Day 10 – Final Reflection
Student Trip Blog
Today, we focused on the idea of bicultural diversity while also enjoying our FUN DAY!! We kicked the day off with breakfast and a long bus ride to our first playa (beach) to learn about saving the turtles (Alx and Steph keep telling us to leave no trace and leave things better than we found it). Their purpose is to save turtles and relocate the mothers and nests to keep the survival rates steady. We got to see the nursery and baby turtles except, none were alive. We saw preserved underdeveloped turtle embryos, and learned about the different species as well as how they go about moving the turtles into the nursery! We ended the trip with a big thanks and gift from us to our amazing tour guides.
Although some of us couldn’t beat the heat, we continued our day strong on the bus with AC to offsite lunch at an amazing little spot which had a little (very expensive gift shop) with gorgeous music, some of us got Mexican cokes. We had the amazing options of pork, bbq chicken, and rib soup. On the side was plantains, rice and lentils, and soda. Then, straight to la playa we went. We escaped the sun by cooling off in the crystal clear water which was the perfect solution to a hot and humid day like today. We played volleyball, soccer, racing (shoutout Amanda and Yousef for winning) and looked for shells. We also saw some other guests at the beach like a deer, iguanas, and macaws (one did attack Gavi, she is okay Mama Serrano. Do not fret. She’s our girl). We spent a few hours there before heading to a very authentic gift shop to grab some souvineres and back on the road we went! We did see a man chasing his runaway cows on the side of the road which was cool, at least for us. We wrapped the night up with dinner, spaghetti and meatballs. We concluded a fun filled day with our nightly meeting where me (Ainsleigh) and Seth passed the torch to tomorrows LDD’s, Kieoko and Rob.
We love the comments and cannot wait to hear from everyone again!
Ainsleigh: Hey family! Miss you all! Today was amazing and yes I applied sunscreen a lot. I learned so much on being a leader and my other LDD, Seth, balance out my leadership style and taught me a lot on what I need to work on. I loved the beach and had so much fun. I actually came in second place for the race (believe it or not). I found a fresh set of sunglasses under the water as well as a lot of fish. We all bonded even more and I love this group of people and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. I am so excited for tomorrow and love and miss you guys! To all the other parents keep the comments coming they are the best part of all our days!
Seth: Mom, dad, Makayla – I miss you! I have been having a great time so far making new friends and having new experiences. Mom, you will be very happy with how social I’ve been. Makayla, I think you’re going to love the souvenirs I’m bringing back. I’ve taken lots of pictures (including three of the ones posted alongside this blog) so you will have so much to look at when I return. The beach was amazing despite the heat, you will definetly be jealous of how beautiful it was. I have been practicing my Spanish and working on speaking it when out in public. The comments have really made my night, and you should have seen my reaction when Grandpa commented haha! I would love to hear from some more people if possible— maybe dad or Makayla? I have so much to say and only so much time to write, so I’ll wrap it up here. I miss you all so much, and I can’t wait to speak with you once I finally get my phone back. I’ll be back before you know it, don’t miss me too much! I love you! 🙂
Comments (40)
Brittany Valentine
Hope you all enjoyed a fun day! Mom misses you Ray!
Jennifer Sagan
That looks like so much fun!! Is the water very warm? So happy for you all to have this incredible experience and with engaging and caring leaders.
Amanda, we have a large foster puppy here for just the week, you will meet him when you get home. He’s very sweet and reminds me of Polar due to his size. Same color as Whitney.
Love, Mom, Dad, Connor, Summer and Red.
Jen Cadran
The beach looks beautiful, im sure it was a welcome break from the heat! You guys are troopers, experiencing some wild heat and humidity i bet!
Rob Dean was unimpressed by the beach, 6 years olds man, but he said that macaw was pretty cool 😎
We’re all looking forward to hearing you report in after your day today!
Dani
Hola Josué! Ollie and I are cuddled up in bed reading about your trip so far (actually, she’s actively snoozing away but you get it) and we’re missing you lots! Glad to hear it’s going well and can’t wait to hear more 🙂 Stay swaggy pacito!
Patrick Mullins
Sounds like another exciting day! That macaw is beautiful, and it’s interesting to hear that deer also visit the beach on hot days.
Elenore, I hope you are having the best time! Kiki is looking after your room for you, so no worries there. Love you!
Aimee (McK’s Mom 🩷)
Hi everyone! Reading the blogs is my favorite part of the day and I appreciate all of the little details you add ! It paints such a great picture for us at home and provides me with a little bit of insight on your daily adventures 🙂 poor Gavi with the macaw! I’m sure McKayla was running and hiding as that occurred as she has a love/hate (mostly hate!) relationship with birds 😂! Learning about the turtles and enjoying la playa sounds like the perfect day , keep making those core memories 🩷. McKayla, I’m so grateful you were able to take this travel opportunity as this is something you will remember for the rest of your life. Alx and Steph say to leave places better then you find them ; that’s what you do wherever you go 🩷. Love you most , McKayla! 🩷
Jenny
Wow! Turtles and swimming at a beach with iguanas, deer and macaws?! Sounds like a perfect day. Elenore, I hope you are getting lots of photos! We all miss you so much. Lefty is being very respectful of your room (so far), and I know Biscuit especially missed you during the big thunderstorm we had last night. I hope today was fantastic and can’t wait to read all about it in the morning! These blog posts are the highlight of my day! Thanks to all the leaders of the day for sharing so many details!
Diana
McKayla Gary! I love that you’re traveling. When you get home, have your mom tell you how I was in Panama the day before you! How weird is that?!?! Love ya, enjoy yourself.
Bob
We are so proud of all you kids! Going to t turtle sanctuary must of been epic! (Except for Ains who is terrified of turtles hahahahahah)We are really happy to hear the friendships that are being built are meaningful, it’s a true representation of life outside of high school. That people with different backgrounds interest and views all can come together and get something bigger than them done or to just joke and laugh.
Ainsleigh we miss you and are glad you survived your turtle day🤣🤣 keep up the good work and enjoy every moment. Love mom dad sissy calisie baby and cc drank miralax water
Cynthia Delgado
Hey, everyone 🤗 I can see how much you all have accomplish over in Las Tablas Panama 🇵🇦 and glad to know that the group is getting along very well, love to hear that ❤️ keep up and enjoy the weather! And you see everything is not working in the community, it’s a balance to have fun too while staying in Panama 🇵🇦
Dios me los bendiga!!! 🤗
Cynthia Delgado
Dear Gavy I can’t wait to hear about the turtle sanctuary in Las Tablas Panama 🇵🇦 when you get back home 😉… remember when you saw a turtle sanctuary in Isabela beach Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 & your dad took you to see it & talk to you about the reason why the yellow tape was in a spot, so people don’t step on the sand and kill the turtle eggs… you came back with a big smile that I won’t forget and I bet you did now too 😊
We love you so much girl 😘😘😘😘 Dad, Ethan, Loki & Mami 💝
Dios te bendiga! ❤️
Cynthia Delgado
Seth & Ainsleigh love your story… ❤️❤️❤️ God bless the both of you! Mama Serrano 😍
Cynthia Delgado
Gavy I am proud of you. Keep chasing your dream and never give up… Love your cousin from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 Jonathan ❤️
Jenn McCaffrey
Beach days are the best days!!
How amazing to see first hand the turtle conservation efforts! I am sad to see that none of the babies were alive and I would be interested to hear more about why that was.
Lunch sounds amazing (and with Mexican cokes!), and the beach looks gorgeous and the water so refreshing! I am so glad you all had the time to play and relax a bit and enjoy some beach time. The runaway cow situation sounds hilarious. Milina – COWS!!!! I hope you got pictures! lol. Love you!! xo
Glad Gavi is ok after the deer attack and you all survived another day 🙂 Congrats to the Leaders of the day for an amazing job!
Sara Switzer
Wow! The beach looks awesome! You guys are learning so much I bet you wish senior year could happen in Panama. Hold on to every moment that happens and journal about it so when you’re 50 you won’t have to rely on your hazy memories to relive this amazing experience. So impressed by the blog posts-you guys are great!
Cynthia Delgado
Mi Bisnieta favorita Gavriella te Amo desde Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 Abuela Adela ❤️
Dios cuide a cada uno de ustedes en Panama 🇵🇦
Andrea Barber
Oh my heart 💗 Seth you brought tears to my eyes. Yes, this experience will give you personal growth in so many ways. I’m so proud of you for taking it on. These lessons will help you for years to come. I learned mine the hard way. I’m so extremely proud that you have chosen better path. As a parent, that is all one can wish for. The few childhood concerns have dissipated as you prove your independence while maintaining your authentic true self, humor, responsibility, self-motivation, leadership, and growth you’ve displayed as the years have progressed. I am so fortunate to have you and Makayla for my children. Watching all these moments as you both thrive makes my sacrifices worth it all. That is what helps me through with the ups and downs in life and FAITH that you are never alone on this journey. That is the lesson Nana wanted for you. It will guide through challenging times. Never be too proud to ask for help is my advice. It really does take a village to survive life. Family and community are such important aspects. Keep them near and dear to yourself.
Moving on…. yes I loved Grampa’s message as well. I did my advocating that you love so much; however, in this instance perhaps you will enjoy my interference. I hope you will see lots more comments tmw from loved ones.
What a surprise to see you playing volleyball! 🫶 No doubt you joined that activity 😏
You never cease to amaze me. I’m sure you did fabulous using those Spanish skills. Continue the bilingual practice when you return home bc it will be such a great benefit in your chosen career path as a co response officer. 👮♀️ 🗣️🔨 🏚️ 🧠. Next milestone on your path I life that no doubt will succeed in as well Cadet Sargeant Barber.
Pictures look great! So excited to see them and get more in depth details. Thanks No doubt your blog was as long as mine. lol!
Yes I am jealous. Makayla’s passport is next. Can’t wait to see where you will choose for a graduation trip for us. 🤗. I’ve always told Makayla we’ll get great vacations once she decided her journey with gymnastics is concluded. Weeppa!
All the same routine for us at home. Makayla has been rage baiting me while spending all my money. Saying she’ll wait to talk in person. No surprise there! 🤑 🤦♀️ 🤯 🤬 🤣🤣 Perhaps seeing your written request will sway the stubborn teen. Makayla has been taking great care of Calypso 🐈. Cinnamon has been active 🐍. Dogs will go nuts naturally once they see you walk back through the door. 🦮 🐩 Makayla and Kellen will meet you at the airport. 😀
Sending you all my love!! Always and forever xoxo
Mom
Cynthia Delgado
Oh, Gavy… you attacked by 🤔 let me think 💬 well at least you & your friends enjoy that all it maters 🥰 keep making memories!
Love Mami 💖
Kellen Roche
So happy for you seth it sounds awesome, cant wait to see you when you get back!
Makayla
Hi seth, although I am so jealous, i’m happy your enjoying it. I miss you so much and you should know by now everyone back home does too. Your cat is actually going crazy but I have been taking good care of her. I miss you so much and i hope you have a great rest of your time in panama, i can’t wait to see you. I love you!
Veronica (KPs Mom)
This is such an amazing experience for you! Me alegra ver como estás disfrutando el viaje! As you begin this incredible journey, I hope you know how proud we are of you for stepping outside of your comfort zone. May this experience fill your heart with kindness, strengthen your faith, and create memories that you will carry with you for years to come. May you be blessed with safe travels, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those you meet. Remember that even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impact. Wishing you a safe, rewarding, and unforgettable trip. Go with an open heart, a willing spirit, and the confidence to know that you can make a difference. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!
Kathy Horgan
Hi Seth, your Mom and GrandPa have told me about your trip and I have read your group’s blog. What an experience you all are having! So much to do and learn! I look forward to talking to you about it all when you get back. Have fun. See you soon. Kathy
Danielle Alderman
I have been reading your blog and the trip blogs. What an incredible experience you are having! I am so happy for you. I know how much I loved my time in Panama many years ago when I was 21 (a very long time ago lol). I hope it’s special for you too. Keep practicing your Spanish. I am so proud of you.
Soak up all the moments big and small and carry them in your heart.
Love,
Auntie Danielle
Christopher Alderman
Panama looks beautiful and it’s really cool seeing you branch out and becoming your own person. Very proud of you and all the work your doing!
Jim Gavron
Seth. I’m happy for you to be on such a cool day. I am a little jealous. It’s cool seeing all the animals in the wild. Hope you get to see more turtles
Gav
Jen Cadran
(apologies if this is a duplicate – my phone kept giving me an error when I tried to post earlier)
The beach looks beautiful, I’m sure it was a welcome break from the heat! You guys are troopers, experiencing some wild heat and humidity I bet!
Rob, Dean was unimpressed by the beach, 6-year-olds man, but he said that macaw was pretty cool 😎
We’re all looking forward to hearing you report in after your day today!
Tony barber
Still following. Cant be more excited as Seth’s dad to follow her on this awesome adventure. Something that I have never done. Super excited dad
Agnieszka
Angelica, I hope you had a fun day yesterday! ❤️ The beach and the turtle sanctuary sound like something you will remember for a long time. I was happy to finally talk to you the other day, but of course it made me miss you even more! Today you get to spend time with a local family, and I hope you enjoy it and get to experience something you would never get to experience at home. And knowing you, you will probably find a way to make everyone laugh! 😂 We are all missing you so much and can’t wait to have you home and hear all your stories in person. Love you! ❤️
Lily D’Andrea
Hey mckayla it’s lily i hope you’re having so much fun on this trip it looks absolutely amazing! It’s definitely such an amazing opportunity. Miss you!
Kristy
This looks like another absolute awesome day. I’m so glad you all are enjoying the time and getting to know one another. Chelsi we all miss you and can not wait to hear all about your adventures. Hayhay says hi and love you sissy
Jennifer Mccaffrey
Funny random share – I ran into Amanda’s mom (also named Jennifer) at Aldi’s today! Global Glimpse MA connection 😉
Nancy Kopec
Sounds great, enjoy and make great memories
Aunty's sue
What a life changing trip. So proud of you Seth
Elaine and Ed McCaffrey
Hi everyone
Another exciting day!
Turtles and conservation – you are all learning so much on this trip. 🐢The different birds and wildlife you have seen.🦜The beach looked perfect. A great place to cool off and relax after the heat of the day
Milina – looking forward to your photos when you come home
Love Grammie and Grandpy ❤️❤️
Steve Turner
Hi Seth,
Great to see you are all having a wonderful trip.
It’s fantastic that you are making new friends , having fun and most importantly surviving without your phone 😁.
You are a credit to you family and I wish you and all the rest of the group a great time while away.
Steve from the Uk.
Juan Martinez-Muñoz
Turtle nursery work is soooo important! I had the delight of witnessing turtles make their way to the water during a trip to Nicaragua. I hope one day you all get to see something as precious as that! Beach day sounds like the perfect way to spend a fun day! Super jealous!!
Ryan Koske
Hola Seth
Wow, what an awesome experience. I’m sure it will be something. You’ll remember the rest of your life and be proud that you were able to take part in cherish it enjoy every second.
Lanah
This looks like so much fun I hope you are having a great trip!! I miss you sm
Pame
Hey Josue!!! Panama is sounding like THE summer trip. I’m glad to hear you guys are having fun!! Don’t forget to bring back souvenirs.. I hope you’re enjoying it to its fullest potential. Missing you senpai have fun!!
Connor
You guys look like your having so much fun I can’t wait to see what yall do next and we all miss you and love you Ains hope your having fun