day 10 the final moments

Today we woke up at 7:00am, although some woke up at 5:00am to view the sunrise! The sunrise was slightly hard to see due to the mountains and rain, but still a significant final bonding moment. For breakfast we had Gallo Pinto, fried plantains, and sausages.

We then had our final reflection seminar that was three hours filled with tears, laughter, and graditude. As we reflected on our trip, we first created posters reflecting each of our global glimpse journeys and then shared with peers. After we shared what we want to do after this experience, what we want to continue doing, and what we want to stop doing. Many of the responses consisted of wanting to contribute to their communities in more fulfilling and impactful ways, to continue to care for others and learning as much as possible, and stop limiting ourselves of opportunites because of previous judgements. Following that, we all gathered in a circle, turned our backs, and closed our eyes to prepare for a bonding game. Each of us were chosen from the cirlce to open our eyes and go in the middle. Statements expressing care and gratitude for one another were spoken and the volunteers went around and tapped the peoples shoulders they thought embodied the message. All of us got to express this appreciation for one another through tapping on peoples shoulders in groups at a time. The game highlighted what we valued in our friends that we made along this journey and experience. Lastly, we gave big love to everyone in the group by writing heartfelt messages on peoples desginated paper. We ended off feeling fullfilled, changed, and loved.

With that end to our Turrialba stay, we took one last group picture before borading the bus to the hotel. During that time, Ruby accidentally lost her big love letter in the chaos of packing up and leaving. She was extremeley dissapointed at having lost something to remind her of her experience. Madrid very thoughtfully created a new big love paper for Ruby on the way to the hotel and made everyone secretly sign it. She gifted it to Ruby, and Ruby felt cared for and loved to another level. But during the time Madrid was organizing the Big Love card for Ruby, she got motion sickness from the bumpy, windy ride. Thankfully, Dani noticed and Memo graciously gave up his seat so Madrid could sit at the front of the bus, which was smoother. Meanwhile, those in the back were playing 20 questions and sharing laughs.

One hour later, we stop at a tourist shop to pick up some suvineers for family and friends, including hats, shirts, keychains and chocolate. We then arrived at the hotel, droped off our belongings, showered and got back on the bus to dinner. We ate real chicken, steak, pork, and fish at Ikua, toping the meal off ice cream and brownie.

At our closing meeting we ended the excursion with big love and a quote about family. A special surprise occured for our leaders, Dani, Memo, Rega, and Ms. Hoang. Everyone contributed and wrote in letters to each ackowledging the highlights, lessons, and relationships we have made with our leaders along the way. We all agreed that the strangers we first met at the airport became a family in the span of only 10 days. The bonds and friendships we formed on this trip will last a lifetime. We all want to express our tremendous appreciation for all those who made this trip possible and the glimpsers that made the trip worthwile.