Day 10 – Final Reflection
Student Trip Blog
Hi everyone!!! It’s your favorite leaders: AKASHA AND CAMELLIA!!!!!!!!!!šššš We had so much fun being leaders today and carrying that responsibility, and we are so excited to share our experiences. Our first minute as leaders was spent sharing a ONE OF A KIND…NEVER SEEN BEFORE…MIND BLOWING…STUNNING…MAGIC TRICK! Yep, that’s right, your LDD’s are not only amazing leaders, but they’re also talented magicians!!! OBVIOUSLY, that made us more than worthy to be today’s leaders.
As leaders, we learned a lot through our wonderful experience. One of our key takeaways was the importance of an inclusive environment, which was highlighted through our creative seating arrangements at lunch and dinner, and also through our fun games in between activities. Even though there are a lot of serious responsibilities as the LDD’s, we learned that it is key to most importantly…HAVE FUN!
First, we woke up at 6:30 and banged on everyone’s doors as loudly as we could, since we’re SOOO thoughtful and didn’t want anyone to sleep in and miss breakfast! We had this delectable Spanish fried tortilla (which looked like a HUGE frosted flake), a vegetable omelet, some actual Frosted Flakes, juicy strawberry juice, and, of course, some refreshing fruit!
After breakfast, we headed onto the bus, and we were on our next adventure: THE SANTA ANA COMMUNITY!!! We were so lucky to visit their elementary school, speak with their Peace Corps volunteer, and learn all about our impactful Community-Action project (CAP) and what we will be contributing to the school. Tune in Wednesday-Friday to hear about what we do and how it goes!
We headed back to the hotel around lunchtime, but before we ate, we were so lucky to have our first taste of FREEDOM! We were able to go and explore Chitre as the responsible glimpsers we are. We visited beautiful stores and cafes, and all had a lot of fun before lunchtime. For lunch, we had chicken stew and rice, plantains, some salad, and our veggie š« friends had some lentil soup!
After lunch, we were all ESTATIC, because we were able to have our 10 min phone call home! Tears (happy of course!) were definitely shed. Later, we held our seminar and began curating an in-depth breakdown of our tasks and an agenda for our CAP at Santa Ana Elementary School. We split into 3 groups and created our presentations on our plan for the school. The presentation is to propose to our collaborative partners, the Peace Corps (so cool!), our ideas, and to see what they think!!!! We will be sharing this tomorrow afternoon!
Once we got a start on our posters, it was time for our second opportunity of free time, and this time we got a WHOLE HOUR AND A HALF of super fun exploration of the town. Everyone spent their fair share of money (don’t worry, there are souvenirs for you!), and it was so cool to have that sense of independence in a whole different country!!!
Later, once we all got back from free time, we finished our posters for our presentations and got ready for dinner. For dinner, we had super yummy chicken burgers and fries, and our veggie friends (shout-out to you guys!) indulged in delicious pasta salad. After we scarfed down our delicious dinner (Gracias Hotel Rexxxxx!), we were able to have some bonding with some newer people we didn’t have the chance to talk to as much yet, since your genius leaders (Camellia and Akasha of courseee!), had the brilliant idea to have strategic assigned seating for lunch and dinner, you’re welcome, your glimpsers made some new friends š
After dinner, we had our nightly meeting, and passed the torch to tomorrow’s SUPER PUMPED (hint: veggie) leaders! We hope you all have as much fun reading their blog as you did ours. Be sure to continue tuning in and leaving your comments; as we love hearing all of them (especially the ones that say love you, name). WE HAD A BLASTTTT BEING LEADERS OF THE DAY!!! See you all tomorrow, buenos dĆas/buenas tardes/buenas noches
Camellia: Hi Maman, Baba, Kiana, and Kimia (Nejad fam!!!), I miss you all soooo much, and I can’t wait to see you all soon. I bet you all miss me as well (probably even more than I miss you (š), and please continue leaving comments since they’re the only way I’ll be able to hear from you guys until my last day! Please give Lily a big hug and kiss from me, even if she stinks a little! And also give Lucy and Simone my love. Khalee diltang shodam barre ghazae maman, hamam barre meeve ba baba ke shabaw meekhordam. Khodafez and I love you all sooo much, I have so much to tell you all! To my friends: I miss you guys!!!!! You guys also comment because I miss hearing from y’all, and I can’t wait to see you all when I get back. Don’t miss me too much
Akasha: HIIII MOM, ALEXANDER, AND LANCE!!! I miss you guys so so so sooooo much. I’m sure the house feels very quiet and empty without me, but don’t you worry, I am having lots of fun talking to all my friendly group members and learning about the cultural differences!! I have PLENTYYY of stories to tell and pictures to show when I get back so be prepared for a very long catching up. Hopefully, you guys are fattening up my cat too much, but don’t forget to give him extra love from his cat mom (and bagheera ofc). Tell Jeilyn I said “HEYYY MISSING YOU SO MUCH GIRL CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU WHEN I GET BACK! Sadly, I can’t write you letters, but I’m DEFFF missing my BEST FRIEND. Can’t wait to see all of you when I get back and catch up on the Love Island finale! Mahal na mahal kita Nanay
Camellia and Akasha SIGNING OFF āļøāļøš
Comments (23)
Anuradha Mayer
Camellia and Akasha – fabulous update, can feel the enthusiasm! What a fun and special day you all had. It sounds like it was jampacked between activities yet a good amount of free time as well. It seems like youāre all bonding beautifully. All of you look so happy in these pics.
Jeeya, We were so happy to talk to you tonight and you sounded like you were having a great time and making new friends. We will order the body scrub you asked for too š La u!
Carlos Hernandez
looking great Niko! We love you and miss you. Love Dad.
Cynthia
I am excited to know that you are getting to know new cultures and learning to live together without technology, enjoy your experience. We love you very much and miss you Cynthia, we are proud of you šš!!
Mom, dad and sisters!!
Juliet and Mark
These blogs are so much fun to read! They are the highlight of our day. We read them out loud and with voices, like old timers listening to a radio show.
So special to work with the Peace Corps! And so jealous about the bakery visit. Iām sure no goodies will make it home. ā¹ļø
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Edenās parents
Dolores davi
Hi Piper it is me your Grandma Dolotes. Sounds like u r havings a great adventure. We surely miss u and cannot wait until u get home. In the meantime keep having lots fun and learn a lot. Love u so much our cutie pie.
Jessica Sanchez
Supper exited to hear what you guys are up too. Keep learning and exploring this new adventure. Love to see all the pictures and read all your adventures.
Sammy it was nice to speak to you and know you are having an amazing time. Canāt wait to see more of this trip. We miss you and love you!!!!
Elizabeth Miller
I absolutely loved reading your day 4 update!
First of all, how exciting that youāre presenting your ideas to the Peace Corps! š¤© What an incredible opportunity to work with such an amazing organization. I canāt wait to hear how everyoneās presentation goes tomorrow. Iāll be cheering you on from Las Vegas!
I also have to say, I think the strategic assigned seating for lunch and dinner is such a brilliant idea. What a thoughtful way to encourage new conversations, build relationships, and help everyone step outside of their comfort zones.
And your first day of freedom sounded like an absolute blast! It really made me smile knowing you all are enjoying yourselves after all the hard work.
Itās so so so inspiring to watch your journey unfold.
Iām so proud of you ALL and truly so excited to keep following along.
Good luck tomorrowāyouāve got this! ā¤ļø
Akasha: mahal na mahal din kita, Anak! We are sending you a big hug and lots of kisses. And I shared the message with Jeilyn.
Jessica Cox (Devon's Mom)
Hola Devon, Te extrano mucho mi ray del sol. It’s so nice to see pictures of you. You even smiled in one! The weather here in California feels like being in Texas. It was 95* with 50% humidity! The sky was grey with clouds all day. It was so weird. I had raviolis for dinner at Olive Garden in case you were interested. Te quiero Mija. Have fun!
ChĆ¢u Nguyen
Hi Nancy, your trip is almost halfway done and I’m sure you’ve had a lot of fun studying and exploring Panama with your classmates. We hope you enjoy the rest of your studies, we miss you a lot and can’t wait for you to see you come back! š„°
Shaleeni Pratap
Thanks so much for the updates. It’s so great to know how and what’s going on out there. Hope the days ahead are as amazing, fun yet educational.
Cheyaani, we all miss you so much š„¹š„¹š„¹. Thanks for the call babygirl. Was great to hear your voice. I could tell you love the place and the people around you. Make the most of this time.
I can’t wait for you to come back and I miss you annoying me. However, your brother is happy that no one’s there to annoy him.
Love you Babba
Mom
Auntie Brenda
AKASHA, CAMELLIA,
I am so excited for each of you as leaders, and your peers, and your leaders that your care is entrusted to while traveling abroad! I am proud of you and the leaders you are becoming! Keep progressively becoming better versions of yourself! By doing so you will continue to create so many opportunities for others and yourself, making the world a better place, one decision, one choice, one beautiful action at a time.
The sky is the limit, DREAM BIG!!!
AKASHA,
Panama is one of those special experiences where you get to step outside your everyday world and really see who you are and who you are becoming. Soak up every detail. Be curious. Allow the culture, the people, and the experience to stretch you in the best ways. Stay flexible, stay open, laugh a lot, and pay attention to the moments that make you think or feel something new. Journal, with gratitude, every special moment that you can.
You have such a bright future ahead of you, and this trip is one more step in shaping the incredible young woman you are growing into. I said it when you were first born, and I’ll say it again here, you are a gift, you always have been since day one when you announced your arrival to the world! You have a beautiful spirit, and the world is truly a better place with you in it!!!
Y mi nina, sumergete en la cultura. Escucha, aprende y deja que la lengua espanola te envuelva. Es un regalo hermoso que me ha conectado con personas de todo el mundo desde antes de tu edad (de hecho yo tenia cuatro anos), y deseo que tu tambien sientas esa misma MAGIA (como la que tu y Camellia crearon para su equipo hoy), esa MAGIA de conexion, curiosidad, y crecimiento.
En Ingles
And mi nina, immerse yourself in the culture. Listen, learn, and allow the Spanish language to wrap around you. It’s a beautiful š gift and language that has connected me to people all over the world since before I was your age (since I was four years old), and I hope you feel that same MAGIC of connection (e g. part of what you and Camellia created today as leaders for your team), that same MAGIC of connection, curiosity and growth.
Con carino y orgullo,
Tu Tia, Brenda (o Brendita en espanol)
En Ingles,
With love and pride in you,
Your Auntie Brenda (or Brendita in Spanish) š
Apologies, as the Spanish language characters are not available for this posting. Hope it comes across ok, so you understand the sentiment of what my heart is saying.
Enjoy! Can’t wait to see you and hug your neck after you return from your fabulous trip!
Mariel Risner Sivley
Hi Eden! This looks and sounds so amazing!! Love you very much! Aunt Mariel, Hunter, Brindi, Koko, and Wafer
Hasani Rebholz
Myles,
It brings us so much joy knowing that you are getting to experience a different part of the world. Exploring Panama, learning about the culture, meeting new people, and tasting the beautiful cuisine are experiences that you will carry with you for a lifetime. You are truly blessed to have this opportunity, and we are so proud of you for stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing this adventure.
We canāt wait to hear all about the project, the people youāve met, and the memories you are creating.
We miss you so much at home. Your sister made it home safely from Houston and she says hi. Mario and Hallie feel a little lost without you here. Nana wanted you to know that she misses you and hopes you have an amazing time exploring Panama. Papa Ernie enjoyed the blogs I shared with him and heās proud of you!!!
Dad and I miss you more than you know. The house feels a little different without you, but our hearts are full knowing you are growing, learning, and experiencing something so special.We are praying for you every dayāfor your safety, your growth, and for this experience to leave a lasting impact on your heart.
We love you so much ā¤ļø
Love,
Mom & Dad
Rebecca Barnes (Devonās Auntie)
Devon, it sounds like you are having an amazing eventful trip and Iām so excited that you are getting to see a different part of the world! Thereās so much to learn and I hope you are having a wonderful adventure. Sending you lots of love! Auntie Becca and the Northcutt Family
Susan Garza
Hi Devon, Oma here, It’s great to be able to travel along vicariously with you on this truly amazing conscious expanding journey. I’m looking forward to hearing all about this adventure when you get back home. Xoxo Oma
Maryam
Hi Camellia Joon!!!
Its your family, we miss you so much!! (PS its Kiana typing on behalf of everyone). The house is very different without you and the days go by so much slower. Everybody is just counting down the days when we can see you and have your presence back at home. We are so proud of you and the independent and amazing leader you are becoming. We can’t wait to hear about your coming adventures and the great things you will do.
Okay hey sis its Kiana writing on behalf of myself! I miss you soooo much I’m trying not to cry while typing this because thats cornyyyyyyy. But I’m so excited for you to come home so we can hangout again.
Sending so much love and I am so proud of you. I hope you had fun with the kids and gave out your stickers. Also mom and dad miss you so much too its unreal.
LOVE U BYEEEE
Javier Avalos
I am so happy about the journey you are on Xavier,ālearning new things every day in a great environment. Iām proud of you; enjoy it.
Love, Dad.
Meghan
Your trip looks like so much funnn!! Can’t wait to see pictures from your CAP over the next few days. Eden- love you and miss you!! Looking forward to your return and our awesome road trip that will definitely happen šššš
Thea - GG Staff
I could really feel your enthusiasm coming from this blog post!!! Just wanted to give you props for the creative lunch and dinner seating – what a neat strategy as leaders, and a very thoughtful way to encourage everyone to forge new connections.
Wishing you all well with your CAP!! I’m so proud of all of you, and you should be proud of yourselves!
Big love,
Thea
Jeilyn sunga
My sweet smart akasha,
Iām currently bawling my eyes out because you included me in your message lol. But I am beyond proud of you. You are filled to the brim with amazing ideas and enthusiasm that touches so many peopleās hearts. I love seeing how just in a short amount of time you have done so much good for yourself and your environment. You better leave your mark on Panama cus thereās no one else like AKASHA! I hope youāve remembered to shower and brush your teeth! Cus ik I havenātāļøps I screen shotted all your pictures and they will haunt you foreverā¦ oh and also I think Iāve texted you a million times, sorry in advanceš I love and miss you bean, canāt wait to see you and hear all your storiesš when you touch down in the 925 you know who to callš
Marcella Sanchez Villa (Mama Marcela)
Hi Niko. Looks like you are all having fun and helping out in the community there. Love all the photos they post. Wishing you the best time in this adventure. See you soon š
Sanju
Hiiiii Cheyaani, in case you already forgot about me, this is your āAunty Dunty.ā š¤£ I hope youāre having the best time ever and I canāt wait to hear all about it.
Anyways I just wanted to let you know my phone has been awfully dry without your notifications! š
Misss youuu! ā„ļø
Abinesh Pratap
Hiā¦ Cheyaani
Hope you are enjoying with your new friends. You eating super yummy chicken burgers and fries that sounds good. You should get some souvenirs for yourself. Donāt worry about home. If you want you can stay little longer. How’s your feet (Jiggy) any pain. (when you see your DAD free your feet is getting pain). Enjoy your stay girlā¦!!!! Hope you learn something when you are back.
DADā¦!!!