So, today was an extremely draining day, waking up at 5am, going on an hour long bus ride, and working with a variety of people. The accomplishments made today most definitely made up for it all, from helping out with the biggest reforestation project in the world (the start of this project can be read here: http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-ecuador-breaks-guinness-reforestation-record-2015-5) to teaching people English, today was out of this world. We got to meet the leader of a fairly new community which was created about 8 years ago as a result of a terrible volcanic eruption that destroyed a village’s way of living. It is because of their current situation that they are the community involved in our CAP (Community Action Project). This is a part of our trip in which we are able to engage in a sustainable project involving a community, and in which we can help them achieve their goals and create a positive impact. We got the opportunity to ask about their struggles and what they felt would benefit their community. We learned they lack a reliable water source, a garbage system, and a park. They felt a park would be most impactful. After scoping out what we had to work with and throwing out some ideas, we’re still under the water about what we’re going to do, but the ideas are rushing in and we’re certain whatever we choose to do as a delegation will be for the better. After that we hopped onto a bus for a long ride back with barely any time to get ready to meet our new students. With three days of prepping for a class, every class from kids level to advanced seemed to be fumbling around, but overall it was a good day to teach English. Every student seemed eager to learn, no matter the age, and every teacher was equally eager to teach. Based on our first day, we learned a lot from our students, most likely more than they learned from us, but nonetheless it was a productive day.

As leaders, we felt that sharing the role was more difficult than had been anticipated, but to others we seemed to have complimented each others strong suits. While we most definitely could have worked at being more of a unit, we did a decent job at keeping our group on task and on time. We learned that while it seemed difficult to be a pair of leaders, we are certainly stronger together. Our whole group was very respectful, helpful, and honest to us as leaders. Today held an abundance of experiences that we got to share, not only together, but with a whole other community. Every moment was something unforgettable.

Our View in the Morning

Teaching English

Everyone with the community leaders

The group getting ready to see the farm

Baby Skunk!

Darwin planting a tree

Baby Goat!!!!!