Stakes to steaks
Student Trip Blog
Howdy Howdy! It’s your veggie leaders Avery and Krystal (because we are vegetarian duhh)!! We earned this awesome role with our super duper, not so secret, fantastic handshake. I mean. EVERYONE loved it. This morning we woke up bright and early at 6:30 AM☀️, roleplaying as housekeepers and blowing bubbles through the doors of our fellow glimpsers. We all went down to breakfast and had DELICIOUS scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and yummy yummy melon juice!
Then we were off to the Finca Pamel farm. Over there, we met up with two awesome tour guides Audis and Jose, who showed us around this big and beautiful farm and told us many stories and fun facts. I don’t think our eyes have seen so much GREEN in a while🌴! We got to do many fun activities there, including MILKING A COW🐮. It was UDDERLY awesome. We then split into three groups and helped with tasks around the farm, such as planting peppers and beans and cleaning a space for the new animals. It was hot, and there were a lot of bugs, but we were well rewarded with COCONUTS fresh from the tree (actually, fresh from the floor).
We were back to the hotel to enjoy some well earned lunch. Which was roasted pork and chicken with potatoes and a crisp salad on the side. Us veggie leaders had a great veggie burger with fries. Who even needs Burger King anymore, am I right? After our filling lunch, we then dressed very business casually and presented our CAP project plans and ideas to our Peace Corps leader Julia and our community member Jose (don’t get it confused this is a DEIFFERENT Jose NOT from the farm). They gave us great suggestions and feedback that we can implement into our project to make it the BEST it can be. We thanked them for their insight and headed out!
We then had time to go out AGAIN! A lot of us spent this time filling our bags with keychains, magnets, and other little trinkets for our family and friends and to forever remember this trip. We hurried back so we wouldn’t be late (we were all late) to our self reflection circle and disscussed prompts and questions on biocultural diversity🌍.
A guest speaker and his son then came to educate us on the Guna people, which was fascinating to hear about. They shared many things such as, their culture, traditions, history, and language. It was so cool to learn about how they gained their independence and all the revolutions that took place in order for that to happen. Like wow. So inspiring. They then had lots and lots of bracelets, keychains, and other cool art which we could buy, as if we didn’t have enough souvenirs already. But of COURSE we can’t pass on a handmade bracelet that says PANAMA!!
Yum yum yum. Time for dinner! We had make your own fajitas with tortillas, rice and beans, chicken, vegetables, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cheese. Once our bellies were full, we had our nightly meeting, passing the torch 🙁 to our new leaders😍! Watch out, there are THREE of them! We then had time to bond, where everyone shared what things they bought and who they are going to give them to. Be ready guys… it’s a lot. Anyways, please continue your heartfelt comments; we love going to bed knowing you miss us as much as we miss you guys ❤️.
Avery: Hey mom, dad, Dylan, and Daisy!!! I miss you guys soo much and I can’t wait to see you all soon! I love all the comments you have been leaving on the posts, and I have so much to tell you all when I get home and a lot more pictures to share. I’m having so much fun and making a ton of new friends! I’m so sad I didn’t get to talk to all of you when I called, but hopefully you’ll all be home for the next call. I love you guys and don’t forget to give Daisy a hug from me and a kiss from Krystal!
Krystal: Hi mom, dad, Jupiter and Kenneth! I miss you guys! I am having so much fun and made so many new friends. Though I can’t wait to come back and see you guys! Lots of love to you guys and carrots for Jupiter. NATALIE if you are reading this I hope you have been going to the gym 💪 we on that grind. I miss you and can’t wait to tell you all the stories!
Comments (22)
Kiana Nejad
Hi Camellia!! It’s your sis (Kiana ofc)!!! Today sounded really fun. I can’t wait to hear how it was milking a cow and drinking raw coconut juice. You’re really learning a lot and doing some awesome things that I’m looking forward to hearing all about when you come home. A couple updates from the Bay : Kimia cut a bob, the kids at work miss you, and Lucy hasn’t even stepped foot in your room cuz she misses you a lot. I miss u
I miss you sis!! Nobody is as funny as you!! Go to sleep everynight knowing we all love u very much and miss u a lot.
Jessica Sanchez
These blogs are getting better and better every day. I definitely go to sleep with a smile. I love that you guys are learning so much, milking a cow?? That is awesome!! I can’t wait to hear everything in person.
Sammy we miss you dearly, is not just these days for us but more like a month since we last saw you. I can’t wait to see you and hear everything. The kids keep asking for the updates they love to see you on the pics. They ask so many questions I can’t answer but I am sure you will answer them when you see them. Just a few more days!! Soak up all the memories, cherish every moment, never be afraid to ask questions and learn new things. We love you so much.
Nana, Sebastian, Saul, Selena, and I send you a big hug and kiss. 😘
Love you!!!!
Cynthia
What an interesting walk to the farm!! Cynthia knows that you are enjoying this experience very much and although we miss you very much, we are excited to see you in the photos every day and see that every activity they do has its purpose. We love you very much!!
Yvonne Cunha
Hi Avery it so much fun to hear about all of your adventures. Papa said Grandpa Cunha would be very proud of you milking a cow.🤣
Glad to hear you’re having so much fun and making lots of new friends. We miss you and can’t wait to hear all of your stories when you get home. Sending all of our love Noni & Papa (and Rosie sends a big lick). ❤️🙏💕🤗😘
Monica G
Everyday I’m in awe of all the cool things you kids are experiencing. I’m also loving these blogs and getting a “glimpse” of the leaders of days personalities through their writing. Great Job! I look forward to 9pm because I know the blog will be up. It’s currently my favorite time of the day.
Truly eye opening and life changing experience for all of you. Wondering how many of you will want to venture out to more countries after this trip.
Piper I love and miss you so so much! All the family is following along your Chitre journey. I loved telling all my clients in the salon today about your trip so far. They’re super excited for you and wished you well.
I’m sure you are loving all the hand made bracelets & items to choose from too! How’s the chicken ….
I also can’t wait to hear all about your cow milking experience haha
I can’t wait for our next phone call..besos
Love you,
Mommy
Sanju
Hiiiii Cheyaani, in case you already forgot about me, this is your “Aunty Dunty.” 🤣
I hope you’re having the best time ever and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Anyways just wanted to let you know my phone has been awfully dry without your notifications! 😒
Misss youuu ♥️
Izabel Hernandez
Niko, we’re glad you’re having fun. We had baekjeong for dinner tonight and we had so much left over food. We now realize how much you eat. *winky face* – Everett would like to add a winky face emoji. Anyway—-it sounds like you all had a very busy day full of learning and hard work. We love and miss you and can’t wait to see what you bought us *winky face*
We love and miss you – no cap (dad wanted to say that)
Mom, Dad, Olivia, Charlotte, Everett, & Cali
Anuradha Mayer
Nice post Avery and Krystal! How cool to spend the day at a farm And doing things like milking a cow. Sounds like the bugs were interesting 😉
Jeeya, Hope you enjoyed another day in nature. We know that’s your favorite thing. I think Lulu is missing the morning cuddles with you. Hope we get to see your face in the next update. We miss it so much. La u!
Dominick Gardiner
Hola Pipes, I’m sitting here with mom and Willow Beans reading about your adventure. Did you actually milk the cow? Talk about stepping outside your comfort zone, awesome. Sounds like you won’t have a problem with your “what I did this summer” essay when school starts again. Have you braved practicing your Spanish skills with the locals? Have you noticed any difference between Spanish there and the version of Spanish we use here? I read about the tropical heat you guys are experiencing in Panama. We finally had our first day over 100 degrees here for the season. Ugh!
As usual, your spirit is inspiring and I’m so proud to be your dad. We love you and can’t wait to hear about your days via the blog. We will see you soon, in the meantime make the most out of every day and live the adventure.
Huge hugs and kisses from all of us even Tyson (although he will never admit it, he misses you too😜). We love you to the moon and back!
Trevor Naas
We so look forward to reading these blog posts everyday! They’re udderly awesome!! Thank you to all the daily leaders for the time and effort you put into making these posts…it is such a joy to read your words, look at the photos, and follow this journey with all of you.
Avery, we miss you so much!!! But, we are so excited for you and this incredible experience. Soak it up. Enjoy every moment of connection, challenge, growth, and laughter with all of your new friends (and an old one too…Krystal!). We can’t wait to hear all of your stories from this trip!
We love you!!!
Dad, Mom, Dylan, and Daisy (we passed on all the hugs and kisses!)
Kay Naas
Hi Avery, Papa and I are loving your adventure! Reading the blog every morning starts our day with a smile. From all the art work to making bread, and milking cows…we are so impressed! Can’t wait to hear all your stories about this amazing adventure.
Have so much fun!!
Love you, Grammy,Papa and Lulu
Elizabeth Miller
Wow—Day 5 already!
It looks like you are truly living your best lives and embracing every opportunity that comes your way.
What an incredible experience to work like a local and learn what it takes to keep a farm happy and healthy for the animals. There’s no better way to understand a community than by rolling up your sleeves and being part of it.
I especially loved seeing that you had the chance to milk a cow—how fun is that?! That’s definitely a story you’ll be telling for years to come!
How exciting that you are learning so much about the local culture, traditions, history, and language. Those are the kinds of lessons you can’t always learn from a textbook. You are all so lucky to have this opportunity, and I hope you’re soaking in every moment.
Keep being curious, courageous, and present. Enjoy every adventure, make new friendships, and continue representing your families and schools.
Akasha- just know that we miss you very much! But even more than missing you, we’re so happy that you get to experience this unforgettable journey. We’re incredibly proud of you for stepping outside your comfort zone, learning, growing, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Cheering you on every step of the way 💟💗💖🩷❤️
Kyle Chuang
Dear Krystal,
We are all so happy to hear you are having fun and enjoying a meaningful trip! How interesting it is to experience all the agricultural activities in person and to interact with locals to learn from their perspectives! It is especially wonderful to spend quality time and share once-in-a-lifetime experiences with a group of like-minded future leaders! We can’t wait to hear more after you return. Until then, continue to explore and contribute your best to the community! We love you ❤️
Mom, Dad, Ken, Grand-mom, and Juju
P.S. Avery, thank you for teaming up with Krystal to make the veggie power happen!
Susan Garza (Oma)
Good morning Devon, I’m so happy for you to be taking this trip. I remember as a young person traveling to different countries and cultures and how it expanded my thinking of the world outside of my comfort zone. The things you are participating in this week will go with you long after you return to your everyday life. Take time to absorbe it all. xoxo, Oma
Anuradha Mayer
Sounds like an amazing day. And real connection with nature. It’s awesome how you’re all making friends too and learning about a new country and culture.
Jeeya, missing your face and hope we get to see it in the next update. Daddy and I miss you a lot and we are taking good care of Lulu who is working really hard napping around the house 😉
Anuradha Mayer
Sounds like an amazing day. And real connection with nature. It’s awesome how you’re all making friends too and learning about a new country and culture.
Jeeya, missing your face and hope we get to see it in the next update. Daddy and I miss you a lot and we are taking good care of Lulu who is working really hard napping around the house 😉
Kimberly
Looks like you guys had a fun time. We love you and miss you jasmyn
Meghan
Eden!!! All the activities you guys are doing sound so fun! Only a couple people on my trip got to milk a cow (I was not one of the lucky few) so I need you to tell me all about it! Can’t believe your trip is already halfway done! Miss you 😘😘😘 take advantage of all the time you still have ☺️
Kimi Lin
Krystal, you are doing amazing!
What an incredible Day 5! It is so wonderful to see you stepping out of your comfort zone—from milking cows to presenting your project plans.
I have to admit, I was holding my breath a bit about the vegetarian food before you left, but seeing you and Avery rock the “veggie leaders” role and feast on fresh coconuts and veggie burgers makes me so happy and relieved!
Soak up every single moment of this trip, learn all you can from the local communities, and keep making those lifelong memories. We miss you terribly but are so incredibly proud of the leader you are.
Hugs and kisses from home (and extra carrots for Jupiter)! 🥕❤️
Mariel
Hi Eden! Did you milk a cow? Love you!! Aunt Mariel
Jessica (Devon’s Mom)
Devon Seven!!
I’m not gonna lie, I have walked into your room for no reason thinking you would be there. 🤷🏼♀️ I’m not alone, Whispy & Chloe also go into your room…
No need to fear, the cats are being fed and the plants are getting watered everyday!
Ayden has been at his summer camp since Monday. The house is a little too quiet.
Did you milk a cow?!?!🫣🫣 I really hope someone took a picture of you!
I just love following you and your team on your travels through reading the blog.
Keep your spirit and energy up and get out there and enjoy the world!
Signing off with immence love for you! (and a little jealousy)
– ♥️🥰♥️ Mom
Juliet Jamtgaard
I’d pay someone for a photo of Eden milking the cow!!