Hi everyone!
Today we woke up bright and early to finish our Community Action Project, CAP, at the Carlos Garbay farm. We managed to finish building and painting a guinea pig and rabbit house, paint a sunset mural and the Banos waterfall as well as a landscape with native flowers and butterflies. Even though there was some bickering and miscommunication, we were extremely grateful for this opportunity because it strengthened our bonds with each other and we were able to help a school improve the student’s way of learning.
After our lunch of ham sandwiches and Guanabana juice and relaxing and savoring our hard work, we heard from Mauricio and Wilson, who told us that they were eternally grateful and they knew that our work would improve both their lives and the lives of the students that were enrolled at the school. We thanked them and returned to the hotel. Some people finished their gratitude letters, Sara, our health coach retrieved a giant wooden spoon that we all signed and gave to Cesar, our chef at Nativa, and others went to a supermarket and park nearby for snacks on the long plane rides and stop in between. For our last dinner, we had lemonade, avocado, sunny side up eggs, potatoes, tortillas, and banana cake for dessert. It was very varied, and most, if not all, enjoyed the meal and we cleaned our dishes.
During our nightly meeting, we reminisced on all of the good times that we have had and marveled on how fast the two weeks have gone. It seems like our night in Quito was, “2 years ago, not 2 weeks ago”, as Jeff remarked. All of us agree that, while we have had fun, we are excited to return home to our dogs, phones, friends, food, and family.
A final note from Jeff: This has been an amazing experience for me, made even more so by the wonderful group of people I got to know. These students have made it fun from the very beginning, and they impressed me with what they were able to accomplish when they got down to work. The connections that were made, the feelings that were felt, the things that were learned: all genuine and hopefully long-lasting. My gratitude goes out to all those that made it possible for these students to take this trip, and I’m grateful I was along for the ride. While I am so looking forward to being with my family again and all the comforts of home, it is with sadness that it means this group won’t be together again.
Hard to believe you accomplished so much in such a short time! Enjoy your final hours together and travel safely. So happy for you all.
Bittersweet moment, as much as we know this is an amazing experience, it has come to an end. I personally am so grateful that my daughter was able to experience this trip to Ecuador & can only hope she was able to meet kids her age that will bring her to a life long friendship.
We miss you and can’t wait to hold you Hope.
Wow! What a wonderful and fun two weeks it’s been. I agree it seems like so long ago you left. And you’ve done so much in that time. What an amazing group and we can’t wait to see our amazing Sydney tomorrow. Safe travels! XO.
Special thanks to GLOBAL GLIMPSE for making it possible for our children to travel and making a difference in other children’s lives. To Jeff and Sarah, thank you for your dedication and commitment towards children everywhere. We are grateful for this remarkable experience given to our son Brian. Now, we pray that you each have a bless and safe trip home.
Many, many thanks to Jeff, Sara, Cristina & Juan Carlos for leading these kids throughout this amazing trip. Can’t wait to hear all about it! These kids will have these experiences, memories & bonds for the rest of their lives, thanks to your guidance!
Hey I am 2 years late, but this was a wonderful trip. Lol!