Welcome to the Community!

Hola from Constanza! Today was another great day with the group and we are so excited to share it with you!

Starting off the day strong we had a very calming yoga class followed by a delicious breakfast of huevos (eggs), jamon (ham), and pancakes (pancakes if you couldn’t figure this one out), served with fresh chinola (passion fruit) juice. Following breakfast, we were visited by Bernardo, the leader of  Fundacion Alegria Inocente, who told us his story of how his vision & action brought his dream of helping his community to life. Bernardo originally served his community as a firefighter, which led him to create his own foundation with his friends which works to bring impoverished communities clothes, school supplies, and assistance to rebuild homes. His kindness has left a huge impact on his community and definitely inspired us all today.

Following our informational session we split up for free time, but a small group did have a fun game of duck duck goose on the hill overlooking the mountains- definitely a game to remember. Next up was lunch, where the chefs cooked another delicious meal consisting of rice, beans, and fried yuca.

That’s all from me (this is Charlie), and to my family- love you and miss you all, hope too many tears weren’t shed ? but I hope you guys are doing great!! <3

Following lunch,  our leader Noe provided more information about our Community Action Project (CAP) delivery. With the help of a TED Talk from Ernesto Strolli we learned about not doing what you think they WANT, but asking the community what they NEED. This is going to be very important as we visit these impoverished communities and work with Bernardo’s program to develop and aid citizens in their lives.

With this in mind, we visited one of the houses we are going to be working on. A 30-minute drive away from the center of Constanza, Magalys lives in a small home with her son, Andy, and her granddaughter, Abigail. They made their house eight years ago, and with the little money they have they fabricated walls, a roof, and little furnishing for a living area and kitchen inside. The floors are still dirt and during storms the ground turns to mud and doing anything inside is out of the question. This house, along with two others, is going to be the subject of our CAP where we will give them cement floors and ask them questions to make sure they receive what they need.

After a jam session with Lana Del Ray and other artists on the bus home (See video), we had free time for volleyball and the playground before having pizza and fruit punch for dinner and then our nightly meeting where Priscilla showed her soccer skills and Knox led a guided meditation. Tomorrow is in good hands with our leaders.

Being a leader today was a great experience and I (Sam) will be inspired to continue in my community when I get home. To Mama, I picked a flower and am growing it in water like you taught me. To my sisters, I hope the campers aren’t being too much of a handful, and to Mommy, there’s no crying in Global Glimpse. See you in nine days.

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