elina esparza, Glimpser
Student Trip Blog
Today, Raeghan and Ethan woke the group up at 6:30 before eating a breakfast consisting of gallo pinto, huevos, y salchichas. Then at 8:15 we made a very long and exhausting trip up to the CAP site, shovels in hand. For our CAP we are installing a sustainable water irigation system in cooperation with the ASADA organization. For this project we dug 80 cm deep trenches and laid down water pipes. In the middle of our work we had lunch which consisted of tortas y jugo de kiwi. At 3:00 we made our way back to base camp where everyone got to take a nice refreshing shower before dinner. For dinner we had talapia con arroz, papas, frijoles y ensalada con jugo de pina y papaya. Our leaders of the day passed their torches to tomorrow’s leaders, Mya and Winnie. Concluding the nightly meeting, the group had a student-led discussion that led us to understand the values of teamwork on a deeper level. We all headed to bed for 9:30 to get a good nights rest for another day of hard work.
Many of the pressing issues such as heat, hard labor, and just the unfamiliarity of the situation, caused a disconnect within the group today. Comments were made, tears were cried, feelings were hurt. These were all factors that led to the consenseous of having a group discussion. Everyone got the chance to say how they felt and how they may have been hurt. People were also given the chance to apologize for anything they might have done or said to hurt someone on this trip. Overall, we came to the agreement to build up our communication for the latter half of our trip and we hope to see growth and sense of family amongst one another before returning home. It takes a lot to admit something, but honesty is one of the keys to teamwork.
We’re proud of the group and their work.
Big Love, Raeghan and Ethan!
Comments (9)
Amy Rodriguez
Sounds like a rough day… but glad you all took the time to openly discuss the issues. You are out of your comfort zones and being exhausted can try everyone’s patience. Remember to be kind to each other and work as a team.
The project of installing a sustainable water irrigation system is huge and extremely helpful to the community. Mya- try to stay calm in any situation. If today was tough, it’s ok. Rest and reset for tomorrow. We love you so much!
Jill McGrath
Rae, we have missed you in Maine this week, but know you are having the best time immersing yourself in a new culture, making new friends and creating memories that will stay with you forever! We look forward to reading the blog posts each morning to learn what you and the group have done the previous day.
Love Mom, Dad and Jameson
Alex Russell
Sounds like an intense day for all…hoping that moving through it led you all to a better place. It’s not easy but also another way to grow while you all are on this adventure. We hope today goes well and we’re proud of you all. We love you Winnie (+ good luck to you and Mya leading today)! oxoxo Mama and Papa
Karima Rizk
Hi Lily and team,
You guys are doing a great job. I can only imagine how hot and challenging the physical labor of building trenches for an irrigation system is! I’m sorry to hear about the interpersonal challenges but am glad you guys shared them with us. You guys are being stretched, in a new environment, and this is where growth happens. It can be uncomfortable and difficult, but know you will walk away with a new perspective on life and an appreciation for how lucky we are to have modern infrastructure installed for us in the U.S. Also, remember how impactful your service will be to the people you are helping. ♥️
I’m proud of each and every one of you for communicating and working through your challenges, even when it was tough. Keep your heads up high. These kinds of highs and lows are normal when you are in an immersive experience in a foreign country.
Lily, we are very proud of you and think of you every day!
Idoia Martinez-del Mozo
Adri,
I love seeing all the photos and reading about your day. Your project sounds very cool: hard work but very important work.
I hope you’re having a great time. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
We miss you and we love you infinito.
Un beso de todos aquí en Basauri.
Mami
Felecia Griffin
Such an incredible project to be apart of. I know sometimes work can be hard and emotions high but I’m glad everyone was able to communicate their feelings openly. You all have played a part in something bigger than yourself to do something for the local community. Be proud of yourselves for what you have accomplished. Miss you Serenity. I hope you get some rest and relaxation.
Annette Claudio
Sounds like everyone had a rough day but I hope it’s behind everyone and that it being a new day as a group and team everything was able to be much better today…
Nani, I know it’s hard being away from home and when you get upset you cry but just remember to not hold anything in that’s going to rob your peace and joy… You are there to help, learn, grow, and help a community in another country that needs your working hands and genuine heart and everyone on your team. I love you! Please communicate and Apologize and brush the rest off, God is good and we cannot wait to see and hear everything you have done and learned. 💛🙏🏽
Maria and Aurelio
It definitely sounds like a rough day, but remember that it’s all for a good cause. It’s also normal to have disagreements and misunderstandings when so many different personalities come together. I’m glad to hear that you were able to talk things through and apologize to each other. You’ll be stronger because of it.
Take some time to reflect on everything you’ve done and the difference you’ve made in that community. Tonight, look up at the beautiful sky full of stars instead of looking down at your feet, and take a moment to appreciate how fortunate we are to be surrounded by so many amazing people in this little space we call Earth.
Tomorrow is a new day, and I hope you can put this behind you and remember that it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference. These are all learning experiences, so make the best of them.
We are all so proud of you guys. Keep up the great work, and we can’t wait to see you on Monday!
Juan Martinez-Muñoz
Takes a lot of guts to know when to take a step back and recognize missteps and miscommunication may have occurred within a group. You all coming together like this means more than you may realize in the moment! Super proud of not just the physical work you put in today, but the dedication in ensuring the days that lie ahead build off of the commitments you all made together.
Big Love!!!