Quote of the day: “If you’re totally illiterate and living on one dollar a day, the benefits of globalization never come to you.” –Jimmy Carter
Question of the day: What elements are needed for a community to develop a successful business model?
Today (Note: blog post refers to June 14) was Sophia’s birthday, and we all wanted to celebrate this by waking up especially early and hiding inside of our meeting room. As Sophia entered the room, everyone jumped out of hiding and screamed “Happy Birthday!” To kick off the rest of the day, we journeyed to a widely known co-op community, Salinas. Salinas is famous for their exquisite cheeses and chocolates that are hand-made and exported internationally by their own community members.
Our tour started with the introduction of Luis, who led us to the cheese factory, Salineras. Through this, we were able to experience the inner workings of the process behind production in one of their many cheese factories. Afterwards, we were briefly introduced to the variety of cheeses that they offered, of which we were given the opportunity to taste and purchase. In addition to this, we had the pleasure of touring the dehydrated products factory, as well as the textile factory. Each morning, the community members deliver heaps of wool that is cleaned and threaded through their manufacturing line. The benefits of supporting a local community were evident in the kind old ladies’ faces in a textile souvenir shop, as we swarmed the store for intricate ponchos and warm scarves.
We soon discovered that 95% of the Salinas population worked in the cheese production factory, with rural communities delivering fresh, organic milk to the assembly lines as early as 4 in the morning. The dedication and commitment of the population of Salinas emphasizes the importance of working together to support each other as a community. Not only does this highlight the grit and perseverance of the Salinas community, but it emphasizes how important the dollar of a consumer is. Consumerism is a large factor, as Lauren says, “Vote with your wallet.” As a consumer, you can say many things about where you choose to spend your money, whether it be supporting large corporations or home-grown businesses. As a smart consumer of today’s economy, this is why it is essential to research the business you invest in.
Once we returned from Salinas, we prepared for our 4th day of English Tutoring. Unexpectedly, the forecast was met with a slight drizzle, something we have been expecting for the entire trip. Though, this didn’t deter our passion to help and improve the English of our fellow tutees.
After a lovely dinner at Feroz, Camilo called us in for a meeting about our community action project. To our surprise, his discussion digressed into an unexpected birthday video dedicated to Sophia. Beautifully created by Camilo, the video comprised of multiple clips featuring Glimpsers, leaders, and local students that were wishing her happy birthday.
Big Love to Camilo for his amazingly edited surprise birthday video. Big Love to Carlos and Brendan for buying cake and ice cream for Sophia and the glimpsers to enjoy. Big Love to Brittney for encouraging, guiding, and supporting us during this entire trip. Also, Big Love to both Vi and Carter for helping the leaders of the day during the meals. Lastly, Big Love to the people who commented on the previous blogs for sharing the love and support.
P.S. Tomorrow (Note: June 15th) will be our second free day, so expect incoming phone calls from your fellow Glimpsers!
Salinas and Luis
Salineras – How The Cheese Is Made
Salinerito
Salinerito
Textile (Wool) Factory
Textile (Wool) Factory
Textile (Wool) Factory
Textile (Wool) Factory
We Picked Up A 30th Glimpser!
Artesalinas (Over 80 women hand-make these items for sale)
Salinas
Hi Maritza !
I am so glad you are enjoying yourself. It makes me so happy to see you exploring new places. Loved to see the handmade pieces at Artesalinas. So sorry I missed your call but I will make it up to you I promise.
Much love, Jasmine
Big LOVE to all, glimpsers & leaders/coordinators …Camilo, Carlos, Brendan, Brittney. ❤️All the efforts you guys put together in making Sophia’s Birthday special means a lot to us. We are very grateful. Know that the generosity & kindness you’ve all shown in many ways have lasting impact.
We are also very happy to see all the pictures & know that the group had an awesome day at Salinas. All faces beaming with smiles…even the 30th Glimpser. ?
HI Sophia! What a nice coincidence when I receive your call as am typing this comments. Happy to hear your voice & know that you continue to have wonderful experiences & have made many new friends.
Much love,
Mommy, Daddy, Iffy, Pluto & Mars.
Alexia!! So happy to get your call today! You are missed here at home! Girls haven’t left your room!
Keep shining, keep learning, keep inspiring!!
We adore you!!
Awesome blog Brandon! You guys are doing big things wonderful things! I am so very proud of you Brandon Myers!
Can’t wait to see your face on the 21st.
LOVE YOU. Mom ❤️
Hi Brandon, Loving all the Pictures and Smiles. Hope your having a great time and taking lots of Pictures. All your friends say they miss you and can’t wait for you to come home and tell them all about your experiences.
Love you my Boy,
Dad & Roseanne
Hi Darlene,
Finally mom can see your face. Your dad was so happy to receive your call today.
Enjoy every moment as you can!
We love you and can’t wait to see you soon.
Love,
Dad, Mom and Daniel
Hi Vi.!!
How your day is going so far? Mom very happy to see you having fun with your favorite people out there, I have been following every step that you have been through. I miss you and I love you.!!?Take care and I see you soon.?
Mom
Cheese and a birthday party! Sounds great.
I know teaching is one of your passions Lolo, hope you are enjoying the experience. I bet you are a great teacher.
Love you and miss you!
Hi Sheena,
“To teach is to learn twice.”
We were all so glad and relieved to connect with you today and to hear your thoughts as you process all the experiences and people you’ve encountered so far. We hope you’ll continue to reflect on the totality and significance of this trip while it is still happening and strive to make the remaining week even more meaningful for yourself.
Sending northern hemispheric hugs and kisses to you in the southern hemisphere…
xoxo
Hi Eunice,
It looks so beautiful there! I also searched each pictures and found your beautiful face.
Since I’m working all day today, I missed your calls which mad me sad but after checking your voice message I was filled with joy. You are doing so well and I’m very proud of you. Elaine said to be healthy and happy. Few more days and I will see your beautiful face in person:)
Love you and miss you,
Mommy
Another awesome, thought provoking and inspiring post. Cheese, dried food, cool sweaters. I knew we would love this trip. The colors in the wool factory…too beautiful. Thanks to the photographers; you guys are doing a great job.
And you know not to worry about us, right Carter? We’re just working while you’re gone, and if not working, then sleeping. Nothing new. Alright, take care, sleep well. Have a great day tomorrow.
Hi chitcher!
Make sure you remember the steps to making cheese. We gotta try it when youre back home LOL. You all look like you’re having a blast! Indulge in every moment, you guys!!
Xoxo
Hi Ash,
I am so sad I missed your call today. At least you were able to talked to dad and wish him a “Happy Father’s Day”. Hope your enjoying it and learning a lot. I am so proud of you. We miss you so much and can’t wait to hear all about it!
Mom
Wha?!! Cheese, textiles, and a bday celebration?! Three of my most favorite things Meia! I’m so jealous of all you glimpsers! ?
Meia! That big smile says a lot! So happy to hear that you’re having so much fun and I hope everyone enjoyed their free day today ?
Truly enjoying all the updates and photos so keep ‘em coming!
To all you glimpsers, be well and stay well for what’s yet to come in the remainder of this awesome adventure!
Love & miss you Meia!
To Chi hai (Ashley Cao)
Chi hai I really miss you. Hope you’re having fun. Can’t wait until you come back next week!
?Ethan
Nice work everyone?Apryl,
it’s so nice to hear your voice today.
Daddy said Sorry to missed your call, he 4got his cell at home.
Looks like another fun day with free time and tutoring activities.
we are so proud of you back home, keep up your good work!
Miss and love you too much,
Mom, dad, Nathan, and Bagel
Hi my Lauryn!
How fun & exciting… sounds like you guys had a fun, full day! It was good to hear your voice today. I can tell you’re enjoying all the new experiences! So proud of your courage to try new things 😉
Love ❤️ & miss you
Mom, dad, Tim & Lin
I was so thrilled to hear your voice today Meia! I wish we could’ve talked longer but I understand you could be on the phone for so long. It’s so wonderful to see you immersed in this experience. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home. <3 Mom
We are thankful for the GG leaders and other Glimpsers for their commitment to this program and help create experiences for each other. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we are grateful for Meia to have.
Take care everyone!
Love,
The Goonies
(Christian, Yen, Valentina, Kayleb and Faith)