Wow! This last week flew by. Today we successfully completed our Community Action Project, but before we get into that, let’s begin our story at dawn. We were asleep at dawn. But, after dawn it was our faithful duty to wake our fellow Glimpsers up at 6:25, which is no easy task. After knocking and yelling… I mean, gently waking everyone up, our day started. We started off our morning with a healthy breakfast at La Estancia. There, Anna treated us with some buttery croissants, cheesy tortillas, and heavenly huevos. Oh, and fresh watermelon with some tangy pineapple juice!
After our lavish meal, we set out on our expedition to find our bus. We faced narrow streets, the weight of 20 bottles of juice, and our own personal demons (being out of shape). Mission – success! On the way to Las Gradas (the elementary school where we were doing our project), we jammed out to some oldies and sang loudly and off-pitch. After our arrival at the school, it was grind time. Everyone stayed in their lane and got to work. It was amazing to see what we could accomplish when we were dedicated and focused. A group led by Kieren worked on painting the recycling mural, while other groups worked on painting the stairs and finishing the hummingbird mural. After a couple hours of hard work, we took a lunch break at around 11:30 to refuel. Shortly thereafter, Marco recruited some neighborhood kids to contribute their handprints to our tree mural.
By this point most of our murals were nearing completion, and it was time to add the top coat. This task proved more more complicated than expected, but through trial and error we figured it out. Four minutes before before our set deadline of 2:00, we finished painting the murals. Everyone was so excited about the completion of the three-day project, but after hours of near non-stop work in the sun, we were too exhausted to celebrate immediately. It was postponed to the bus ride, where we sang our hearts out.
We had two hours of rest and hygiene (i.e. scrubbing all of the paint off), and then we met to write our final drafts of our letters of appreciation to the GG donors. After that, we headed back to La Estancia and enjoyed a great meal that included the much anticipated cuy (guinea pig). The majority of those who tried it liked it, but there were a few who weren’t fans.
After dinner we headed back and had our usual nightly meeting, where we passed the LDD torch to Kieran. We had a great discussion about everything we learned through CAP and what lessons we will take back home. Also, we discussed what to do with the leftover funds we had all donated for CAP, and we unanimously decided to donate to MIES (the nursing home we visited on Aid and Development Day)! After, we were surprised with ice cream, popcorn, and a movie night. Speaking of, we have to go finish watching Mulan. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
Thanks for reading!
Maddie & Lindsey
Hello glimpsers. The mural is so cool. Loved all the sections. So much planning and thought process would have gone into it. It has truly brought a lot of color and light to the school walls.
So proud of you all.
Asha – we had a nice long day today. Went to Jayashree’s place for a nice lunch and then to the Hanuman temple. I sang the aarti there on the mic. It was blissful.
We are all looking forward to seeing you on Monday around 12:30. We will keep checking the flight status too.
You take care sweetheart. See you soon.
Mom Dad Ravi’s Sparky
Your murals look excellent! You all worked hard and smart – lots to be proud of. I bet the murals will be appreciated for decades. I can’t wait to hear lots more about the trip. Lucy – I miss you!!
Well done Glimpsers! I hope I can someday go see your mural in person. It looks great. And a donation made to the nursing home too! That’s awesome. (P.S. Ellery, I can’t wait to hear if you tried the guinea pig — I’m guessing not, given your deep love of Squeak & Eek; but maybe you did?)
Kieran, can’t wait to see pics of the murals! What a great project! Hope LDD is fun tomorrow. Really starting to look forward to seeing you!
<3 m d n t p
Lindsey, you made a giant step out into the world! We’re proud of you and can’t wait to hear what you think about it! The mural is beautiful and finished just in time to pack up & come home. Snooze on the bus if it’s not too bumpy❤️
Gma & Gpa
glimpsers: I want to congratulate you for your effort and unity with which you worked, this is beautiful !! and above all the love that they put on him it shows. How nice that they shared many days of work together in which they shared their ideas. I congratulate you for donating to that place, may God bless you that is a beautiful detail, that deserves applause to all the glimpsers !! 👏👏👏 I am curious about that guinea pig food, that they finished the day enjoying snacks and movie . Josue: pack in time so you do not have anything left and tomorrow you dedicate yourself to enjoy the day and remember how to order so everything looks good, I only allow you to throw your old shoes please do not bring them hahahahaha I’m talking seriously! 😁😆😄😁😄 Do not bring them! we miss you and we love you so much.😘😘😘😘 Little Brother, Sister, Mom, and Dad
What an incredible experience! Safe travels to all and Lindsey we will be waiting for you at baggage claim!
Hi Maddie and Lindsey! Another great description of your day and adventures-thank you!
Glimpsers— the mural is breathtaking and I know it will bring many years of joy to the staff and students of the school. You really can make a difference in the world with one action at a time. You’ve inspired us all.
Simone, so looking forward to seeing you on Monday and hopefully getting to meet some of the glimpsers although I know you’ll all be exhausted. Safe travels. Love, Mom
Dear Kalei – Wow amazing! Beautiful mural and you should be proud of being part of such an incredible experience. Safe travels home my pretty girl xoxoMama
Amazing!!!!!! We are SO impressed with the final result of your CAP. Can’t wait to see better photos when you get home and can’t believe how fast the two weeks went by. I took the day off tomorrow Ariana so I will be seeing you at SFO and am super excited to see you!! See you soon!!! Love, Mom and Bijan xoxoxox
P.S. We are taking Oliver to a meet and greet for Nor Cal Poms in SF today
P.P.S. You picked a good cause to make your donation.
P.P.P.S Ariana, don’t forget you can leave whatever you like there as a donation.
Hugs.
WOW! beautiful! I cannot believe you finished the mural in just three days! What an accomplishment.
And.. Lindsey and Maddie, I can see you included another great meal to your post. Love it!
Skyler – I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in Ecuador, your many new friends and of course meet Tyler.
Safe travels to all – and Skyler try to get some sleep and not play on your iPhone all the way back. 🙂
Hey Kalei and Glimpsers Nice work on the beautiful murals! You all did a great job and it must have been a lot of fun.
Kalei, looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Either Aline or I will be there at the airport to get you. Safe travels!
Love Dad
Great job Glimpsers!
The mural must of been lots of work. I really like the tree with the handprints that kids put on it! I wonder how the cuy tasted?!
Ariana, really proud of you.
Lots of love,
Dad
The finished murals are beautiful! How nice to leave behind something permanent as you take your memories with you.
Wishing you smooth travels.
Sending love you Miss Lucy.