Heyy friends and families,
This is Grayson and Johanna, your first student Líders del dia (LDD), or in other words, the leaders of the day. We’ve had an eventful day today. In general, we continued our lessons about coffee from yesterday and then actually worked like a local in the fields. Our partner, Miguel, showed us his workers’ everyday work life. We even learned that they make around $600 pesos a day, which is roughly US $10.17 a day. Experiencing the work that they do every day was enlightening, especially because we got to how hard they work even in the heat. At the end, we even planted our own coffee plants! Jo and I even have a picture that you can see at the bottom!
We then learned the process of coffee making in factories, specifically touring at Café Monto Alto. Our tour guide, Melvin, was very knowledgeable about the work that went on inside the factory, explaining in detail every step of the coffee-making process. We even got to taste the delicious coffee at the coffee shop, run by the third-generation owner. While we were riding back, it started raining. Instead of the rain being a burden, it was a refreshing touch to a long workday.
We then stopped at the supermarket where students were able to buy snacks and other things of that nature. I, Johanna, even got a fresca for $100 pesos!
To debrief, being the first leaders of the day was a little overwhelming at first, but we quickly got the hang of it and set a great example for the future leaders of the day. We had to do headcounts for all of the students, determine the seating arrangements for meals, gather the students all together, and set an example of how to be a leader. It’s a thankless job, but it taught us the importance of responsibility and taking care of other people’s needs before your own. We have definitely grown from this opportunity.
With love,
Graycie and Johanna
P.S. (Jo): To my family, I’m doing fine! I am, in fact, not going crazy without my phone. Thanks again to my mami for driving back to the airport to give me my 3ds. I’m reading the comments you send us, Love you!
P.S. (Graycie): Thank you mommy and family for the comments and all the love you sent to me. I miss you guys already and I hope you don’t leave for Ghana without me. Surprisingly I am not that anxious to have my phone back and it is nice to socialize with people without the social media. Love you guys!!!
It is very exciting to hear from you guys about your experience and involvement with the local agriculture. We are proud of your achievements and great team work. Can’t wait to hear more. We miss you Katherine!
What a day!! Working the fields and literally getting your hands dirty planting the next generation of coffee plants. I’m sure you are learning so much from this hands-on experience as well as practicing being leaders. Hope the rain cooled you guys off today, but allowed you to enjoy the rest of the day as well.
We are so proud of you!
Isa, we love you and can’t wait to hear about your experience.
Amazing pictures, I am so happy everyone having a great time. I definitely look forward to all the beautiful pictures that is posted everyday. Thanks for sharing.
Hi. It is so nice that you guys get to work with the locals, which gives you the opportunity to live in their shoes.
I’m happy for you all to get a break from your devices and be more hands on. Keep it up. Maybe you can try these practices when you come back home.
Grayson, I’m happy you enjoyed your leadership role for the day. You did great!!
🥰
You guys will sleep well tonight after working hard!
What a wonderful experience.
(Fernanda, I miss you but am sure you are having a blast. Xx)
Gracie, of course you would be one of the 1st leaders. I didn’t nickname you “1st responder” for no reason. Y’all doing good things by being immersed in the culture. Not missing anything on social media. I’m proud of you and your fellow adventurers… you make us proud.
~Auntie Aprille
Jo, you make me so proud, I love you so much…
You guys did an amazing Job, so proud of both of you for being the first leaders.
Isa! We are so proud of you, hope you are having an incredible time, it looks like an amazing experience. We can’t wait to see you and hear all about your adventures. We love you!
David (nino) and Angelique
Looks like you all are working and having fun!
Hi Johanna! We miss you and it’s good to see you’re having fun on your trip. See you soon girly love youu
Looks like a busy and productive day of learning. Hope it wasn’t too hot/humid for anyone. Bet you all sleep well tonight!
Great post and elated to read about your groups experience working with the coffee farmers! Not so bad without the phone?
Johanna’s dad I’m very much Proud of You I Love you as I do you and you brother and sisters , Your experience will help your growth in what u love the most to do “LEARN” …
Proudest Father.. Johanna’s “DAD”appreciate Respect Enjoy and be Blessed..ps missing you alot
Wow,that is very great experience to see the real coffee bean factory,not from museum.I believe this is very different ,unique ,unforgettable trip for you Ava,love you.😀
That hairnet is a good look for you Isa 😂 this looks like so much fun and such hard work. I’m sure the coffee was delicious. I can’t stop telling people how amazing this experience is!
Sending so much love from Arizona!
Rachel, you look adorable and you actually look just like your sister wanted to let you know we love you and we miss you and can’t wait to hear all about your adventure. Keep smiling and enjoy no phone no TV no interruptions. Love you honey.
Johanna!! I’m so glad to see you’re enjoying the experience and learning life lessons. You are truly a leader , shining in all you do. Reading this has made my heart smile:) I can’t wait to see you and hear more.
P.S. Who knew … your phone isn’t that important after all 😉 xxxoooo
Thats my cousin johanna ‼️ keep doing your good deeds 💪🏽💪🏽 God bless you always 🙏🏽 Love ya ❤️