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Hello everyone! Leaders of the Day Matilda and José here welcoming you all back to another post on our Global Glimpse blog, as well as another opportunity for all of you to follow us on our Ecuadorian adventures! The day started with our second English teaching class at the Aldolfo Kopling school at 7:30am. Just like yesterday, we had two hours of class time where we were able to teach our students new vocabulary words along with playing games with them that would give us the chance to better understand each of their learning techniques and plan ahead for where they might need more support. Seeing all of the kids getting excited when we walk up the steps to their school not only motivates us to be the best teacher we can be, but we have also noticed that it reminds the rest of the Glimpsers why we are here and that our purpose is to make a difference not only in the lives of the children, but to their community and their education.
Today was also our delegations’s first free day, which gave us the chance to explore some of the key locations of Riobamba along with delving deeper into their culture through the different aspects of tourism…and shopping! Throughout the day we split all of our students into three different groups depending upon their interests for the day, and their preferred methods of transportation such as walking, or taking a taxi. We recently learned from our program coordinators that taxi cabs in Ecuador are extremely safe! With this in mind, most of us including myself chose this way of traveling. With our three groups of students, we had one group plan to walk by foot and shop all day long in Plaza Roja, and the different markets and city centers. We also had another group decide to go to an Internet cafe for half the time in order to call friends and family through a pay phone, and then go shopping afterwards. Some of the things that some Glimpsers bought today were ponchos which not only happened to be the name of the alpaca we met during our cleansing ceremony on indigenous people’s day, but also a cultural fashion article that most Glimpsers today found very popular. We also bought some warm clothing such as hats, scarves, and gloves in preparation for our hike up the volcano Chimborazo on Friday! Other things that were bought today on our shopping spree were authentic crystal necklaces, personalized bracelets, and souvenir shirts and sweaters for our friends and family. We were also able to buy snacks and food at some local convenience stores along with French crepes from a market which were delicious! For the second half of our day, the majority of us decided to go to the Internet cafes where we were able to contact our friends and family through a pay phone. I know from the rest of the Glimpsers, and from personal experience, going to these cafes was an emotional experience for all of us. I know that for me, when I heard my mother’s voice for the first time in a while, I cried like a baby in front of everyone. Not only was I comforted by the group, but I realized that along with the immense amount of gratitude that we have for this opportunity, we were all feeling those same range of emotions. Talking to other Glimpsers and hearing that all of their parents were so proud of them, helped us continue and move forward. We all were able to find a new appreciation for our things, our home, and especially our parents. Being in Ecuador for this long has shaped and matured us as well as given us our first real sense of independence. Even though we all got emotional today, we took it as a learning experience to be without our phones, and without the ability to have the world at our fingertips. Instead we stepped into the shoes of some of the people who may not have that privilege, and quickly finding those five cents for an extra five seconds on the phone could be their reality, and maybe even their only option. Things like this, although may be difficult at first, help us as foreigners relate to a country that is quite different from our own. As a delegation we just wanted to say that today really opened our eyes to how other people may live, and in the words of our Glimpsers, “We miss you, and we appreciate you.”
PS. Hi Mom and Dad! It’s Matilda. I’m so sorry that my calls were a little tricky today but just know that I miss you guys like crazy and that I love you so much. And to my best friend in the whole world you know who you are, I cannot wait to see you first when I get back and I love you so much as well. Hope everything is going great over there! See you soon!
Matilda and Jose,thank you for your post.
PS. Olga we proud of you ,we love you and we miss you.
Mom and Jakub
I was so happy to hear from you Breana mommy miss you so much. Hearing your voice now I can get some sleep lol.
Sabrina, So happy to hear your voice today! Can’t wait to see all the pictures you have taken! Enjoy yourself! We love you 🙂 love, mom
Wow, what a great day you had. I’m glad to hear that you’re learning how people are living happy lives with a whole lot less than what we are accustomed to. Happiness is truly about the people you spend your lives with. The joy, love and kindness you share and the impact you make.
Hey Eliza – I’m not seeing you in any pictures, are you there? xoxo
I am so proud of all of you! You all have a bright future ahead of you and I know the world is going to be a better place!
Thank you Daniel for calling me on my birthday! I was so happy to hear from you and it made my day complete. I love you with all my heart and miss you! I’m so happy you are having a blast! ?
Thank you Matilda and Jose for your pictures and post – my favorite part of the day to receive and read these!
WOW, so many emotions, tears, happiness, gratitude, sadness, empathy, helping others, friendships, sympathy, LOVE, compassion, kindness … that’s what life and growing up is all about! We are so proud of you Matilda and proud of all you Glimpsers how you’ve embarked on this journey, spreading your wings and seeing life through a different lense! I’m sure I speak for all of us parents when I say that we appreciate your appreciation for us and are so grateful to have you as our children – thank you for letting us be part of this amazing journey you’re on! ❤️ You guys ROCK!
A BIG thank you to all you Glimpse leaders (local and NY based) for taking such good care of our kids – much appreciated!
Matilda, we love and miss you so much and cannot wait to see you! ❤️? xox
PS. Thank goodness you were able to wake up on time to wake everyone else up ? hope that continues when you get back! ?
Hi Michelle,
Hope you have an amazing time.
Mommy misses you
What a great day for you all start to finish! Miss you a lot Josh, but so happy to see what you have been doing and how fulfilling it is, and so proud of you for being confident to do this and in doing so making this an experience of a lifetime! The pictures make me smile and it is one of the first things I do in the morning as i am so excited to hear about what you did each day. Have another great day Glimpsers! xo Josh, love you!
Hi Daniel Hernandez, Alvin Mooi and Andrew Miller!
I hope you guys are having a blast. The pictures look great, and sounds like you guys are doing so much and having a great time through the blog posts! Can’t wait to hear about it when you’re back and see more pictures!
-Ms. Fink
Sounds like the hike will be challenging and exciting. So proud of all you are doing and missing you at the same time. Hugs Dad.
Linus
Wow so much in only six days. And ponchos! Do they have my size?
Dear Daniel, Alvin, and Andrew! I am super excited that you all can share in this amazing experience! I know the trip will be rewarding and we can’t wait to hear about the adventures. Have fun and enjoy every minute. We wish you and and all the Glimpsers in your group safe travels.
All the best,
Ms. Hinson
Wow, it is glad to hear your guys having a great day!
I am so happy to see Alvin’s picture. You looks professional.
Hey Tigga so glad to hear u guys r bonding..it’s an important lesson n one I hope u take to heart..also glad u r having such great experiences there..I pray for u everyday n look forward to hearing about all of ur adventures when u return..luv U
Hey Danny, I miss you and can’t wait to see you next week. I am so happy you are enjoying yourself, making friends, and most of all learning and sharing your talent. I’m very proud of you and of all the other Glimpsters. Continue to have fun and stay safe.
Love,
Dad
Hi Abby and Riobamba 7-6 Team!
Love the pics of you all!!! It looks like it’s challenging and like tons of fun too.
You guys are making a huge difference in the world, one person and one moment at a time. That’s exactly how it works. And I’m sure these incredible new people you’ve met are having the same impact on you all.
Home, and all it’s strange little things you didn’t think you’d miss, but do, are waiting for you, but in the meantime, have an incredible time!
Lots of love to you!!
It’s good to know your guys explored more about Riobamba and have a lot of fun!!!
Great to know your guys are thing about the purpose of making a difference of the children’s education and their community. It sounds challenge to your guys..
A little things may change a lot! Try your guys best!!!
Keep enjoying the rest of the trip!!!
Take care