DAY 4- Aid & Development

Good evening, all families and friends with loved ones who have made the decision to take a step into the unknown with the mindset of creating a change in a place they have never been and for people they have never known. My name is Julian Cabantac and I have been designated to be the Lider de Dia on June 27, 2024 during the 2024 TA1B Las Tablas, Panama trip. I am a rising senior at Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, California and am currently uncertain of what I want to do with the coming years in my life. However, I am absolutely certain that I want to create a change no matter what that change might be. So, being on this Panama Trip is truly a major stepping stone in figuring out what is to come. Referring back to the trip, as Lider de Dia, or Leader of the Day, I can certainly say that it was unlike anything I had ever done. Before the previous nights’ Nightly Meeting when I was given the title of Leader of the Day I can admit that I was extremely nervous and was uncertain if I would be able to handle being the first solo leader of the group. I was worried that I could not handle such a large group despite having the assistance of the Global Glimpse Leaders and the Trip Coodinators. However, these individuals that I can refer to as my friends and peers were amazing beyond my imagination. All throughout the day, from Wake Up Call to Lights Out, everyone was so supportive, constructive, and all around amazing. They encouraged me to be myself and lead the group in the only way I knew how, as myself. I have no wishes or thorns for this group of individuals because if I wished to change them in any way then they would no longer be the unique group I know them to be. As for the day itself, it was quite casual yet energizing. Our highlight was the introduction to our CAP Project location and program; NutreHogar in Las Tablas, Panama. The day consisted of having breakfast as a team made by the wonderful Ms. Ilka in the kitchen, having a quick Mental Warm-Up to gain a bit of background information on the CAP Project Partner Organization, meeting some of the children we would be able to assist, introducing ourselves to the other Las Tablas Delegation, establishing what we would like to complete as our team’s project, returning to our two week home for dinner, and then going through the night’s Nightly Meeting. Though I can only speak for myself, it is undeniable that the passion, excitement, and care, can be felt in each person on our trip. They all, including me, can not wait to help create a change for those that need it. We all want to be a part of a difference being made. Even if we may not have all of the influence or all of the resource to make all the changes necessary, we are all willing to be involved in the first steps towards a change for the better. Especially considering that while living amongst the people of Las Tablas, we have witnessed that for as positive and happy as these people are, they deserve so much more than what they have already accomplished on their own. That being said, stay tuned for what is to come because we, as a familia, have big plans and cannot wait to see what happens once we put those plans into action. We are just in the beginning of our journey so who is to say what may or may not happen. So, I guess it is up to you all to stick around and find out. We hope all is well back home and I can assure you that all is well here. So try not to worry too much; we got this. 

But without further due, now entering the next Lider de Dia : Henry!!!

Sincerely, 

Julian Cabantac 06/ 27/2024