiden is fried. Slept over at Ryan’s graduation night then went to pancake breakfast and then went to Tyler’s birthday party Rock and Jump.
La Bron is going to sign with Lakers. No just kidding. Weather looks good there. It’s very windy here. Aiden has burlingame tournament this week. Three games. Mom and I start back work Monday.
Miss you. Take care and have fun. Love you. Mom and dad and Kayla and Aiden.
Hello amazing young Glimpsers. Catching up on the blog this morning and reveling in all that you are doing and seeing. The food descriptions are amazing too! Thank you all very much for making Ben’s birthday so special and one he will never forget. Cheers from Willow Glen in San Jose.
shreysi and luisa – the food sounds absolutely amazing! hope you’re having a lovely time.
Skyler – so great to talk to you today! You called at just the perfect time! ? It makes us so happy to hear you are doing good, healthy, having fun and experiencing so many great things!!! We miss you, but we are so excited for you to have this amazing opportunity. Keep smiling and trying to embrace all the new adventures. We love you more than any words could ever say! ❤️
I’m hoping you will all think deeply about how we can help others – whether at home or abroad – improve their situations.
This is a big issue that the world has thought about for a long time. I think it is safe to say that results are mixed.
What are your ideas to eradicate or lessen poverty?
Looks like my first post did not go through so trying again. Skyler-it was so great to talk to you today. You called at just the perfect time ? We are so happy to hear you are doing good, healthy, learning so many new things and having fun! We miss you, but are so excited you are able to have these amazing experiences. Keep smiling and try to embrace all these new adventures! We love you more than any words could ever say! ❤️
Hey Bao Hoa!!!! Miss you so much already!!! Come back soon!!!! I love you
Hey dingaling!!! I hope you’re having fun in Ecuador and getting your tan on LOL. Your peanut m&m loves and misses you ;( I can’t wait to see you in a couples days!! Less than 3 😉
Hi Nancy! The food gets better every day! Sorry I missed your call and texts! I was busy cleaning up the house and Danny was on my phone. Cotton sleeps on your bed every night but misses you a lot?! Love you and miss you lots!
-Mommy and T ❤️
Thank you LDDs for your first blog post…pero mas fotos, por favor! 🙂
Albert, I believe you have learnt a lot about Ecuadorean food, music, cultures, and now the hardship that some people there (and here) have to face. Can’t wait to know more about your interaction with the local people.
Some scouts asked me about you at today’s meeting. Oh, David Vu has come back to help lead our troop. We will definitely miss you at our anual camp this weekend.
Hope you enjoy your first free day 🙂
Dad
Wow! This is an eye opening post! It really makes you appreciate everything that each one of us has. Thanks so much for the blog. We look forward to reading it each day. We hope you are all staying healthy. Keep on enjoying your experience! Can’t wait to see you all soon!
Hey Ben,
I loved reading your comment. Thank you! I really like the daily blog. It’s amazing how many activities you guys can accomplish in a day. I think I might need to pack more comfortable shoes for my trip to the DR. Btw, do the kids think you’re a giant? 🙂 I can’t wait to hang out and hear about your amazing adventure over a really good Ike’s samich. ILY
~Sydney
AYE CLIFFORD! I’m glad you’re enjoying Ecuador so far. Keep experiencing new things bud, this post was definitely enlightening.