“The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” –George Orwell, author of the book 1984.
Hello from the middle of the world! We have been inspired by our first full day in Guaranda, where we focused a lot on the history of Ecuador so that we can build genuine cross cultural community.
We started by having an amazing breakfast at Estancia with our wonderful cook Ana. We are so lucky in that we have one of the best cooks in all of Guaranda. Today, we had herbal tea, fresh fruit (the papaya was our personal favorite), yogurt, granola, as well as eggs, ham, and bread to make our own breakfast sandwiches. Then, we headed back to the community gathering space in our hostel to discuss our community norms. We all shared what would help build familia (family) with each other, but we will say that everyone is already becoming so close! To complete our agreements, we used the Nigerian tradition of standing in a circle, jumping forward, and yelling Ashé! Ashé means “And let it be so.”
Our agreements!
The group then spent time getting a tour of the city that will be our home for the next two weeks. We met a stray dog that Serena decided to name “Spike,” and Spike followed us around for most of the day. It was sometimes quite distracting trying to learn about the history of Ecuador when Spike was upstaging our PC Joshua. Sometimes Spike even brought friends over! (Don’t worry, no one is touching or petting Spike or his friends).
Joshua trying to speak with Spike stealing the show.
One highlight of the day was spending time at the market. We split into three groups, and each group got two dollars to in order to become a casero, or people who come to buy food. We all decided to buy interesting fruits. We ended up with pineapple (we had to get it as Taylor had never tried it), pitahaya (dragon fruit), grenadine, uvillas and regional bananas, papaya and oranges. We had the honor of stopping at Joshua’s favorite stand, and the three women gave us llapa, which is a custom of giving gifts of extra fruit. They complemented our group on how many spoke Spanish to them. We also got to see the fresh fish that came straight from the coast that morning.
Getting fruit from the market
Zoe eating grenadine.
Alex taught us a lot about the importance of calling ourselves global citizens and being compassionate about the issues of the world. He taught us that each of us plays a role, and that our role as a leader is important. We must know our community and our history, because at some point we will have the responsibility to make decisions that will impact people and futures.
At around 2pm, we headed back to Estancia for lunch. Ana prepared for us cream of mushroom soup, sauteed steak, rice, and jello for dessert. It was all so yummy!
Lunch time!
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The boys of GU1C
After lunch we came back to the hostel to hear from our speaker Gustavo Fierro. Gustavo is an indigenous Ecuadorian who came to talk to us about the history of Ecuador, specifically Guaranda. Gustavo focused on the different cultures that make up Ecuador, that is Spanish, Incas, and Mestizos. The mixture of these cultures is due to the geographics of Ecuador. Many of the indigenous peoples are found inland and in the mountains, because they were able to cultivate food in the land. Gustavo also talked about the importance of Carnival for Guranda. Carnival in Guaranda is a big event! It is an event of courtship, where males carefully toss perfumed balls in front of girls and ask them to dance. They also carefully splash water on them, to let them know that they like them. Then they dance. Check out the picture of Destiny with Gustavo as he demonstrates the tradition with her.
The group with Gustavo.
Following our guest speaker we had an hour of free time to refresh.
After freetime, we had a seminar led by Alex on English tutoring. Our students learned today what Spanish level they would be teaching. Alex went over teaching techniques to prepare them for their first day of tutoring on Tuesday! The students they will be teaching are from the local school of Verbo Divino, Las Gradas, and Universidad Estatal Bolivar. We helped them prepare by going through their lesson plans. We love seeing them be educators!
Today’s dinner consisted of rice, chicken, veggies, and chocolate cake! Once again, amazing. Zoe and Carson sang a beautiful song in Spanish to Ana to thank her for cooking for us on her day off.
After dinner, we returned to the hostel and did our nightly reflection. A highlight from our reflection was hearing students’ connections between what they learned today to what they know from back home. Many students saw at the market today that kids were working alongside their parents, because they need to, this gave them a sense of appreciation for their parents hard work and for the food that they eat back home everyday. We had some students feeling homesick, but they appreciated the love they got from their new friends and your amazing comments.
Nightly reflection and community time
Stay tuned for tomorrow when we have our first student Leaders of the Day!
Hi Jake
What an incredible experience!!!we are so happy you are learning so much and making strong friendships and connections!! I lovevreading all about Ecuador!!
Love You
Grandma and Grandpa
Beautiful
So happy to see you Taylor Marie and the beautiful smile on your face! Enjoy every small little minute. Love you, Auntie DiDi!
Good morning Glimpsers!
Happy to hear you guys are experiencing a trip of the life of a lifetime and having fun learning!
Hi Zarmani don’t forget to take pictures and write in your Journal about your experience.
Love Grandmommie ?
TAY-
So proud of you and we are loving the pictures. We missed you yesterday at the birthday palooza, but are so excited for this trip of a lifetime that you are on! Love you!
-Sarah & Mike
How awesome!!! Looks like you’re having a blast Taylor! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!!
Love, Annie, Justin and the boys
The market place looked amazing.. so many colorful food options (the giant animals hooves were a little interesting)!! I hope everyone is trying something new to eat! Soak in all the new views and experiences Carter Madden and buy us some cool souvenirs (maybe a bracelet 🙂 … Love you and miss you a ton!! – Mom, Dad and Joe
Carter, make sure to wear your boots and work pants on your CAP, or outdoor excursion days.
Haley
P.S. You better have figured out the GoPro and are taking amazing pictures!!!
Hi Carter Madden! Wow, what a busy day you had touring the city. The open market trip looked interesting and fun. The meals look pretty tasty especially dinner with chocolate cake for dessert! Yum! Can’t help thinking you’re probably one of the first kids asleep at night! Love You, Granny and Grandpa Lee
Hello Taylor: It is so exciting to see and hear all you and your friends are doing. I love the pictures, you look so happy. Grandpa is anxious to know if you like pineapple, it’s his favorite. Take Care. Love you sweetheart
Dear Jake, Really enjoying the blog and attached photos.
This is a wonderful learning experience for you and your new friends. Enjoy every minute of this great adventure! Love, Bubbie & Zadye
Carter,
We are so very proud of you. You are doing a great thing. Be safe and have fun. We miss you and love you.
Also, Danny wanted me to tell you that he won the game Granny!
Love you!
Uncle D
Carter,
While I don’t miss you, I just wanted to say that you better try new foods and put your sunscreen/bug spray on. The first few days are the hardest, but they get better. I will never forget my Global Glimpse trip. You better buy me something too.
Love,
Haley
Ady,
What an amazing opportunity God has given you to learn and grow while serving others. I’m sure you’re already appreciating all that you have at home.
I’m proud of you!
Enjoy those delicious homemade meals. Sounds delish!
Sending you lots of love and good vibes.
Carter, keep up the great work. Very proud of you. Grandpa Tom
Hey Carter! Take it all in, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime. I could only wish I had this when I was eighteen. I’ll see you in September, interested to hear all about the experience. Love ya Grandpa Tom.
Hi Alexis,
I’m glad your are eating fruits. Love you.
Hi Jalynn,
I love you! I’ve been thinking about you every day and night. I miss you so much and hope you are having a great trip. Love Gabe
Hi Jalynn,
Looks like you are having fun at the market. You look so beautiful, I love and miss you so much. Enjoy every moment of your journey! Love Grandma Sheila and Gran Gran
Hi Taleya, I pray you are having a wonderful time. Love and kisses from Ivory and me..
Hello Jake,
Sounds like an amazing experience! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Bonnie
Wonderful experiences!!! Many more in the days ahead!! Love you Carson and enjoy your first day of teaching!!! Huge Hug!! XOXO!!!
It’s so great that you got to share your gift of song, Carson. Best wishes as you prepare your lecture!
Love, mo ?
Hey Jade,
We’re so proud of you…. Take a ton of pictures and have fun…
Zoe! I saw you in a picture eating grenadine. How cool! I hope it reminds you of Colombia. The latin countries are beautiful and the people are very nice. So proud of you. Te quiero muchisimo!!!!