Day 5: Immigration Day
Student Trip Blog
Hi! This is Audrey, Clarissa, and Ziqing, the “Liders Del Dia.” Today’s theme was Community Action Project (CAP) Day Two.
As today’s leaders, we reflected on our first experience working with Save the Turtles yesterday, deciding to make some revisions to our original plan of action: first, we successfully advocated for moving the time of lunch from in between our working time to after the 3-hour period which helped with the fluidity of the Glimpsers’ work; second, we changed the initial groups to ensure maximum productivity; third, we adjusted break times which helped everyone recharge and feel ready to continue working.
Starting the day out strong, we had a very productive day together at Playa Venao. In the nursery, which consisted of most of the Glimpsers, we worked collaboratively to dig and sift sand in order to ensure a clean environment for the turtle eggs to hatch safely. This was an extremely enduring process (especially with the strong heat and heavy equipment), however, our teamwork allowed us to make great improvements towards finishing this task for tomorrow. In the office, our team continued to meticulously organize and clean nests which will provide protection for the turtle eggs. Lastly, our smallest-but-mightiest group finished setting up the wall which will also act as a barrier between the nursery and the ocean.
For lunch, we had pineapple juice and a choice between sancocho, a Panamanian chicken soup, and bistec, a beef stew. We also explored various shops nearby like a little gift shop that sold beach shirts for a hefty $35. After lunch, we came back to write thank you letters to our Global Glimpse supporters before we headed out for our favorite part of our days which was free time. We split up in groups of 4 or more to explore the town. Most stores were closed when we went out at around 4 PM (as it was Sunday, which is an important rest day for small, religious towns like Las Tablas) but we were able to go to a McDonalds and a supermarket for some quick snacks.
\We are looking forward to our last day at Playa Venao tomorrow and the adventures in store for us in these last three days!
To Umma, Appa, Addi,
I hope you guys aren’t having too much fun without me! I am having a great time here in Las Tablas, making new friends, experiencing new environments, and learning a lot. Umma, Appa, happy early anniversary!!! Addi, please make sure to finish your assignments. I love you guys and I’ll talk to you soon.
– Audrey 🙂
To Mami and Papi
Happy Birthday Papi! I hope you celebrated with Mami and had the best day ever. I am enjoying Las Tablas and the food is very delicious. I am learning a lot and making so many new memories. I wish you could be here with me. Love you and miss you guys. I’m so excited to see you in four days!!!
– Clarissa
To my lovely family,
I am having so much fun with everyone here and am making so much great memories! I love it here so don’t worry about me. I miss you guys and am looking forward to coming home to see you guys soon.
-Ziqing
Comments (11)
Thelma
Audrey~
We are so thrilled to hear that you are having such a wonderful experience!
You aren’t missing much back here in New York—except for a brutal 100-degree heatwave and the excitement of the World Cup. We actually just finished watching an incredible match; England beat Mexico 3-2!
More than anything, we are just so incredibly proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing this new adventure. Keep soaking it all in!
Love,
엄마, 아빠 & Addi
Thelma
Audrey~
We are so thrilled to hear that you are having such a wonderful experience!
You aren’t missing much back here in New York—except for a brutal 100-degree heatwave and the excitement of the World Cup. We actually just finished watching an incredible match; England beat Mexico 3-2!
More than anything, we are just so incredibly proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing this new adventure. Keep soaking it all in!
Love,
엄마, 아빠 & Addi
Lioudmila Novikov
So proud of you guys!
Your work is so much appreciated 👏
Looking so dedicated and wanted to help nature!
Keep up with a great project, making new friends, having a good time sharing ideas, and enjoying and appreciating each other!
Lioudmila, Stephanie’s mom.
Gianny
Gianna we can’t wait till we pick you up at the airport, we so proud you’re helping nature; may you stay safe and healthy! I’m Gabriel your little brother:) mami said that she always waiting for the post every night to see how you are doing, enjoy and we miss you so much!!! God bless you!!
Reina
Hi everyone,
We loved reading about your days. It must have been so exciting! It’s wonderful to see everyone experiencing Panama in such a meaningful way and make a positive impact.
Hi Yaya (Clarissa),
We’re cheering and praying for you always!
You need to introduce us to some delicious Panamanian food when you get back to NY.
Papi also wanted to say thank you for the birthday wishes—it meant a lot to him.
We love you, miss you, and can’t wait to hear all about your adventures. ❤️
Julia Castillo
You are doing wonderful work. It is lovely to see the baby turtles and know they will have a home in the future thanks to your teamwork.
I enjoyed reading your strategies for being more productive, well thought out.
Congratulations to y’all for your great effort and hard work.
Big thanks to the coordinators and supporters at GG for the photos and for taking care of you all.
Julia
You are doing wonderful work. It is lovely to see the baby turtles and know they will have a home in the future thanks to your teamwork.
I enjoyed reading your strategies for being more productive, well thought out.
Congratulations to y’all for your great effort and hard work.
Big thanks to the coordinators and supporters at GG for the photos and for taking care of you all.
Anna
Thank you for this amazing photos. All of you, guys, doing a great job! It’s so important for our Planet!
Also, hope that you are enjoying your time in Panama!
Katusha, we love you very much and miss you. Have lots of fun! Huggies and kisses 💞
Kim
Hi Eddy, Gianna, Ekaterina, Perla, and Crystal! I hope you are having so much fun on your trip. You guys look like you’re working very hard with the nursery, and it also looks so rewarding. I hope everyone has been eating a lot, laughing a lot and enjoying the last few days of the trip. I can’t wait to see you all in August and hear all about it! – Kim
Kristin Ferris
Dear Wyeth,
Getting to talk to you for the 1 minute today has made my week! Thank you so much for that. You sound great. Daddy brought me up to speed. All good.
Now that another parent has brought up the World Cup I will too. You are allowed all the screen time you want when you get back to watch every game and discussions although it’s not the same as real
Time I know. You will be happy to know those who have never been interested are watching and learning (Grammie, Duckie, Merb, and Grandpa to name a few).
I’m so proud of you living your life to help the turtles, environment, and others. Everyone is sending their love and so proud of you doing this good work.
David Collado
Great job everyone. We love hearing about the adventures you’re having and keep the photos coming. Enjoy and have a blast.