From the crack of dawn until the last gleam of sunlight, Working Like a Local Day was a day full of happiness, cooperation, and bonding. The day began at 5:30 in the morning, when all of us stumbled groggily out of bed to the tour bus, which brought us to the quaint building of Utopia, an organization which acquires food directly from farmers and delivers them to families of low income. After a warm welcome by Utopia staff, we set right to work, which included sorting, weighing, and distributing numerous fruits and vegetables into canastas, or baskets of food ready for distribution to families. While the work may have been hard at times, it was certainly rewarding and uplifting to us all.
My peers and I learned about the strong sense of selflessness and cooperation in the community of Riobamba. As we worked, staff and local volunteers would be right there in the middle of the street with us, weighing and counting food. The spirit was also so positive and joyful, and right in the middle of working, Ecuadorian dance music would be turned on, and both Glimpsers (myself included) and local community members would get up and start dancing together in pairs and in large circles, feet stomping and hands joined together. It was this strong sense of cooperation, present in both our Global Glimpse group and the workers and helpers of Utopia, which made me incredibly happy the entire morning. I just could not help smiling and dancing with everyone I saw as I worked.
The event that surprised me the most today was when a car drove into a small hole near our canasta working area. A bunch of us Glimpsers, as well as locals, were called to help, and with our combined effort, we managed to fully lift the section of the car stuck in the ditch. It was my first time lifting a car, and it only reinforced the strong feelings of teamwork today! I am so proud of my peers today (I can’t help but crack a smile as I type these words) because even though the work was difficult at times, we stayed strong and unified. There were no arguments, errors in communication, or resentment, and today clearly strengthened our new bonds of friendship with one another.
I am so overjoyed to be bonding with such wonderful people, and giving back to the community through an amazing organization, Utopia, which we look forward to working with in the future! Being El Lider Del Dia (Leader of The Day) was a bit stressful for me at first, since I was worried I would mess up somewhere and stall the day, but when I received an abundance of support from my peers and Global Glimpse leaders, I soon felt confident and ready to lead us through the day! As I sit here now, I have learned that I have what it takes within me to be an efficient leader, and with just a little courage and willpower, I am able to work and grow as a leader!
And now, the shoutouts for the night:
Love you family! -Abbie
Mom: I’ll call again on the 22nd! I got the days mixed up ): Can’t wait to talk to you and snail, though! Also, shoutout to my best friend Aparna that I love so much, and SH7 crew, + Nic, Andrew, and Daniel T. I miss talking to you all! (Also, thanks to Arjun’s mom for the sweet thank you!) -Helena
Arjun’s family + Alandra: Next free day is the 22nd, so I’m 100% able to call then. The food is surprisingly delicious; I had some grilled vegetable/fish dish that night. Love you and miss you so much!
Hey fam, I’ll call you guys on the 22nd, so please be ready to answer! -Emanuel
Hey Dad & Uncle, I will call on the 22nd because this is when we have free time for the whole day. Love you guys. -Christian M.
S/O to my family, I will call you guys on the 22nd. I miss you guys a bit. Today was really fun, and I have been playing a lot of soccer LOL. See you later Alligator. Also, S/O to my dog Otis, I miss petting your fur. Love you (bark). Love, te amo, Jordan
I’ll call you on the 22nd. Besos, Rebecca.
Hey Dad! Found a poncho for Jax, gonna try and buy it next week. Pick up the damn phone. -Jay
Hey Ms. Burks, we just read your comment and we miss you so much! P.S. we’re making new friends lol. -Jennifer M.
Hey Ms. Burks, you made my night with the shoutout. We miss you so much! We are making new friends! -Arianna R.
Hey Julia and Emma, hold Fluffy extra close today cuz guess what – I’ll be trying cui (guinea pig) tomorrow >:). Give him some treats for me!
Tell Amma and Paati not to worry – I’ve been eating a LOT of good food (I actually haven’t had rice and beans as a meal yet). And I’m bringing yummy food home too (including honey and candy) 🙂 Love, Sandhya
And finally, to my parents, I miss you guys! Hope you are doing well, and I’ll call (and/or email) on the 22nd to catch you guys up on all of my super fun experiences so far! Love, Marcus
Hi there Laynie-Love! I’m really proud of you (and all your fellow Global Glimpsers) and of the meaningful work you did today! Congrats to all on a job well done! As far as the phone call on the 22nd: will that be AM or PM? Not that I mind being shackled to the phone all day, but still…;) We keep hearing about the delicious foods you are all partaking in, so why not include a couple of culinary food shots in the blogs for us foodies at home (hint hint)?
<3 <3 <3
mama
Global Glimpse along with Utopia are truly making the world a better place! We are very pleased to hear about your experiences—enjoy every meal,,,every smile…every dance. The memories will last a lifetime. We are very proud of you Marcus (well written blogs by all) and the entire Global Glimpse “gang”
We tip our hats to you (and speaking of hats, don’t forget to get me a cool one)
Hey Marcus,
What a beautiful writing! We couldn’t be more proud. Glad that you enjoy every moment of this memorable experience, including lifting a car! Hahaha (: Take it all in and have a good time. We miss you so much. The house is surely quiet without you.
Love,
Mom & Dad
Also, thank you to all the Global Glimpse people to create such a wonderful program!
WOW! What a wonderful experience. Sandhu glad to hear that you are eating well. Will let paati know. Enjoy your time there!
Love,
Amma
Marcus, fab post! I could just hear and feel your enthusiasm and how moving this day was for all of you. Yes, all the Glimpsers who have posted have done such a wonderful job of conveying the feelings associated with your work and experiences. Awww Helena, you’re most welcome honey.
Sandya, nice to see another Amma mentioned on the list – Arjun has an Amma and a Paati wondering about his food intake too 🙂
Arjun if possible, do let us know roughly when you might call on the 22nd. I know it might not be possible to give exact times, but an approximate window and AM or PM will ensure that we’re here.
One of the things I took away from today’s post was how y’all must be thinking about the dignity of all labor. What does it mean to do work for others? To work with one’s hands? This thought occurred to me as I read the words “rewarding” and “uplifting” referring to this work.
Hey Arjun, glad to hear you’re trying new foods! I remember us being worried about your diet haha. Looking forward to talking to you.
Sandhu
You have now travelled to one country that I have not travelled to 🙂 No rice and beans? Surprising! It must so refreshing to be amidst locals who live a happy life with minimal wants and needs. Enjoy. Soak in the culture, connect with the locals, converse in Spanish, enjoy the local food and stay in touch.
Hi Rebecca,
Looks like your having a great time, can’t wait to hear your stories.
Hope you are taking lots of pictures.
Buy some souvenirs.
Write to us on the blog if you get some time, tell us about the kids you are teaching English, the landscape, the food, and the culture!
Sok puszi – anya es apa + Ben!
Marlene, es freut mich dass es dir gut geht und du so viele neue Erfahrungen machst. Unserem Fluffy geht es gut. Andere Länder andere Sitten. Viel Spaß, und ich freue mich schon auf deinen “Leader” Tag.
Great blog Marcus! I agree with some of the others, your enthusiasm flows out through your writing. Great to see your delegation has bonded so quickly and love the shout outs you all are doing!
Very rewarding experience. I am so proud of you all you Global Glimpsers.
Hard work truly does pay off. High Five!
Clearly I am catching up on these blogs a bit late (just got done with a week long wedding!!)… And yaaaay! Jenifer and Arianna, you are making my night with the shout out! To everyone: I LOVE what I am hearing about this organization Utopia and can’t wait to see how yall continue to partner with them. And I can’t wait to see the pics of yall getting the car out of the ditch… I’m gonna keep yall in mind for help back in the bay. It is clear that hard work and purpose are truly deepening your bonds of friendship, and I urge you to remember that truth when you return. Keep it up!