Day 4- Biocultural Diversity & Community Day

Heyy GG family!!

It’s Julian and Itxia, today  we woke up too early and headed off energized to get the group ready for today’s packed day full of fun. We had a delicious breakfast, at the hotel, that consisted of eggs with veggies, traditional Panamanian tortillas, queso fresco, a  side of fruit, and fresh pineapple juice to wash it all down. We went to visit two locals’ homes and got to experience a day in their life. They focused on topics like environmental protection, artwork made out of recycled materials, and community. We had so much fun! It inspired us both how the local community is able to continue fighting for change, despite all the challenges they face. We met Raquelle, Sonia, and Elizabeth who gave us inspiring stories that showed their leadership in their community! Elizabeth, the local founder of the organization called Woman Friends of the Mangrove. What initially inspired her was a lady, from the PeaceCorps, that taught her the importance of mangroves, which led to her own daughter, Raquelle being inspired and continuing doing the work. We had lunch at their home. We headed back to the hotel and had some free time, where everyone got to walk the streets of Chitre! We left in a big group and searched the local stores of the city for souvenirs and essentials. Julian and I tried new foods at a Panamanian fast food restaurant that left us speechless over the prices being so low and the food being so good. After free time we got a special guest that taught us about the Guna Yala community. Braulio Diaz came to the hotel with his son and gave us a presentation on the history of his indigenous tribe and culture. They also came with many bracelets, necklaces, and molas to show them to us and sell them. We enjoyed learning about all the different families and cultures and we really appreciated them welcoming us with warm open arms! We had so much fun being LDD today because we got to be behind the scenes and get to be projective with our voice. It was very fulfilling informing other Glimpsers about the day. At the beginning of the day we were a bit nervous and shy about being leaders, but this experience really got us out of our comfort zone and helped us in our journey to transform our leadership skills to the maximum level.

When we went to Raquel’s house she taught us how to make crafts from recycled materials. We made birds out of yarn. 

Xyriah, Julianna, and Kylie got to see the process of how to create traditional Panamanian jewelry. They created pieces of jewelry and saw Sonia’s collection!

We gave Braulio and his son Johnathan special gifts after their presentation. 

Shout out to the leaders of the previous day for being so brave and setting the bar so high for Julian and I. 

The story is still continuing.…xoxo Julian & Itxia

Introducing tomorrow’s leaders, here comes Julianna and Catherine!!!!