Stakes to steaks
Student Trip Blog
Hello families and friends, it is your “Lider Del Dia’s” Fabian and Gianna. Today was our second day working with Instituto Plinio Antonio Moscoso students and faculty. Gianna worked on finishing touches for the mission statement along the school’s entry. Mary and Ella alongside Sylvia also tackled cleaning up the letters. Shout out to Jacob for showing out and giving ample support and help wherever needed. All thats left is some colordful handprints of the glimpsers and students of IPAM on the wall. Fabian and his crew wrapped up some revamping, washing and painting rocks and adding color and a brick pattern to the concrete barrier surrounding the tree. Big Love for Luis’ and Fabian’s willingness to translate and understand the locals. I’ve been having an amazing and gratifying experience translating and communitcating with the students. I’ve learned a lot about their lives and been able to connect with them regardless of cultures and countries.
As Lider Del Dia, we have the oppurtunity to delegate our crew and lead them through headcounts and reminders. Fabian loves headcounts and stayed on top of making sure everyone was where they needed to be. (This is Gianna writing so Big Love to Fabian) We headed to El Chichemito for some exsquisite Panamanian food. Back at the hotel, we met Margaret, a conservasionist from Fundacion Refugio Pedasi. She taught us about Pablo Barrios, a protected land of sand dunes and forrest of the coast. We learned that it is the only protected land in the country named after a person. Pablo Barrios was a conservationist (1955-1989) who dedicated his time to this particular part of land. Margaret also taught us about erosion and the challenges faced working for the coast. Trash is consistently washed upon shore and people illegaly derive sand off the beach. While complaints are made to authorities, nothing is ever made of it. The conservation works diligently to combat these issues while raising awareness.
Gianna, Fabian, and the “assistant” leader, Luis, had a rewarding day of work as well as an educational and eye opening key note. As a leader, I (Gianna) learned how gratifying it feels to assist everyone and connect on experiences after hard manual labor. Not much catching up was had on the bus as everyone hit the hay, but we all circled back during big love, when we shared aour graituted for everyone for their combined efforts. I also had an awesome experience making a tiktok dance with Jose (IPAM student), Ella and Mary. For me (Fabian), I learned I strive as a leader when collaborating those around me. Luis was lowkey my anchor today and helped keep me locked in.
Glimpser Gianna and Fabian
PS- BLOG COMMENTS ARE READ TO US EVERYDAY ON BUS RIDES AND REALLY ENCOURAGE US AND BRING A SMILE TO OUR FACE!! PLS LEAVE COMMENTS BIG OR SMALL 🙂
Comments (16)
Leah Gregg
The mural looks so great! Really proud of all of you! Looks like you got your hat, Jacob! Pearl says i should tell you the red sox unfortunately ended their winning streak but maybe they’ll be back on track when you get back. Miss you and Love you!
Kaylanny Torres
Hey Luis, it’s your little sister here! It sounds like you’re having so much fun, and I hope you are making many new friends! It’s funny to hear that you’re talking so much Spanish loll, anyways, talk to you soon, love you<3
Deanna Subocz
Sounds like another fun day for all! Mural is looking great! I look forward to reading these every night, and seeing all the great photos. So happy you all are having such a fun experience.
Mercedes Scott
The mural is looking amazing! We love your hat Angel! Love and miss you so much!!
Mom and Paris
Leislianny Torres
To everyone, the murals are coming out so beautiful, keep up the great work! And to Luis, it’s so nice reading about your willingness to help everyone out and your commitment to helping your fellow Glimpsers with translations! I’m so proud of the work you’ve been doing and how you’ve been managing yourself. Can’t wait to see the final results. Miss you and love you so much, see you soon! 💗💗💗
Kathleen Racette
The first thing I do in the morning is read all about your day. After I get my cup of coffee of course! I look forward to seeing what new adventures you had. It looks like you are having a great time. I hope all is going good for you. We miss you. Oh! I LOVE LONDON!!!! LOVE YOU!
Cassie Damkoehler
The mural is looking great and how cool to literally leave your mark in Panama. Ethan we miss you tons and are so proud of you. Also, Bud has been leaving David’s bed to sleep in yours. Love you!
Tricia Marigliano
Great job leading, Gianna. I’m happy you are learning so much & having a good experience with your peers & the local community. Everyone back here is proud of you & loves you so much.
Love, Mom & Ralphie. 🫶🏼
Jessica Kenney Askew
Leaving your mark on the world is important. It is even better when it is done with a group of people who lean into the unknown and grow while making that mark. You are all learning so much.
Avery we are so proud of you and your art looks beautiful. Hope you are having the best time and learning about not only the world around you but yourself. Love you.
Lyanne
Te amo Luis! Missing you a lot ❤️
Angie Montalvo
The mural is looking good!
Good to hear you enjoyed a traditional Panamanian meal.
Morgan: it seems you’ve been away forever!! I miss you and I’m looking forward to hearing all about your trip. Hunter misses you as well, he just doesn’t know it yet. 🤣
Angie Montalvo
The mural is looking good! It’s good to hear you enjoyed a traditional Panamanian meal.
Morgan: It seems you’ve been away forever! I miss you! I’m looking forward to hearing all about your trip. Hunter misses you as well, he just doesn’t know it yet. 🤣
Jesse Clark
You all are doing such an amazing job. The murals look great so far and you all look like you are having so much fun.
Judson we miss you and send our love. We can’t wait until you come home and share all you stories with us.
Kelli
I hope everyone is taking plenty of pictures, enjoying the food and making connections.
Morgan I see mommy must’ve really meant that post because she sent it twice. 🙂
We miss you something fierce!
Love you!
👋 Avery!
Elsa Duarte
Hi Fabián, I’m counting the days until I see you again, son. I am so proud of you for learning so many things. We love you very much, and thank you to the program for always supporting the kids, and to all the people in Panama—you seem like such friendly, good people. Blessings to everyone.
Andy Winternitz
Lookin’ good Jacob!
Hang in there!