Hey to you all from today’s Leaders of the day, Lisa and Kaitlyn!
Although today started off pretty hectic because it was our first early wake-up, we definitely pulled through. We started the day with our first English Tutoring Class and even though everyone was nervous, we all found the energy to have a productive and fun class. The students were very welcoming and taught us just as much as we taught them. One interesting thing the students in Ecuador taught us is that “if you say one bad thing about someone, you have to say two good things about them.” We really appreciated how sweet and caring they were towards each other and us. It was very comforting to see that our worries were for nothing!
After a quick change of clothes, we got on the buses and visited COPROBICH, an organic quinoa cooperative that promotes fair trade. Throughout the tour we learned about not only the financial and business aspects of the cooperative, but also the agricultural and manufactural aspects of the creation of quinoa. It was interesting to see that it only took 5 people to clean, dry, package, and export the quinoa. The cooperative is family based and it was eye opening to see the difference of how the process of the production is in comparison to the U.S. It was also inspiring to see how passionate the people were about their work; they truly believed and knew what they were doing was not only good for themselves, but also the environment. The fields of quinoa were a beautiful view, with their shades of green, yellow, and red.
On our free time, the group overall, bonded over a game of volleyball, UNO, and we even had deep thought-provoking conversations. After having an exciting day of being leaders, we compassionately pass the torch to Matilda and Jose, so stay tuned for their post tomorrow!
P.S. Hi Mami a/nd Chelsea, I hope you guys are keeping up with the blogs. I love & miss you very much! Xoxo, Kaitlyn
Soy yo Stacy, mami te extraño mucho, igualmente a Manny, Mikel, Larimar, y Naylia. Los amo con todo mi corazon, y los veo pronto!
(It’s Stacy, Mami I miss you so much, as well as Manny, Mikel, Larimar, and Naylia. I love you all with all my heart, and I will see you soon!)
Hi Breana! Its so hard not being with my child because this is the first trip without me but I’m so happy and proud of you. Enjoy mommy miss so much and I love the pictures.
Great blog update girls. I never thought about how quinoa got in the package on the shelves at Trader Joe’s. It’s incredible to see the photos of quinoa plants! You all are learning and experiencing so much. What a great journey you’re on together. I look forward to hearing about the English tutoring classes. Keep on smiling, learning, playing and bonding.
Jodi
I’m happy all is going great! We miss you too, so much and hope to see you soon. We love you. God bless you<3
Hey kevin I miss you so much hope you are able to see our blog comments.
Just beautiful so much to learn in our world
Nice work everyone! Michael, remember when you’re teaching to allow people process time to respond. Inside your mind, count to 4, and then ask again! Breana, use that kindness and smile to help someone who’s nervous feel at ease! Proud of you both!
Sounds like a great experience for everyone. Keep up the good work of bringing people together.
Sounds like another great day. Hugs to Josh!!
What a beautiful picture of the quinoa fields! Do I see some sunshine on the photos? Yes, finally! ?☀️ Hopefully more to come! Happy to hear that everyone got the “teaching jitters” out of the way and enjoyed their time with the children. Matilda, dad and I are looking forward to your and Jose’s post of today’s’s activities!! Take a lot of pictures! Tengan todos un buen dia! (courtesy of google translate ?) Love you Matilda! xox
Thanks for another summary of yet another impressive day on your trip! So enjoy seeing the pics too! Keep them coming! Have a great time everyone and extra hugs for Josh!
Hey Frank!! So glad to see you partaking in new life changing experiences. I hope you enjoy your time in Ecuador. I miss you papa!!! Be safe and see you soon. Be well, Love you chip!!
Hi Kaitlyn is Krystal
Chelsea told me about the blogs to see how your doing. And it makes me happy to see that your enjoying yourself in ecuador. I miss & love you . see you soon . Stay Safe guys – Krystal
So happy you called me today Sabrina !! We all miss you and so happy to read all the things you’re doing there! Love you! Mom 🙂
Hi Jessica. I miss you so much I am happy to see that your having fun .Best Sister Ever
I’m loving having your bed all to myself , miss your forced affection, love, Onyx your cat 🙂
The last message is for Sabrina ,, from her cat Onyx 🙂
Hey man I miss you so much that I cleaned your room..sike!!!!! Lol have fun I do miss you hurry back your mom is going crazy.Daddy Loves you kid*Gman
Glad to see that everyone is loving the trip so far. Can’t wait to hear all the stories from Olga and Palden when they get back. Can someone tell Palden that his legs are looking small and he needs to get back in the gym ASAP.
What a great day it must have been. And a wonderful lesson on saying things about someone. Gonna hang onto that one!
Lots of love to you, Abby!! NYC and summer aren’t the same without you. And there’s no one to eat at Bus Stop with me! :):)
I learned a lot about my favorite grain by reading this blog. Way to go, group! Especially cheering on our favorite niece, Abby C!
Hey Michelle,
Love seeing all the beautiful pictures, hope you having fun. We all miss you and love you very much?
(Lisa’s brother) Hii Stacy, this is Manny! I miss you a lot here mi amor but I’m really proud of you. Keep up the great work with your friends, you all look great!
We can’t wait to see you! Te amamos<3