Money does not always make the world go round.
In El Molino, César welcomed us with open arms. Set in a valley far away from civilization, other than a quiet highway running through, our group of 19 was split into three, picking corn, planting leeks, and something Rishi and Alex were extremely adamant about being part of: cooking with the César’s wife for our lunch. The energy of the group was on a little bit of a slump today, yet we made the long hike to the cornfield crossing rivers avoiding the very common piles of animal dung. There we learned to pick corn while avoiding the occasional caterpillar or giant jumping spider in Felix’s case (don’t worry it was harmless). Sara encountered the most eerie bugs of the day, but pushed through without even batting a eye. In group two, Leo mastered the perfect leek planting stance while the group as a whole was first in finishing the work for the day.
Group three slaved over cooking lunch for hours. Using hands and knives alone, they peeled unions, opened peas, and hardest of all dealt with quinoa which had to be washed, rewashed, and washed again. Rishi found his inner peace tending to the cooking fire the entire time.
As leaders the most challenging part of the day was waking our peers, however it was a new and enjoyable experience to have the opportunity to be in charge of the group. Some things that we acquired through these activities were taking responsibility of our own actions, gaining confidence, respect, and establishing long lasting relationships.
César, our host for the day, is a man of experiments unwilling to be held back by what others say is impossible. Something that stood out to us was César’s trout farm he built himself. Six years ago an expert in trout farms told César it was an impossible task to accomplish, and here he is today feeding his Global Glimpse friends, freshly-caught and Karen-fried fish. Happiness for César comes from feeding his family, experimenting with new crops, and selling week-long supplies of food to underprivileged families at an extremely affordable price.
César spends his days planting and harvesting his crops not for profit, but to keep up with traditions of the past. He does this while encouraging others to adapt to his ideas of staying positive and completing whatever you set your mind to.
Good to see you delving into your new surrounding with all your heart. Heart is where it matters whatever you do. So proud of you my son. So happy to see you learning about your world. Serve well. See you soon. I miss you. Love and a big kiss from Mom.
Great pics! Nice post, Mason. Can’t wait to test this new skill of you waking up first and getting everyone else up..!
So nice to plant and cook and have a tasty meal prepared by friends. The bugs and jumping spider sound a little less fun..! Hope you all are having a wonderful time in beautiful Riobamba. What a wonderful adventure. xo, Mommy
Continues to look like a transformative experience for everyone! How amazing… Great to see you up and around – looking healthy, happy and contributing, Mason!
Love – your proud papa!
Hi Mason. i was hoping for a blog about your amazing adventure. It’s fascinating to see you and the other Glimpsers really immersed in the culture of the people there. Glad your day as leader ended well. I am so proud of you. Can’t wait to hear all about it at the beach. I love you, Nana xxxooo PS What are those creatures in the cages, Guinea pigs?
Sara! Finally a photo I can actually see you in! I hope one of those bracelets are for me :). I miss you tons counting down the days. Love you so much.
Junior, can’t wait for you to come home and share some of the foods you cooked and ate on this trip. Sounds like an incredible time. Love you and miss you.
how beautiful my baby go counting the days to hold you I love you I miss you
Hola Glimpsers!
Wow, wonderful experience to share a communal meal in this way. From planting to harvesting to preparing and cooking, all of you have taken important parts in the whole process. And we all get to participate in a way thru your blogs. That corn looks beautiful –
Sara & Cara! Lol – rhymes –I know, I’ve got jokes..
Cara, your Grandma in heaven would be sooooo proud of you… I’m telling you I can almost see her just beaming!
All, your families are very proud of you and all that you are learning, experience & contributing. You GO y’all!
Looking great there Mason – What a wonderful experience and grand way to spend a few weeks in the summer – Can’t wait for your return and the stories you will tell !
Hope you are roughing it a tad, football is just around the corner and My Bama plays in less than 50 days – Seen anything of Ben Franklin around there ?
Nice pictures what an adventure picking corn and cooking.It looks like you are having fun above all.
Hi Mason, So thrilled to see you featured in this blog and to think that you’ll soon be on the way home. We truly hope that the trip has lived up to or beyond your expectations. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures you’ve had,the responsibilities you’ve assumed, the people you’ve met, the scenery, and the food! Have you eaten guinea pig (cuy) and alpaca yet? What about the numerous variety of potatoes? We are so proud of you. Please call us when you can catch a breath when you get home. XOXO Granny & Granddaddy