Today was the first day of the Community Action Project! We woke up super early at 7am and went to eat some delicious cheese empanadas, sausages, and fruit with yogurt at Roma Santa. After our filling breakfast we took the bus to the Carlos Garbay Farm and started our CAP, which took a surprising turn. Since the reconstruction of the roof was put into the hands of professionals, our designated construction group worked with painting instead. This led to the usage of all purchased materials, which meant that the budgeting team had to return to the hardware store to buy more safety precaution materials, such as masks and gloves. By clean up time at 12:30 we had accomplished our goal of painting two main sections of walls, with only a few touch ups left to do! The corrugated steel roof was also finished, thanks to our dedicated professional workers. After going through our materials today, the budgeting team realized there would be even more necessities to purchase. Unfortunately, we only had $1.70 left in our original budget. However, thanks to the wonderful RB1B, we ended up raising enough money to cover our further expenses. The four hours of hard work went by in the blink of an eye, and before we knew it, we were covered in paint and ready to eat.
Our favorite chef, Isabella from Roma Santa, prepared a scrumptious lunch of white rice, beef patties, veggies and grain soup, garbanzo bean salad, with a side of guava juice. The end of lunch came sooner than expected, which led to 15 extra minutes of free time, in which Glimpsers showered, got ready for English tutoring, rested, or visited the Internet Cafe to call their loved ones. This delightful break ended in time for English tutoring at Nazareno. As the third day of teaching began, the student-teachers finally found their rhythm and felt more comfortable and prepared as they delivered their lessons. We hope our teachers back home would be proud of the progress we have made both as students and as teachers who have followed their examples.
At dinner, we found out that Isabella had planned us a surprise Fourth of July celebration! The party started with sparklers and a buffet table of snacks such as chocolate cupcakes, hot dogs, strawberry kebabs, and chips with dip. The national anthem blasted as we made our way to an arrangement of chicken, potato wedges, and Ecuadorian pizza. Then the real party began with dance music, disco lights, and lots of laughter. Time truly flew by as all Glimpsers and guests from RB1B danced the night away from our scheduled plans. Our nightly meeting was later than anticipated, but still full of energy and positivity as we concluded the day. As we passed the torch onto Perla and Jialin, we reflected upon this day as one of the most memorable ones of the trip. We hope the rest of the trip goes just as great as today has been.
From your leaders of today, Aleksys and Grace 🙂
P.S. thanks mom & dad for answering my call today and don’t worry Alina you will definitely be receiving a matching Ecuadorable hat to add to your Colombian one! – your one and only Aleksys
Aleksys- your voice on the phone today was such a wonderful surprise. Sergio said sorry and he misses you too. I can not wait to hear all about your adventures. Tomorrow grandpa and I are off to Washington DC. Dad and I are so proud of you. Dios me la bendiga.
Love you
Mom
Sounds like you all had a great day! That was nice of them to do something for 4th of July. ? Missing my Sarina love you so very much. I’m home with chance he is freaking out with all the fire works poor guy ??
Stay safe and keep doing what your doing making lasting memories! Love your mama Sarina ???❤️??
Love getting these daily updates. You guys are having a very meaningful, helpful and fun time. I keep looking for pictures of my Brennen and only see them once in a while. Always wanting the very best for you all,
With very much love,
Grandma
The Fourth of July cupcakes are amazing! Hope they tasted as good as they look.
Riss,
how did the painting go?
I hope you were one of the ones that got to tutor kids today. I know that’s great experience for the teaching career you plan to work towards.
Love the USA cupcakes.
Went to coach Arts for 4th of July. Held big bad Bruno on my lap while they did fireworks. Missed you but I know you’re having the time of your life.
Big Love and Bigger hugs,
Mama Lama
Hi Vannessa,
I see you’re working hard and having a fun time over there but don’t forget about your family. I’m worried, it’s been over a week and I haven’t had a call from you
-Mom
Hey Jackson ! Sounds like you had a great July 4th….
Sounds like you all had a fun 4th of July celebration in Riobamba. Hope you all continue to enjoy these fabulous experiences!
Hi to Brennen! 🙂
Looks like fun sister you are such an inspiration miss you lots can’t wait to see you !!
-Luzsha
Aleksys: I am so very proud of you and the work you are doing. Please keep it up. We miss you here but support your magnificent work. Tia sends you lots of love and kisses. Be safe, we will see you soon. I ❤️Lexi…
hey lexi!!!!!! I hope you’re having fun in ecuador!!!!!!! i’m so glad you got to experience this :))))))))) I love you! stay safe <3
The pictures are great! You’ll have to tell us all about the food! Hope you are having a blast and getting all those steps in Aleksys! Luv Yah! Ivania!
Hi Allison, we we’re sooo happy to hear your voice after a week. We have never missed your voice like this before (hahaha). We’re glad for another productive day for you there. Keep sharing your time, talent and treasure. We love you ? and misses you. Pecker, Fluffball, Taylor and Peanut says belated happy 4th (peck,peck,peck,peck). They’re enjoying Lolo’s Amaranth so much. Don’t worry about Pecker ?
Aleksys it was great to hear from you, enjoy the rest of this experience, have fun, learn some more Spanish, be safe, we love ya!
Great job everyone!
Love u and miss u kathy
Your dad
Hey Jackson
Hope you’re having a great time…
How about a call or an email ?
When you have time of course
Dad love you son
Lex,
How cool that you still got to celebrate the 4th over there! Back on my trip I was over there on the 4th too and my delegation made me feel right at home :)) So happy to see you starting your CAP and English class. Can’t wait to hear all about it over a Dutch Bros trip. I love you and I’m such a proud sister right now !!! You’re doing big things Poo Poo !
Hey Lexi!
Alina sent me your post. It sound like your having an amazing time! Enjoy the experience.
Hello Aleksys I hope your having a great time in Ecuador. Take care
Yours truly
Tio David
Sounds like youre having fun lex! We all still miss you very much. Love youuuu 🙂
Of course your teachers are proud of you, even without all of the great things you have done (and will continue to do!). You are a wonderful human being who continues to set a fine example for the rest of us! Your big sis sent me the link to your blog (she might be just a little proud of you, too!).
Hey parisI am missing u a lot glad to see u r learning and doing different postive things❤❤❤❤??????????