Stakes to steaks
Student Trip Blog
Fortunately, our sickness are not contagious—all the joys, tears, and laughter are. For day 6, we visited a community called Canada De Las Palmas. Although many of us faced language barriers, we deeply connected with the elderly and children in the community. Our hearts were open—warmed and shattered by stories—as we toured their houses and helped them with chores. After we wiped our tears (especially with Diana’s house where Alina, Gabriel, Elliot, and Allison were), we gave the kids shoulder rides and ate the lunch we cooked together. Not only were the people amazing, but we were also uplifted by the stray animals such as the two kittens. We said “queso” as we took our group picture and waved goodbye. As hard as it was, our time there came to an end. Many of the kids hung on but we pried them away, yet they ran after the bus with us and attempted to climb through the window. Even though our time was short, our connection and attachment ran deep. A lot of us broke into tears, the village reminded us of family. It triggered homesickness, but we also learned that we built another home here. To alleviate us being sad, we made an impromptu stop for ice cream at Helados Bon. Luckily, we are here in Constanza during the Festival de la Cosecha (the only delegation who gets to go), as we ate delicious food and witnessed their agricultural culture during their harvest. Once we got back to our accommodation, we conducted a self-reflection of what it means to be a community. It is now halfway through the program and our bonds only grow stronger. Holy shirt it will be even sadder to say farewell to each other when the time comes—the tears after leaving the community is just a start. Please keep commented as we have enjoyed reading them aloud at nightly meeting.
Signing off,
Alina & Kai
Comments (10)
Melanie Toledo
We love the photo of the piggybacks rides! You guys look like you’re having so fun! We miss you all so much too! But we’re glad you’re all experiencing a magical time in your life!
Jaden- I’ll visit Emily tomorrow at her home Sunday. If she’s not home, I’ll go to Freedom on Monday. Jerry said he wish he could DoorDash you Mr Pickles sandwich hee hee hee 🙂
We love you! I’m sending the photos to Gabriel’s mom too!
Sameera Taher
I know it was an emotional day for all of you. I could tell the moment Safi called – his voice was different. I asked him if he was ok, then he narrated about the day and how hard and emotional it was to see people living like that. We should all count our blessings. I miss you Safi and so proud of you for internalizing these moments.
Great blogs keep it up leaders!
Martha
It sounds like you’re all making a big difference in the children’s lives. What an experience! I’m wondering what flavor ice cream you’re having 😁
We love and miss you,
Mom, Dad, Jason and Mocha
Justin
Thank you for daily summary, what an incredible and emotional day!! My wife and I have always talked about stuff vs experiences. It’s nice to have stuff but experiences are everything. Here is a day that no one will forget,
Wendy aka Gabriel’s Mom
Guys…my eyes are a little sweaty after reading this last blog. Remember these moments, they are helping to form the human you are becoming! You should all feel very proud! I’m so proud of you Gabriel, I can’t wait to hug you and hear about it all!
Love you very much, give Jaden a hug too!
Wendy
Justin
Sorry about that, my dog stepped on my phone and hit send lol. I was going to finish by saying that the community got to experience you all today and they will also have those memories forever. It’s pretty cool that everyone is getting to know each other and you have today to reflect on what an impact that you had on that community. We miss you but know that you’ll be home soon enough.
Lupita
Your Family misses you so much Chen Chen
Sophia & Anthony
To Berenice: We miss and love you so so so much!!! This past week has been horrendous without you pls come home and never leave again. Jkjk but we hope you’re having so much fun and we are at target writing this. I can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you’re home. I love looking at all the photos each day I look forward to you in every single one. Ant said to keep being a baddie and a queen like always out there. love yaaa sincerely ur bestiesss 🙂
Meena Kamran
Super cute pics of you all with kids on your shoulders. Happy that you guys are understanding the importance of communities and family. Missing you Kapil and looking forward to seeing you soon.
Lots of love,
Mom & Dad 💕
Sam
What a great blog you are all putting together. It looks like you’re having a really meaningful trip, making new friends and having fun.
We’re all missing you at home Kai, but most especially Marvel.
Mum