“A lot of little people, doing little things in little places, can change the world.” – Eduardo Galeano
Community Action Project, Day 3
Question of the Day: What have you learned from working with the community? Who is one person you will miss seeing?
Bittersweet. That is one word that we would use to describe our last full day here in Guaranda. Today marks the inauguration of the school of Educacion Basica of San Juan de Llullundongo, so our delegation traveled back to the community to spend time with the kids and celebrate our unity in finishing our project.
Completion of the Community Action Project
Before we came together, the school seemed to be overlooked by its surroundings and some students felt that the outside appearance didn’t reflect all the heart the community poured into it. By painting it a vibrant yellow, we were able to put the school on the map, allowing it to be noticed from miles away. We spent the day playing soccer and ecua-volley, really soaking in the last few moments we would have with them. After exchanging dance moves and words of appreciation, we were presented with a plaque that expressed deep gratitude “for a job well done for the good of the institution.”
Throughout the Community Action Project days, we exemplified the three C’s (commitment, courage, and compassion) by maintaining high spirits even when we faced miscommunication, sickness, and reluctance to step out of our comfort zones.
With regard to the quote of the day, we came to the conclusion that as individuals alone, we may not have been able to create such a lasting impact. However, together, through minga (community gathering), we were able to complete something much more sustainable. Having been a very emotional day for the majority of us, we were able to find strength in vulnerability and comfort in the presence of one another. On that note, tonight during our final nightly meeting, our feelings were running high as we embraced our growth as individuals, as well as a family.
Our experiences have shaped our perspectives on the importance of daily face-to-face interaction and taught us that no matter the amount of apparent differences, there is always a common thread that connects us. We learned that it’s okay to lean on others for support and that sometimes tears signify strength. Our time with Kichwa communities opened our eyes to new ways of looking at the world and never before did we look at the Earth and thank her, and never again will we not do so.
Big Love to:
- Our Program Coordinators, Steph and Camilo – for making Guaranda feel like home for these past two weeks, for taking care of us, and for providing such an enriching learning environment.
- Our GG Leaders Brendan, Brittney, and Carlos – for always treating us like their own and being so selfless each day.
- GU2A delegation – for their inclusiveness and the bonds that we have built through laughter and tears.
- Pachamama – for providing us with the gift of natural resource and the beauty that surrounds us.
- Tour guides and guest speakers – for their insight and opening our hearts and minds to the possibilities of our capabilities.
“They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.” -Unknown
Great job Glimpsers!
Love your blog posts today?
Big thanks to GG Leaders and Program coordinators for taking care of our kids for the past 2 weeks. I know everyone must feel sad around this time. All of you have created a long life bond with each other and many unforgettable memories that will stay with each of you forever.
Have a safe flight home everyone!
Apryl,
Daddy is picking you up ok.
Love Always,
Mom & Dad
Hi Sophia. We hope you are feeling much better & in good spirits for the journey back home. I was searching the pictures but did not see you, I guess you were recuperating then. We were worried, but knowing that you were being well cared for gave us a sense of comfort. Please extend our gratitude to everybody who looked after you & took care of you. We missed you terribly at this point & shall look forward to seeing you on Thursday. Do give us a call from Quito if you can. Take care & stay safe.
Much Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Iffy & Pluto & Mars.
Alexia, not gonna lie… you have mom and I in tears! We truly can’t tell you enough how proud we are of you for taking this journey! For setting the stage for your sisters and family, for planting your seeds throughout the world. Thank you for having the courage to explore the world and yourself. We adore your spirit and can’t wait to hear all about this amazing adventure!
Thank you to all the Glimpsers and leaders for sharing yourselves throughout this process. Even from so far away, you’ve allowed us to stay connected to this journey!
Safe travels… We will see you soon!
Forever thankful,
Fam
Yes Bittersweet! Tears are filling my eyes as I read this last blog and look at these pictures. Even though I don’t each and everyone of you, I am proud of each and everyone of you for taking this journey. You all should be very proud of yourselves and what you accomplished in Guaranda. I know you will all go on to do amazing things!
Love to all of you Glimpsers! 1 more day till we get to see your beautiful faces!
Love, Brandon’s Mom!
Will this really be the last blog?!?! I hope this message finds you before your departure from Guaranda. I am beaming with pride and joy for each Glimpser. It takes more than curiosity to set foot on another country and do what you did. It took courage and compassion. You each cared enough to be there in hopes of finding ways to make a positive impact in their community. And that you all did! All efforts whether big or little brings progress to their community. The leaders have done a phenomenal job guiding the group and providing meaningful exposure. Thank you for giving the Glimpsers this opportunity and dedicating your time to them.
Meia-it will be so exciting to hear all your stories! Everyone back home has been rooting for you and are anxious for you to share stories. I am deeply moved by your compassion for others through all the activities you continuously commit to ( i.e. Salt leadership). You didn’t have to do any of that but you CHOSE to. You are definitely exemplary of these words, “To be Christ for others as Christ is for us.” Ok Meia, we can’t wait to see you!!!
Love always,
The Goonies
“Goonies never say die!”
Mom, Christian, Valentina, Kayleb and Faith
I as well had tears in my eyes reading this blog. I am also so proud of you Iana, ALL the Glimpsers, PC’s and GG Leaders. The bonds you must have made on this trip and the experiences are priceless. This trip has changed all your lives for the better and is leaving an impression on all of you.
Safe travels on the way home!! Love you Iana!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mom
Hey Lauryn,
One more day til you’re back!! Can’t wait to hear all about your amazing trip <3
Safe travels!!
Bel
These quotes from today are so inspiring, esp “… they didn’t know we were seeds.” Like it. So glad for you and all you’ve learned about yourselves, others, the world, people, serving, giving, sharing, hard work. Invaluable. I’m excited about the school looking great and looking welcoming. Thank you so much Guaranda, thank you so much Global Glimpse, thank you so much Brendan, Brittany, Carlos, Steph and Camillo and I’m sure others. Super excited to have you guys home. Can’t wait to do all that laundry 😉 Hope the trip goes smoothly. Hugs to all.
much love to you baby Carter xoxoxoxoxoxo
Like the other families who have left comments, I have a knot in my throat and tears as I read your last post. So many memories made and so much good work done! You have left a positive, joyful, and generous impression on those you have met and interacted with and they have done the same for you. This is how the world is made a better place. Thank you for all you have done!
Grace, I can hardly wait to see your beautiful face and hear all your stories!
Love you,
Mom
Hi Lauryn,
I can totally see how this would be bittersweet for everyone… but we are so glad to be seeing you in less than 24 hours! ?.
Even though I was very hesitant & nervous to send you all the way there, I’m glad you insisted on going on this trip. (once again proving how brave & ambitious you are!) The exposure & experience you gained on this trip is going to be so valuable!
Have a safe trip back and see you very soon!
Love, mom
Good job to my lil cousin Aniya I am so proud of you keep up the good work
Love your big cousin
Shay’Neka
Hi (mami)Julianna
Espero que te diviertas mucho en este viaje y aprendas más de la cultura.
Te extrañamos mucho todos te mandamos besos y buena vibra ?tu mami Alfredo Luis guecitos y la mami ok
Love you mami
WOW!! I cant even begin to tell you all GLOBAL GLIMPSERS how proud I am of all of you…
I reflect back to when I was 17 and in high school and I cant say for sure if I would be brave enough to go away without my friends or a family member and be a million miles away…. let alone not even knowing what to expect….how brave and courageous you all are,,,,
So proud of you Carson!
Enjoy your time making a difference.
Love you and miss you!
Auntie Shelanda
ZARMANI.
HOPE YOUR DOING WELL. LOOKS LIKE U GUYS ARE DOING SOME AWESOME THINGS..I LOVE U AND ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE..LOVE Auntie
Stacia,
I know that you are enjoying this wonderful learning experience. Absorb the beauty of the country and the people. Your sister’s and I miss you tremendously. Can’t wait til your home and looking forward to hearing about your trip.
Love,
Mom, Augie, and Brea