Day 9: CAP DAY 2 (No. 5)

Hi everyone! It’s Stella and Ilana, the amazing Leaders of the Day. Today was CAP Day 2, and we woke up at 4:45 a.m. to prepare for our lengthy day with positive attitudes. Our goal was to plant double the number of trees we planted yesterday.

We woke most of the squad at 5:00 a.m. and others at 5:20 a.m. We met in the common room to pick up our breakfast prepared by Ilka (the BEST cook in the world)—shoutout to Ilka! We took our food onto the bus and started our journey. Most of us slept on the bus ride to the CAP site, while we listened to Bob Marley, SZA, and Sade for some chill vibes. Once we arrived, we walked to the top of the hill carrying necessities and little baby plant trees, which were actually quite heavy. I stepped in cow poop multiple times (Ilana)—not Stella because she watched where she was walking. (Ilana couldn’t see where she was going because of how Stella carried the crate.)

Once we made it to the top, we assigned the hydration team and took some big sips of water. Hydration team: JACK (the mega-corporation) and DYLAN (the small family-owned business that made people work for their water). Jack carried 9 water bottles in his backpack, and Dylan carried 4 to 6 water bottles in Annie’s now filthy backpack. They walked around the site and provided people with their water bottles when they were thirsty. Those who were working planted an average of 30 trees each. At around 10:00, we headed back to where we began. We had Oreos and granola bars for a snack and regained our energy. We received great news that we reached our goal in 2 hours! YAY! We planted around 1,100 trees and are excited to continue tomorrow. Today the weather was much better than yesterday, with overcast skies making it cooler.

We hiked back to the bus and had time to relax. After waiting a while, we hopped on the bus and headed to lunch. Like real locals, we ate at a family business on the side of the road. They made rice and beans, chicken, and coleslaw. We fed our chicken bones to the stray dogs. We took the bus back to the hotel and had the best Spotify queue of the whole trip. Guess who was in charge? Haters will hate (Brandon).

We got back and showered off the dirt. Today is Day 9, which means we get to go out in groups of four without adults. Some of us went to McDonald’s or the café, while others went shopping for some of you- get excited. Our group decided to visit Bakery Paulina’s and VIVA PANAMA yarn shop. We saw our best friend Griselda, the owner of VIVA PANAMA. We danced with her with excitement at seeing each other again. She is our Panamanian madre . One group chipped in to buy Crocs for CamiTech man’s daughter. We sang “Cumpleaños Feliz” for his video and then traveled back to the hotel.

We had free time until dinner at 6 p.m. We ate pasta with pork or chicken stew prepared by our beloved Ilka. After dinner, it was time for our nightly meeting, where the torch was passed to Brandon and Dylan, our new Líder del Día! We are currently writing this blog on the porch while listening to music. Others are enjoying themselves inside or getting ready for bed. The mosquitoes are killing us, and Stella is getting her hair braided by Ms. Deen, so we better go. ¡HASTA LUEGO!

Miss you guys and see you all soon. – STELLA AND ILANA

How was Cartagena, Mom and Dad? – Joshua M.

Dylan is up on points with Ilka. Also, Dad, look up Delmiro La Cascara. I’m famous here. – Dylan H.

Mom and Dad, I’m actually Ilka’s favorite, and I’m flying her out for prom! Love you! – Brandon

Plants are fun. – Jack

I only fell 5 times today hahaha. Eat that, Andre Ellis – Annie, love you though.

I miss all of y’all but am having a great time in Panama… I promise. – Amber

Guys, I’m busting my butt on this trip. I better get some good Chinese takeout when I get home (Dad…). Tell Devin I miss her!!! And tell her to comment too…. – Jane I.

I miss you so much, Mirkis y mi cielo lindo. I’ll see you in 5 days, Chris. Te amo. ¡ANIMOO! Tell Jason I said hi and the whole group. He better have written to me – Sapa

Mommy and Daddy, I love you! Tell Howie I love him too! – Logan Kennedy

Cam Cam, I miss you, amor. 5 more days!!!! I know LJ misses me. – Adriana