Hi everyone!
Due to some very unfortunate circumstances, Jahred and I have gotten the chance to lead this group again.
Today was Poverty Day and it started as any other. We woke up early to have breakfast at Imabite, and returned back to the hostel to have an academic seminar about our day’s activities. Today we visited the local garbage dump and witnessed urban culture by meeting the workers. They we really excited and joyful, as were the Glimpsers to get to meet the workers and see what it was like to make a living at the dump. After our tour of the place, we invited some of the workers to play a game of futbol. My fellow leader Reggie and I and some other Glimpsers joined in on the game. As fun as the experience was I think we all truly realized that even though there was a plethora of things that divided us, such as cultural differences and a profound language barrier, there was one thing that united us and led to an amazing time. Soccer. Brayan called it a universal language because it brought those of different backgrounds together and it really was a unique experience. After a speech from the dump manager we all collected onto the bus and returned back to the hostel for much-needed shower time. Soon after, we all went to eat lunch and came back to work on our English tutoring lessons. We were exhausted, and even debated not traveling to the orphanage as planned; however, our group prevailed and we all faced up to the challenge and went to the orphanage.
Unfortunately, Jahred didn’t have the pleasure of taking the public transit system, so he won’t be able to comment on in. In short, it was a rollercoaster. When the bus finally arrived at the stop, it was a mad rush for us to pack all of us into the thing (it was a yellow schoolbus-type thing, with doors that didn’t close). Once on, we were tossed in our respective positions like ragdolls in a crash test simulation. It had to be a foreign experience; the locals went with the flow and acted as if nothing was amiss.
Once at the orphanage, we had so much fun with the children. One would think that the task was complicated by the fact that not all of us knew Spanish, but children are children. A person can have fun with them regardless of any perceived barriers. Personally, I felt anger at myself during my time at the orphanage for not making more of an effort to learn Spanish. Being with them was better than I expected, but when reflecting on the experience, I knew it would’ve been better if I could communicate with them on my own, without help. [Editor’s note: There were so many absolutely adorable pictures from our trip to the orphanage that I couldn’t help but share a bunch more of them at the end of this post. Enjoy!]
Dinner… was funny, to say the least. Not because of the meals or anything. The other Global Glimpse group (Leon 1) coincidentally was having dinner at the same time. It was their turn to experience “Live Like a Local” day, so they were having a delectable meal of rice, beans, and water. Once the other group saw what we were eating, they got jealous and asked for our food. Guess what we said…
Our excursions for the day concluded with us having our second day of English tutoring. All the groups got closer with their respective students (sadly, I feel as if my command of the English language has been rendered irrelevant because I made a mistake during the teaching session. Guess it’s a learning experience for all of us). Jahred was sad because one of his favorite students advanced in classes, leaving him with a metaphorical hole in his heart. Fortunately, unlike yesterday, no bats made an attempt to assault Derek tonight.
To end the day, we passed the torch to Nora and Christabel in the nightly meeting. Their talent was sketchy to say the least. I’ll let them tell you how everything transpired after they reach this point tomorrow.
Hey Chloe,
It looks like you are having a really good time. Great to see the pics of you at the orphanage!! What an awesome experience. Hope you are all keeping well. Love ya xx
Wow… sounds like quite the experience!
Marisol – I’m not sure if you had the opportunity to experience Poverty Day? I’m just happy to know that you are feeling much better. Please make sure to stay hydrated and bring lots of snacks on your adventures. We love you!
Hugs and Kisses from all of us! 🙂
Hi Cassie,
I’m sure the roller coaster ride was quiet an experience for you. I’m happy to see that you’re doing ok and having so many priceless experiences on this trip already. I shared your pictures at the orphanage with the extended family and everyone loved it. We all miss you.
Love you xoxoxo
Megan – Are you OK? I don’t see you in any of these pictures.
I was reading the trip to the orphanage it sounds like a fun ride. Hopefuly you are having fun and remember enjoy this moment because this memories are going to stay with you for ever. I want you to know the we all miss you.
Love you your dad.
Are the dogs in Leon as cute as me???
It was kind of cold and windy here today–but you probably don’t want to hear that…
???,
Freddy
Hi JR,
So very proud you! It looks like you are really taking advantage of this opportunity. Love seeing all the pics with the kids. I’m showing them off at work. Just a note dont forget your bug spray and make sure you stay hydrated. Can’t wait for tonight’s blog. Miss you (siempre mi sol)
Love u, Ma
What a memorable experience you all are having. It makes one realize how we live such relatively sheltered lives here in the States. My hope is for everyone to come back with an enhanced worldview and to not take for granted the freedoms and comforts of home.
I want you all to keep the Glimpser spirit, have fun, absorb, soak in, totally immerse this one in a lifetime experience. I have seen several images and I am definitely impressed.
I do feel Leon2 is not posting enough blogs. Keep them coming. We’re hungry for more!
Hi Nathaniel,
This looked like a great day! Tutoring, playing with children at the orphanage- such wonderful, memorable things you are doing!
I’m really proud of you and it was great to see your smiling face!
Love you!
Auntie Karen