Question of the Day: What does it mean to be poor?
Quote of the Day: “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is manmade and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Today was one of the best days we’ve had collectively on this trip. Not only were we able to taste and make handmade chocolate (yes mom, I bought you some ~Tay), but we also were able to bond together as a group. We listened to a speech by Simiatug Samal women talking about how they have taken charge of their own lives and have been making hand knitted items like ponchos, handbags, oven mitts, and wallets in order to help support their family and gain some independence. Traditionally, in Ecuador, the role of women is at the home taking care of children, cooking, and homemaking. The courage and drive of these women who hand-make everything they produce in order to help provide for their family on top of all the other responsibilities they have at home is truly inspiring, especially for the young women in our group. We were then given the opportunity to buy their items, which everyone took advantage of greatly.
Buying gifts!
Next, we went to the chocolate factory and saw how chocolate is made. The cocoa beans are picked from the coast of Ecuador and then vetted through a quality control process to make sure the beans provide the best aroma and taste in the chocolate. After this, they are transported to the factory and toasted to make sure the peels can easily come off. Then they are put in a machine that grinds the beans up to smaller pieces to fully break the shell; which they are then put into a vacuum machine to remove the peels. The cacao is then put into a food processor to make cocoa nibs. The nibs are then placed in a machine where they are spun and pressed by a spinning metal wheel to create the liquid mixture. The main chocolates they showed us how to make were white, dark, black, and milk. For white chocolate, powdered milk, sugar, and cocoa butter is added. While for milk chocolate milk and sugar are both added, and dark only the sugar is added. For the black chocolate, it is pure cocoa nibs.
Making chocolate!
We then were taken into a tasting room where they gave us samples of milk and dark chocolate, which were delicious and very fragrant. We then saw how the chocolate is put into the molds by spooning the liquid with a rubber spatula and spreading the chocolate across the molds and making sure no bubbles were present. Everyone got a chance to try, and Becca did so well it was even recommend she could be a chocolatier! We then were able to buy the chocolate from the store, there was definitely a lot of splurging, so expect some Ecuadorian chocolate when we arrive home!
We then were able to shop around the shops in Salinas to buy some more of the Simiatug Simal womens’ items. There wore these adorable knitted alpaca keychains and Zoe essentially cleared the stores of their supply. We then went into a different store that sold the Ecuadorian jams, salt, cheeses, and other locally made items. Everyone was able to buy a souvenir to bring back home to remember this amazing day.
At the nightly meeting, we discussed what it means to be poor. After observing the beautiful culture of Ecuador and how much family and community means to the people of the country, we realized that being poor isn’t about money at all. The richest people are those who have the biggest hearts, emotional connections, and true appreciation of life. Life isn’t about status, materialism, or having the best of the best; it’s about the lives we touch and those we love. To be poor is to not have these things; and to be rich, is to have love despite any financial struggles.
Pizza and love!
“If there is anything Ecuador has taught us thus far, it’s that love conquers all and there is nothing more important than the lives around us. Whether they’re strangers, animals, friends, family, or teachers – We need to give love to everyone if we want to live happy and rich lives.”
~Taylor Johnson
“Since I have been on this trip, it has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and feel better about myself. I have made a lot of friends who have impacted my life and have similar characteristics as I. As a result of these friendships, my life has become richer.”
~Jake Goldberg
Hi Jake,
I loved what you and Taylor wrote in the blog today. You have had the opportunity to learn about the sweetness of chocolate, along with the sweetness of caring of others. It’s wonderful that you get to see first hand that a rich and fulfilling life comes from relationships with others. We love you and miss you. Dad & Bonnie
Wow Alexis you are at my favorite place. Chocolates. I was just wondering if the chocolate place does it remind you off Ethel in Las Vegas.
What a great experience?
Love you
Say hello to Anahi
Taylor,
What a beautifully written blog post today! We love you so much. Glad you didn’t forget your Mother’s love of chocolate. How cool to see that whole process. Hugs and love, from us to all of you wonderful Glimpsers!
Hello GG-ers! Really enjoying the posts and pictures. It truly seems like each day and each “lesson” of the day tops the one before it. Being rich in love far out weighs being rich in wealth. And, Remember to always stay humble and kind as you travel this world. Carter – I’m so glad you got chocolate and pizza ! Two of your favorite things ! I am so proud of you for going on this trip you knew so little about.. you were nominated and selected for a reason . You are an amazing person who has so much to give. Keep making us proud by doing amazing things in Ecuador. Miss and love you and see you next weekend! Love mom (and dad and joe)
Yum!!! Chocolate!!!
Taylor-
The adventures you are having will stay with you forever. Love seeing your smiling face!
Love you!!
Annie
Wow!As each day goes by your trip definitely does get richer and so does your life experiences! Your whole group is so blessed to have these opportunities
Enjoy every minute!!!
Zoe, I know how much you enjoyed making chocolate. I enjoy seeing you in the pictures.
I can not find the video you mentioned to me where you are singing. I want to see it. I will keep looking.
I love you!
Dear Jake,
You look awesome!!!!! It looks like you are really enjoying your trip!!!! Miss you and love you and see you soon!!! Enjoy the rest of the week!!!
Love,
Mom
You guys got the golden ticket to the chocolate factory. Tay – you must have been in seventh heaven! The message about the source of true wealth is on point. Stay golden Taylor!
Taylor,
Your dreams came true – chocolate and pizza all in one day!! ?. Thank you so much for bringing some chocolate home – I cannot wait to taste it! And Becca – sounds like you have another career choice as a chocolatier!☺️ You are all so right – rich is not about money, its about the relationships, love in your life, and loving what you do! Love you & miss you Tay!
Kristine!
It looks like an epic trip! One to remember for a lifetime! Love you and enjoy the rest of your journey.
This was a beautiful write up. Can’t wait to taste some of those good chocolates. Especially the black ones. Wow. I really like your take away about being poor. This is so true and I’m so thankful for this experience that’s teaching you all how to value the connections with others. On another note… Faith is that my Laugh More shirt ?. Lol. enjoy the rest of the trip everyone.
Hello Kristine and your Global Glimpse family. What an amazing two days you have all had and I enjoyed reading about your adventures. You have learned so much in this past week – then resting and relaxing – pizza, chocolate, movies, hanging out. FUN FUN! Kudos to all of you and high five to your amazing leaders. Please take lots of pictures Kristine. I will want to know everything about your trip. As per typical, I will be asking tons of questions and maybe repeating the same questions. 🙂 Love, Mom
Carter…It looks like you are having an incredible time in Ecuador. We can’t wait to hear stories about all your adventures. Come back to RF soon….we miss you! ?
Uncle Matt & Aunt Jamie
What a wonderful trip you guys are having.
Exploring and learning about the world we live in.
Hi Zarmani I hope you are having a good time and learning new things.
Love Grandmommie?
Hi Taylor it’s your brother. Just wanna remind you that if you wanna be picked up from the airport when you get back. You better bring me some Ecuadorian chocolate. I guess you’ll have to wait till u get back to the airport to see if I’m kidding or serious ;). IM kiddding of course. Lots of people from hinsdale south are asking me how your trip is and telling me to tell u they miss you. We all do, enjoy the remainder of ur trip.
Hi Carson!!! Just gets better and better. Continue having a great time! Big Hug! XOXO
PS…all of you are amazing! Your courage and desire to travel abroad at your age is inspirational. Again continue to enjoy and gain as many experiences as you can! What awesome memories you’re making!
Hey Tay!
Love this post! Yum chocolate!!! How fun!
Miss you!
Sarah
Hello GG-ers so happy to see all the photos and read about the wonderful things you’re all experiencing! Can’t wait till you’re back Serena ❤️ Titi Cielo
Hi Zarmani,
I hope you are having a great time exploring and learning.
Love Grandmommie?
Yeah Becca, I am so glad to hear you have another career choice. LOL. The chocolate factory sounds so cool. Did you run into any Oompa Loompas? JK
Seriously, the book Half The Sky focuses on humanitarian issues especially the oppression of women in the developing world. It quotes an old Chinese proverb that says “Women hold up half the sky”. The authors show that the key to progress lies in unleashing women’s potential. I am overjoyed that you guys are experiencing this first hand and becoming advocates that change is possible and that each of us play a role in making it happen.
Sorry, post #2 – Have you been looking at the night sky? Is it spectacular? Please about journal about the night sky.
Hi Carter! I can’t wait to taste some of that chocolate. Such a neat hands on experience making chocolate. Who wouldn’t love that !! We sure miss you! Hugs, Granny and Grandpa Lee
Taylor,
What an awesome experience and great opportunity to learn about their way of living and, in turn, support them as well. It can be a humbling experience to see how other cultures make do with what they have. They are strengthened from within. It’s something that I had to see first hand to understand and I think it’s amazing that you get to see it/feel it so early in life. Very cool! Safe travels!
Hi, Jade you know chocolate is my favorite so I hope you bring your mother some chocolate home. I’m missing you but I’m happy you are having this rich adventure.
Taylor,
I don’t think your brother is kidding about the chocolates. Awesome adventure you’re on!
Bob