Hello families and friends back home!
Today I had the pleasure of taking on the role of leader for our “living like a local” day. It was a very special day, and we all had very enriching interactions with the locals from San Luis. We were greeted on our arrival to this destination with love and with open arms by the women of the community. Upon arrival we were escorted by each woman individually in groups to each home where they graced us with their presence, wisdom, and many servings of fruit. These women treated their neighbors as family and also treated us as such, giving great effort to learning about our lives along with allowing us to take a glimpse into theirs. While we were eager to help the local families with chores, they tended to not feel comfortable with that arrangement as they viewed us as their special guests. We also had time to play dominos, watch a baseball game, while playing and dancing with the young children. It was all a truly amazing experience that I’m sure we all felt blessed to be a part of.
The locals of San Luis can be seen as exceptional people. They are happy and content with their lives because of the close bond they shared within the community despite the challenges they face. When asked what they believe is the biggest challenge within their community most responded with the trenches in the main road where drivers and many motorcyclists, motorcycles being the vast majority of transportation and being injured. They also desired that their community center be painted and made more kid friendly. Also that a fence be made around the center because people have thrown large amounts of trash into their space. Their wishes were never individual but for the community as a whole. As a team we are still debating what we will be able to provide in our CAP Discovery projects depending on our available budget, skills, time, and resources.
The selected quote for the day grasped a legitimate representation of the locals we spent time with, debriefing, “We are not rich by what we possess, but by what we can do without”. I hope that each one of us takes back home to you, our own communities, that in order to survive the most valuable things are not materialistic , but instead the unconditional support of each other.
This day with the local people of San Luis sounds like an amazing one. Waiting anxiously to hear more from you, Carter. What a growing experience! Love looking at the photos.
wow I see that my child is enjoying this highly anticipated experience. I love this blog. This gave me a glimpse of what she see and that is team work, friendship, and sincerity. I do appreciate you guys giving my daughter this opportunity. Please allow her to take lots of pictures to share with her family. I am soooooo looking forward to her return and hearing all about her trip…. Safe travels
Bronte, Your post brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of you and the words you shared. I can’t wait to hear about everything you have experienced and learned, in person. Hope you get a chance to take some amazing photos as well. We are all thinking of you.
Love, Mom
Bronte Kuehnis
What a wonderful experience you are all sharing with the local people and to actually be a part their heartfelt wisdom and their life experiences that you will cherish always.
I am thinking of you every day.
Love Meema
Bronte, I really enjoyed your article. It was so well written that I almost felt like I was there! I hope you are having a great time. I hope to hear all about your adventures one of these days. Well done!! Love,
Grandpa Susan
Wow bronte! So proud of you! What an amazing experience can’t wait to hear everything! Love you!
-Carli 🙂