Day 1- We made it to Panama
Student Trip Blog
Greetings families and friends!
Today we woke up early at 4:30am for our first day of our CAP project. We took the bus to Tonosí, our planting site for the day! On the bus ride we had breakfast sandwiches to go and witnessed the sky change from a waning crescent to a beautiful sunrise. At 7:30 we met Sandra, Caesar, and their team who showed us how to properly plant each tree sapling. Together we worked throughout the morning planting over 60 types of native tree species surpassing our goal of 1,000 trees, planting a total of 1,050 tree saplings on a local farmer’s land! By planting these trees, we hope to help reconnect the rainforest corridors, prevent mountain mudslides, and bring the water back to the creek. The experience was incredibly valuable towards each and everyone of us. Not only did we gain a deeper insight into local Panamanian farmer struggles, but we also gained a deeper appreciation for nature. As we planted tree saplings we took time to enjoy the natural scenery and observe the beautiful local wildlife including dragonflies and butterflies as well as fire ants walking along logs carrying little leaves. Sandra and her team inspired us to continue our efforts of environmental action back at home and further inspired those already interested in pursing careers in environmental protection.
Another highlight of our day was having more free time to further get to know our fellow Global Glimpsers. After returning from Tonosí, we all jumped into the pool for a refreshing break. Some chatted by the edge of the pool, dipping their feet in, other played volleyball, and some even learned how to swim! Later in the afternoon, we split up into little groups and explored Las Tablas on our own, visiting local shops to purchase souvenirs and ice cream.
Everyone was incredibly motivated today and gave their best effort. By the end of our planting, we were still full of energy for another hour of planting. On the ride home we continued to enjoy Panamanian scenery and sung nostalgic songs. We are all super excited for tomorrow, a second day of our CAP project!!
Here are some notes from us to our families:
Hi mommy and dad!
I am having so much fun getting to know everyone on this trip and experience Panama on my own. The environment here is warm but bearable and all the locals we’ve gotten to meet so far are super welcoming ☀️ It’s really cool to hear about their stories and passions; You would really enjoy listening to them. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this trip has in store for me! I miss you both and wish you were here because I know you guys would enjoy the nature this city has to offer. I am super excited to come home and share about all my adventures throughout this trip. I love you both, see you soon! 💗
P.S: mommy, everyone is loving your comments….they’re even reading all your dot dot dots…🌝
With love, Lauren
Hola Mama and Papa! Hola Daniella!
I’m currently sitting in a hammock writing to you from Las Tablas. This trip has been absolutely amazing so far. I have made tons of new friends, tried traditional Panamanian food, and experienced the local culture. One of our PCs, Paco has even been teaching me some new photography skills. I’ll show them to you when I get home! Love you!
-Bella
Hey Mama and Baba!
I am having such an amazing time here in Panama and am feeling so grateful that you guys allowed me to have this experience. Every single person in this group (including the leaders) have been so kind which has made it super easy to connect with others. You guys would love the land we were reforesting on today, it reminded me of a place we would go camping together in. The being the Lider Del Día and planting was so rewarding, and we finally got to use the pool! I hope you all are doing well and that Charlie is keeping Chicken and Goose company while I’m away. All this to say I’m learning a lot and loving my time in this beautiful (but extremely hot) country!
Lots of love from Panama,
Lucy
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Comments (15)
Leilani
Wow you guys planted a lot of trees 🌲🌳. That’s amazing and even looks fun. And it’s only day 5!
Giselle
How cool!
jeraldine
this sounds like such an amazing experience! i’m sure you all had so much fun and had a meaningful day. honestly planting 1,000 trees is such a big and incredible accomplishment! it’s truly inspiring to see the impact you are all making on the environment as well as the local community. i’m wishing you all the best for the rest of the project!! i hope ur having a great time james
Molyca Ly
Wow, I gave all of you a big round of applause for exceeding the planting goal! That is such AMAZING, accomplishment of the day… yeah!!! Love seeing all of you excited with all the projects and daily activities, and at the end of the day, you guys enjoy ice cream and get into the pool, awe…that is awesome, and importantly you guy love Panama and Panamanian 🙂
To my wonderful Lauren: you are so incredible for planting the Sapling, and experiencing with nature and environment. Mommy can’t wait to hearing from you about this trip personally. As you already known, mommy favorite is loving plants, nature and sightseeing, that is why we have a lot of plants around our home…he..he..he.. 🙂 Love you and miss you sweetie!
Anyway, wish you all have a wonderful night rest and great day ahead 🙂
jeraldine
this sounds like such an amazing experience! i’m sure you all had so much fun and had a meaningful day. honestly planting 1,000 trees is such a big and incredible accomplishment! it’s truly inspiring to see the impact you are all making on the environment as well as the local community. i’m wishing you all the best for the rest of the project!! PS: i hope ur having fun james <3
Jennifer Dougherty
We love hearing all of your adventures! Sounded like a great day!! But wow! You must all be so tired! 4:30!! Can’t wait to read about tomorrow !
We miss you Sienna!! Xoxo
Trupti
It has been so lovely to read these posts and look at the photos. It gives us a glimpse into the life you are living at the moment and the impact that you all are making on the society! These are the experiences that will make you a better person than what you already are.
Heartfelt gratitude Global Glimpse for the opportunity not just for the kids but for us parents too ❤️
Aidee
Wow,Wow, that is absolutely wonderful; nature and everything look beautiful. I feel so proud seeing my daughter working hard and putting her all into her future. May God always bless her, all her fellow participants, and the adults looking after them.
Lily Rodriguez
Hii this is lily and its so amazing seeing all these posts🥹 Panama seems like such an amazing country and I love how enriching each activity is. Honestly I am in shock of how early you guys woke up, but it mustve been nice to enjoy the full day. Tell Dulce T that I miss her and im curious if shes still getting her daily mileage in (lol). This seems like such a fun group of students and its making me excited for my trip to Costa Rica!! Can’t wait to see u back home Dulce and you have to tell me how everything went im so excited to hear every detaillll
Lily Rodriguez
Hiii its lily, I tried posting a comment earlier but the website shut down i guessss.
Panama seems like such an amazing country and so beautiful. I loved reading all these posts because it opens my eyes to how different life can be in different regions.
I am so surprised and shocked to hear that you guys woke up so early and im so curious on how you guys weren’t tired the whole day. I love how enriching and beautiful these activities are and this group of students seem so amazinggg and friendly! These posts are even making me feel a little better for my trip to Costa Rica in July.
Tell Dulce T that i miss her and i cant wait to hear every detail about her trip when she comes back
Jean (Adela’s mom)
Hi Glimpsers,
What an amazing experience! It’s been so fun watching your adventures through the blog, and I am inspired by all of your sincerity, curiosity and adventurousness. We miss Adela tons, and are loving all the photos of everyone. I hope today is another great day in the forest!
Jean (Adela’s mom)
Hi Glimpsers,
What an incredible experience! I admire all of you for your sense of adventure and curiosity. I miss Adela a lot, and I’ve loved following you all through your day-to-day experiences on the blog and in the photos. What an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to see what happened on your second day in the forest!
Angie
This blog is amazing! We really love reading all about your days in Panama and seeing all your smiling faces in the photos. Lucy- we’re so excited for you and can’t wait to hear more about the friends and memories your making. We love you and I promise not to screen the call the next time you call 🙂
Love, Mama
Angie
I love reading about all your experiences in Panama and seeing all of your smiling faces in these photos. Thanks for taking the time to write this blog, especially after what sounds like a long day. Lucy- I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about the amazing friends and memories your making right now. I miss you, I love you, and promise not to screen your call the next time you call home 🙂
Love, Mama
Aidee (Nathalie’s mom)
Wow, guys, you’re doing an excellent job. Blessings to the whole team—excellent work! 🙏😍🤗♥️