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Friday July 13, 2018

Day one in Peru was exciting for our staff and students! Our students arrived throughout the day and we headed back to our home base in Chinchero for our first meal together. All of the students had a great time getting to know each other and seeing their first glimpses of this incredible country. We are so excited to be exploring Peru together for the next two weeks!

-by Jenna DeLaurentis (mentor)

Saturday July 14, 2018

After waking up in our first morning in Peru, we had fruit and bread for breakfast. We then headed to to the school to take some photos and meet some of the kids. We walked by a local Chicha (corn drink) place. We went to the new primary school where we met even more kids who were happy to see us. We all introduced ourselves and greeted each other and then they gave us alpaca bracelets as a thanks. Then we took pictures with the little kids and said good bye for the day.

On the bus ride back, we stopped off at a viewpoint of the Andes that had alpacas and local women who made alpaca clothing. In the afternoon, our camera instructor, Diego, taught us about the history and specific techniques of the camera. Then we went to a place where they dye alpaca fur and practiced our newly acquired photography skills. After dinner, we did a photos slideshow of everyone photographs.

Sunday July 15, 2018

We kicked off the day with some productive service work, moving bricks to build a greenhouse for the local school. Today stressed the importance of teamwork and relying on our peers for maximum efficiency. This service was followed by a brief lunch break and snack run leading up to another informative lecture from our photography teacher Diego. He taught us the ins and outs of our cameras and how to use the different features presented. With this knowledge fresh in our heads, we then took a relaxing walk to an architectural site to take some photos and eat empanadas after. Despite the packed schedule, everyone enjoyed the fun-filled day.

Authors: Aidan Nguyen and Alec Englestein

Monday July 16, 2018

At the beginning of the day we head to service to once again see the young students. We painted tires and removed tires from the ground. We also took separate pictures of the students and a class photo for the yearbook we were creating. After all that hard work we played soccer with the students. Then returned to home base for lunch.

Then we ventured to a festival. We then had free time to walk around and explore the different kinds of foods on the streets of the town like guinea pig. We first went to watch a few dances in the main area. The costumes were very colorful and sparkly. Then we walked around the markets and venders around the square. They sold street foods with tables next to their foo1d so they could serve people on the street. Some of the streets were very narrow but there was one street where the dances would walk down after their dance in the main area was over. So some of us were able to see the dances very up close.

When we got back from the festival, we learned how to bargain and say new phrases in Spanish. These tips and tricks are going to help us as tomorrow we head to the city of Cusco and many of the markets it encompasses. Overall, today we learned many new things and got to immerse even more into this wonderful culture.

Authors: Sophie Wong, Madison Ede, Grayson Abbott

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Today’s our fifth day, and we headed off to Cusco after a light breakfast, adventuring to our second archeological sight- more Incan ruins! We spent a few hours exploring the intricate architectural walls left behind, even venturing into a cave tunnel and sliding down an authentic Incan slide (it was just a smooth rock but hey it co​unts).

After all that fun we went into downtown Cusco and viewed the main square. Then we went to San Pedro, the local market, and explored in groups. While in the market one student got flipped off, while another managed to haggle a price down by 40. When we all returned everyone was full of churros and holding fresh juice cups. From there we went and had chicken for lunch at a local restaurant 🙂

Once we finished our meals we made our way over to the Martín Chambi photography exhibit. In our new alpaca gear we roamed the galleries filled with old black and white photos of early to mid century Peru. While in the exhibit we also managed to upset the security by using the “staff only” bathroom. We then took the hour ride back to home base where we began packing for our overnight camping trip that will begin tomorrow.

Much love,

Sarah, Zoë and Ruby

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Today we began our journey to Q’enqo. The day started with a lengthy bus ride to the Pisaq ruins. We were fortunate to get to hike to the top and take in the views. After the ruins, we went to lunch and had a surprise concert by two street performers that were very terrible but they provided us with a good laugh so it’s alright. Then after a two hour bus ride, we finally arrived in Q’enqo. We were greeted by a traditional welcome ceremony by the locals and embraced their culture by accepting the flower petals in our hair and joining them to dance.

After the ceremony, we began our hike through the most gorgeous terrain. During the hike, we encountered three packs of sheep, alpacas, and llamas. Upon arrival we were greeted with a warm dinner and an intense card game tournament. Once the night’s activities came to a close, we headed to our quaint cabins to rest after an exhausting day.

Authors: Phia Smith and Alex George

Thursday July 19, 2018

Today… we woke up to the delicious familiarity of pancakes and hot chocolate. Due to the unusual rain that occurred, we waited for the weather to pass and in the meantime played Qenqo (a card game). After an hour wait, we began to make our way to the lagoon and pick up trash. And there was a lot of it. Unfortunately we made it only less than halfway, an hour walks in, when it started sleeting. In the dry season. We raced back fearing hypothermia as our bodies became numb! However, slowly but surely we made it to the lodge and changed into dry and warm clothes.

Then we gathered for lunch and after had free time. Some played soccer, and others rushed to see the llamas down at the lagoon. Then we were greeted by the locals who allowed us to take photos of them while they sold their traditional Peruvian textiles. After that, we broke into mentor groups and discussed our time spent so far. Then to break the seriousness we played the game Mafia. It was intense, long, and competitive. Then we all broke out into free time and either wrote in journals or enjoyed the views of stars outside. As we took pictures we also enjoyed s’mores by the warm fire and listened to music.

Author: Kenzie Fowler and Beth Winterholler

Monday July 23, 2018

Today we got up at our hotel super early and loaded up a bus set for Machu Picchu. Around 8:00 we arrived at the site. We had a guide named Will who took us around Machu Picchu and taught us lots about the history of the Incas and Machu Picchu. Did you know at the time over 1000 people lived at Machu Picchu?

After that, we had lunch and free time until 4:00. Then, we got on the PeruRail and took the train to the town of Ollantaytambo. From there we took a bus back to home base and arrived there a little after dinner time. Finally, we went to bed.

Authors: Christian Iversen and Drew Fehr

Tuesday July 24, 2018

We had a bit of a rough start with multiple people feeling under the weather, but those who felt up to it went to service. We began putting up and repainting the tire sculptures at the new school. While there, we went through some challenges, based on whether the clouds were blocking the sun or not. We then came back to homebase to enjoy a delicious meal of lentils and rice.

We got to go back down to Cuzco for more churros and a quick demonstration of photo prints at our photographer instructor’s studio. We also got ice cream and headed again to the San Pedro market.

After making some final purchases at the market, we got on the bus back to home base in Chinchero for dinner. Our meal was followed with a surprise party where we all enjoyed a dulce de leche-filled cake in honor of Mary’s fifteenth birthday.

To celebrate her Quinceañera in true Peruvian fashion, Mary took the first bite out of the whole cake before it was cut. We finished the night by watching an episode of Chef’s Table, featuring a chef who takes his inspiration from the diverse cultures and ecosystems of Peru, in anticipation for our cooking lesson we’d be having the next afternoon.

Authors: Jai Moore-Spann, Eden Szydlowski, Mary Vincent

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Tuesday June 19, 2018

Arrival day! All of our 14 students arrived to Cusco today and we had a beautiful one hour drive to our home base in Chinchero! All of the students were very excited to get to know each other and are really looking forward to photographing the spectacular landscapes and communities of Peru! We had a short orientation to get to know the staff, home base, and Peruvian culture. Looking forward to getting started tomorrow after some much-needed rest!

-Jenna DeLaurentis (mentor)

Wednesday June 20, 2018

Day 2 was our first full day in Peru! First thing after breakfast, we took the bus to our service site in a small village about 20 minutes away. The students were all well-rested and excited to learn more about their service projects.

First, we arrived at a primary school where the children greeted us with handmade bracelets! The Peruvian students talked and played volleyball/soccer with the GLA students and everyone was having such a nice time learning about each others’ cultures and countries! Next, we took a quick walk to our other service site. At the site, a new school was built that the children will be moving to from the old school. Our job as GLA students is to help construct a greenhouse on the school grounds that the school and community can use to grow their own fruits and vegetables! After service orientation, we headed back to home-base for lunch and a quick rest.

In the afternoon, Diego, our photography instructor, came to home-base and gave a lesson on some basic aspects of photography. We then headed out to the field and walked to a textile market in Chinchero, where the students learned how traditional Peruvian textiles are made!

In the evening, we had a few activities and also had our first photo presentation! The students were asked to submit one of their favorite photos that they had either taken previously or in Peru. Then they were given the opportunity to present their photo to the group! It was an excited way to view everyone’s unique photography styles.

Overall, it was an exciting day in Peru! The students are beyond excited to start working at the service site in the morning.

-Jenna DeLaurentis (mentor)

Friday June 22, 2018

Yesterday, we made adobe bricks. For those who are not aware of what adobe bricks are, they are simply a mixture of mud and clay, mixed with Andean grass in order to create a strong, stable and efficient substance which is later dried into bricks. Adobe, being both extremely strong and extremely cheap, is the main building material used here in the Andes. In order to create this material, we had to dig and fill a mud pit, in which clay was already present due to the geological structure of the Peruvian highlands. For the next hour, we treaded repeatedly through the mud in order to create a soft, moldable clay-like substance. After adding the grass in our mixture, we molded it in to bricks, after which we left them to dry for the next twenty days.

-by Emilien Panczuk

Saturday June 23, 2018

Today our group traveled into Cusco to explore the beautiful city and see all the amazing colors and sights! We started out at an archeological site called Sacsayhuaman and got to see the amazing spread of buildings in Cusco from up above! Then we ventured down into the city on foot and ended up in the San Pedro Market in the center of the city. Today is the winter solstice celebration for the Peruvian people so the streets were packed with locals dressed in the colorful traditional garb, dancing, singing, eating and laughing.

At every turn was a local women selling some sort of fresh fruit, juice, or meat and the smells were mouth watering. At the market itself there was so much to look at and buy the immensity of it was overwhelming. Anything you could possibly think of was sold there from alpaca sweaters to pig heads!! All of us got to practice our Spanish with the locals and buy amazing souvenirs. After the long day we are all ready for a good nights rest. And also I had a very good pickle.

-by Kayden Barker

Sunday June 24 through Tuesday June 26, 2018

Qenqo: A Once In a Lifetime Experience, by Abbey Martichenko:

After spending a few days in the High Andean Community Qenqo, I have realized that the true experience of travel lies in the hidden wonders of the world.

It is one thing to be tourist in a new place as you travel to all the places you’ve heard of before. However, when you are taken to a place that is seemingly devoid of the rest of the world the richness of travel becomes apparent. Qenqo was not simply a destination that can be checked off of the list. Instead, it was an experience that reminded us of the power of nature, companionship, and simplicity.

After taking a bus ride farther and farther into the amazing Andean mountains, we finally reached the cabins that we would call our temporary home. Without diving into extensive detail of the unbelievable beauty that surrounded us, it felt as if we had been dropped into another world. A deep blue lagoon was nestled in between towering mountains; mountains we would climb over the next few days. Hills and land stretched out as far as we could see. While the nights may have dropped down to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, we were all distracted by the sky full of stars that shone over the beautiful lagoon.

Our time in Qenqo consisted of service work in the community, hiking up and down mountains, traditional ceremonies, and candlelit card games. We were introduced to a community, culture, and way of life that was starkly different than what we considered “normal”. Yet, as we’ve come to realize over the course of our trip, normal is irrelevant in the grand scheme of such a diverse world.

However, without our phones, showers, and heat to warm us at night we were able to dive into other aspects of living that have become far too rare. We were constantly outside, talking with each other, and became less concerned with our appearances as the days went on. Suddenly the simplicity of our living situation in Qenqo seemed to make it so enriching.

I will take away so many things from my short time in this community. I will always remember the welcome the Qenqo community gave to us, the unbelievable work ethic of the people, the wonder of the mountains, and that unforgettable lagoon.

I’m grateful for the pictures I have to remember my time here, but I know nothing can compare to the once in a lifetime experience that Qenqo was.

Wednesday July 4, 2018

We made it! The expedition to Machu Picchu was a success! Our three day trip was spent with one night in Ollantaytambo and the second night in Aguas Calientes. The hotels were a nice change of scenery and both towns were more touristy than our home base in Chinchero. Much shopping was done and many a fools were consumed. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes was the most majestic and scenic ride of my life. It was so beautiful seeing the green covered mountains outside every window.

Our walk up to Machu Picchu was much warmer than what we are used to here in Chinchero. We spent a total of about 3 hours hiking around the ruins. Our hike ended with the buffet of the century in Aguas Calientes, where all of us had more than a few platefuls. A well-deserved rest met us at the end of the day after our train and bus ride back to Chinchero.

-by Alyson Hagen

Thursday July 5, 2018

Hola! Hope everyone had a great, fun-filled 4th of July! Our 4th out in Peru was actually a lot of fun (which made us all very happy since we weren’t able to party out back in the US). We went to the school and saw all of the incredible, fun, energetic, loving kids and got to teach them more English and play games with them as well. At the school we also ended up playing the Spanish Service Adventure GLA group in a few games of volleyball. It was a lot of fun to connect with a different group that also consists of fun kids. Going to the school and spending time with the kids will never disappoint. Once you start to connect with them, you never want to leave them. Once we got back to home base we had another learning session with our photography mentor, Diego, and learned about editing techniques. Later that night we had a very, unexpected surprise awaiting us. The local staff here planned a 4th of July celebration for us! There was cake, hot chocolate, glow sticks, fireworks, a bonfire, and some good ol’ classic American music. Not one of us was let down by the incredible staff that we got here and we are all grateful to have the best staff we could have asked for.

Author: Cole Rawsky
Photos by Molly Stanfield, Cole Rawsky, and Sam Slatcher

Saturday July 7, 2018

Yesterday our day in Chinchero started with our photo exhibition. In the morning we put together all our 3 best photos & hung them on a board to show the people in the town. At first everyone was pretty skeptical about people coming & looking at our work but many people did show up & admire what we have been doing. It was such a nice feeling having the people look at your work & actually like it.

Today we had our cooking class with Oscar our chef. Everyone got together & helped prepare the quinoa chaufa. Everyone got to participate in either cutting the food up or preparing the avocado dip. It was so amazing to see what they use & how they do it here in Peru. Such an awesome experience i will never forget.

Author: Gabby Packer

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Friday July 14, 2018

We all made it!

Namaste! Namaste is the word to say hello in Hindi. Today, after eating plentiful amounts of peanut butter and plum jellied toast, we learned many helpful phrases in Hindi. Little did we know we would need these phrases down in the market a little more than a mile away.

At the market, the ladies were happy to stop by a clothing store to buy traditional indian clothing such as saris and suits in all different colors. Once they had one picked a fancy fabric, they walked across the street to get measurements taken of themselves.

When all that was over, everyone got to explore the market a little more before heading back to home base on a long, and once again steep hike. After about an hour of resting time and showering, everyone sat down for a dinner of pasta, garlic bread, and green beans. A group circle commenced for the official itinerary overview and the final health checks. Finally, everyone was off to their rooms for a peaceful night of rest. Shubh ratri!

-by Addie V by Fiona Jerman

Sunday July 15, 2018

Nameste Families:

After an incredible breakfast consiting of boiled eggs and toast, we trecked to the Dalai Lama’s temple where we not only learned about the history and struggles of Tibetan refugees but also about the origin of the Dalai Lama and his teachings. Then, we journeyed to a Buddhist temple to perform a kora, a walking circumbulation around a sacred site. On the way to the temple, we witnessed the beautiful scenery of Dharamasla and stopped by a memorial of those who have self-immulated in protest of Chinese oppression. After the kora, we all went on a shopping spree and almost got killed by a couple monkeys (pro tip: don’t smile at the monkeys…also, don’t try to get pictures #rabiesfree), then we returned to home base where we rested for a short period before eating a wonderful dinner, consisting of rice, roasted potatoes, chick pea curry, and chapati. Later, we had our first photojournalism session where we learned about the history of photography. Then we concluded with a team building exercise and an introduction to mentor group’s.

Tomorrow, we’ll the visit the areas we’ll be teaching children and beautifying daycare facilities.

– Eddie & Shanti

Monday July 16, 2018

Today was another fun and exciting day spent in Dharamsala, India. After starting the morning with a delicious breakfast consisting of French toast and eggs, we headed off to a tour of the placements. Although it was a four mile trek in total, and parts of it were quite grueling, we enjoyed visiting the placements so much that our imaginations began to spark about the projects we would be doing there. Adding to our excitement was being able to meet, play with and take pictures with the cute little kids that we were excited to get to know better.

Along the way back to homebase, we stopped to take pictures for our photography assignment which was one close-up and one landscape picture. By the time we made it back to Clouds End Villa, all of us were so famished that we were ecstatic to hear that there was an amazing lunch set out for us. Burrito-like rolls with a curry twist, french fries, and lassi turned out to be many people’s favorite meal up to that point . Afterwards we went to our second photojournalism session of the trip where Aavrit taught us everything we need to know about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Continuing on after a thirty minute break, we assembled with our mentor groups during which we shared a story of a hardship we’ve overcome. Let’s just say tears were shed. Lots of them.

After that amazing bonding experience, we met with our placement groups and started to chart our project plans and the materials needed for them. Then it was dinner time!

After enjoying rice, potatoes, and lentils, we followed with post-dinner activities that were both serious and enjoyable. Starting with a discussion given by Chris about the ethics of photography and volunteerism, we then had an insightful conversation reflecting on the intentions of certain photographs and the ways we should use them to tell a story.

Ending the night with an awesome and entertaining activity put on by group leaders, Naomi and Maddie, we played an interesting game in which the whole group was split into four teams and in each round the groups would be given a category and a letter (ex: food and E). They then were tasked with writing down as many things as they could think of that fit that category and also started with that letter. The group who had the most items written down won the round. After five intense rounds, group three won!

Day four was a success!

Naomi Deokule (author)
Maddie (Madeleine) Hay

Tuesday July 17, 2018

After Nelson burnt his tongue on steaming hot chai and Christian, along with the rest of the gang, started our day with a delicious breakfast prepared by Ponku and Amet, we headed out to our first day of placements. Anganwadis (government-funded daycares) are where we were to start work straight away as we began to sand down walls in order to prepare them to paint. When we needed a break, we played with the young children at those daycares. After a short break and some lunch, we went to the Norbulingka Institute. A place where the Tibetan culture is saved through arts. It was eye opening to see how hard they work and how intricate that work is. Something we never would have thought about if only seeing the final product. After touring around, grabbing a quick snack and taking some wild portraits of Lit (one of our local team leaders), we headed back to homebase for dinner, a photojournalism lesson and a game of chair basketball that would make Olympians sweat.

Game on!
Nelson & Christian

*Photos for July 17 by Aavrit Bagga (Photographer – Local Program Staff)

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Of the two of us, Haley was among the lucky ones still waking up at 6:30 AM from the time change while Angelina (and most of the rest) collectively groaned at the 6:15 AM wakeup call (or knock) we were in charge of getting done. Well….maybe not quite so long of a groan for Alex and Haley as the two of us got an early morning giggle when one of the wakeup calls resulted in Shanti, one of the boys from our program, opening the door with a comically aggravated face.

Eating a basic breakfast while half asleep at 6:45 AM, we made our way in the early morning sunlight through the sometimes challenging incline and decline of streets and stairs to the Men Tsee Kang Monastery. Once there and, after having removed our shoes and filled into a room covered in foam mats, we expected to be led in a soothing morning meditation. What we got instead was a PowerPoint presentation and monk in front of a microphone. Our expected morning of tranquility in this beautiful little town built into a Himalayan mountainside turned into a long hour of trying to pay attention to a presentation on what we thought we’d be doing instead of actually doing it. But hey – at least we’re now trained to lead sessions with our family and friends when we get back home, right?

After our “meditation session”, we walked to our placements where we teach and play with local children while at the same time beautifying (painting, decorating, etc.) their schools. After that, we walked back to Clouds End Villa, our home here in India, for a lunch of delicious grilled cheese and fried rice followed by turning in our pulse checks about the GLA program before a little midday free fime.

Coming back to the main hall after hanging out all over the lush tropical grounds and giggling at Teddy, one of the Jack Russell Terriers that belongs to the king who has so generously allowed us to stay here, we listened to a lecture given by photographer Ashwini Bhatia who talked about and showed us his recent work and discussed the ethics of photojournalism.

Following a smaller dinner later that night, we had a photojournalism lesson by the photographer who is part of our leadership team, Avi, where we discussed editing our photographs and putting together our own portfolios. Finishing off the night with a successful and fun game joined in on by Prince Bambi (short for Ambi which is short for Ambikeshwar), the grandson of Raja Aditya, the fireflies told us that it was time for lights out at 10 PM.

Sweet dreams, from India,

-Haley & Angelina

*Photos for July 18 by Robin Satterwhite (GLA Mentor)

Thursday July 19, 2018

Today started just like any other day at GLA. We all woke up at 8:30 in the morning to get ready followed by eating breakfast while being told what we would be doing for the day. From there we went to our placements where we remodeled the preschool we were at while at the same time teaching and playing with the kids like we do almost every day. Making our way back to Clouds End for lunch, our next outing took us to Dolls For Tibet. None of us knew or were excited about what to expect when we got there though, upon arrival, most of us were pretty pleasantly surprised.

The dolls were adorable. Not only that but they were also all handmade. The woman who owned the business had started it for the Tibetan people, all refugees, including her artist husband. Over time Indians have also started working there more but she still has a heart for the Tibetan people so some of the dolls still go to Tibetan children. We all enjoyed the dolls and her story about how her business came to be.

We believed it to be very touching and we all bought something from her store, all of us satisfied with our purchase. So back to base we all went from there to have a little relax time before our dinner. Well, maybe not all as some of the girls and guys walked down to the Kotwili Bazaar to pick up the saris they had gotten tailored a couple days before. Then it was finally dinner time, so we ate our dinner while remenicing about the days events. After that it was lights out and another exquisite day at GLA was done.

Leaders of the Day:
Violet (author) & Lauren

*Photos by Robin Satterwhite (GLA Mentor)

Friday July 20, 2018

Hello, my name is Jeremy and my partner for Leader of the Day is Emma. Today is July 20th and it’s Friday. We woke up at our normal time today, 8:30 AM, and we had our typical breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, toast and a couple extras. When the coveted peanut butter went too-soon empty we were all sad but managed to keep on nevertheless. At 9:45 AM, we headed to our placements. I would tell you the name of mine but I can’t spell it and it would just be jumbled letters to you.

At my placement, we are busy giving our daycare center a new coat of paint. While painting, I also had about five children hanging off me, who all wanted piggyback rides. With an aching back and a little elbow grease, we managed to finish the first coat of paint.

When time to leave, we were tired and it was raining so we opted to take taxis home instead of walking. When we returned, we went on the most beautiful and extravagant sun-not-even-close-to-setting sunset photoshoot ever. Upon our return from there, we ate our typical banquet-style meal and watched a short show about a photographer followed by an attempt to watch the documentary movie: when Hari Got Married about a cab driver’s arranged marriage, though we were all very tired so most of us (including me) left to go to sleep before the end. With another great day at our backs, we rested well for the day next.

Sunday July 22, 2018

A late wake-up at 8:45 started off our 10th day of adventure. We continued the morning with our breakfast staples of toast, eggs, bananas, and chai tea. Next on the schedule was a visit to a local family farm. We got to see, taste, and smell produce growing on this farm. Lunch was served there after some rejuvenating hibiscus lemon tea followed by a warm custard with ice cream!

A fun and rainy ride back to homebase provided a stop for the few who wanted to stop for snacks. (Tim has good taste in music!) After some downtime, dinner was next and always one of the best parts of the day. Later we had the option to go see Skyscraper at the movies. Surely something not to miss and turned out to be more of a cultural expecience than expected in ways such as the #rodwytibetans cheering from the row behind us.

Our typical 10pm cerfew for lights out ran just a little late thanks to our time of return and we were all ready to crawl into our beds as soon as we got “home”, time to get rested and ready for our next day of adventure.

-Blog by Kirsten and Violet

-Photos by Robin Satterwhite

Monday July 23, 2018

Today we enjoyed our usual breakfast of toast, eggs and delicious chai (with some extras) followed by taking our long daily walk to placements. Once there, we played with children while getting our arms pulled, cheeks pinched and hair braided. Too lazy to walk back, we treated ourselves to a nice taxi ride to home base where lunch was waiting for us. After some free time, we pooled into taxis and drove past Mcleod Gange Market to see the beautiful Bagsu Falls waterfall.

Some of us opted to journey up the waterfall, a hike not everyone felt inclined to take but rather enjoy some internet time while snacking on lemon cake, noodles and strawberry smoothies that tasted like Danimals yogurt at a local cafe. Many of us bargained our way through the market from there, filling our bags with colorful pants and other souvaneers while a few stayed in the German Bakery Restaurant Coffee Bar until it was time to pile back into taxis. Once again back to home base and after some free time, we ate the baseline rice and lentils (plus a few extras) for dinner.

Mentor groups came next. Robin’s mentor group discussed various circumstances of the trip, giving each person a chance to speak, while Tim’s mentor group read a story about a man who planted one hundred trees a day for thirty-seven years after losing his family. A story to teach and inspire about being model citizens. To end the night, we played a Leader of the Day throwback game lead by us of heads-up-seven-up. A game most frequently played in elementary school.

Before bed we had some free time to sit in our rooms, hang in the garden, socialize and listen to music on the patio. Lights went out at 10 PM to regain our energy for more wonderful days in India.

The journey continues…

Written by Leaders of the Day:
Addison & Natalie

Photos by Robin Satterwhite 🐦

Also, here are some more photos from earlier in the trip that we were unable to send due to internet connectivity issues:

-Photos by Robin Satterwhite

Tuesday June 19, 2018

India. It’s not uncommon to hear travelers say it’s the most impactful place they’ve ever been. Full of diversity, color and different climates, all of our students minus one, Noa (who is still bravely making her way in with our trusty director, Chris) have finally made it through the multiple plane rides, taxis and days of travel to this scarce small town on a Himalayan mountain in the clouds. Surrounded by Tibetan monks and animals such as sacred cows, dogs and even a monkey or two swinging above our rooms, there’s a sense of peace and beauty that is already making its way through even the worst jet lag.

It’s finally here. We have found our way to the first day of namaste.

Written by staff mentor: Robin Satterwhite

Wednesday June 20, 2018

It would be ridiculous to expect to see the Dalai Lama on the first full day in India, right? Well it did for a few of us. He even looked one of our little ladies, Savannah, right in the eye as he and his caravan drove past, bowing his head with hands clasped, bestowing blessings upon the crowd. Just….whoa.

It was an incredibly full day that started, surprisingly, with most of our new little family waking up early without too much jet lag, though the (otherwise) cute Jack Russell terriers on property barking before 5AM was destined to still cause a grumble or two.

Feeling refreshed so quickly turned into an extra good thing as, after a breakfast that included chai tea and a delicious rice pudding, our walk around town to see the different schools (many of which were eye-openingly small and run down to the Western eye) and their tiny littles, who were super inspiring, cute and excited to see us, ended up coming with another little bit of a reality check when it proved to be about the equivalent of half an hour on the stairmaster and another half on a treadmill with an impressive incline. While getting used to its own fair share of hardships, Dharamsala really is a spiritually beautiful city overflowing with wonderful people, cool animals and vast expanse views of snow-capped Himalayan mountains, even when looking on from of a place of medium-bake from the hot sun.

Watching the people of this small city and the tight bond of community that only comes from growing up together in a way that allows everyone to not only know each other but to pretty much become one big family, our smiles broadened and eyes opened a little more. Especially when, after our first Hindi lesson with the local GLA staff, locals proved to be not only so open but also get enjoyment out of our awkward attempts to ask questions on a cultural scavenger hunt that forced us out of our comfort zones and into finding our way to such places as a Tibetan places of worship, local family homes and to a restaurant that offered food such as delectable vegetarian dumplings called Momos.

A delicious treat to hold us over for dinner and keep us pleasantly distracted as health checks were dialed in. Even with getting used to the crazy traffic, time difference and well-earned exhaustion of those past few days, we were well on our way toward a new kind of bliss.

Sending love and mosquito bites,

The STL (Service Through the Lens) squad.

 

Saturday June 23, 2018

Today we started our first official day working at the Day Care. We headed to our placements with arms full of posters, paints, markers and toys. The kids, still not quite adapt to our presence stared in wonder as we coated their daycare walls in fresh bright colors. Soon realizing that we came armed with more than just paint but also new toys and markers they began the colorful task or writing letters, shapes, and numbers on the fresh posters and journals. We quickly realized just how inept our Hindi was when the kids took on the humorous and difficult task of teaching us what the names of colors and animals where in Hindi. It was a learning experience for all of us! After many hugs, high fives and “namstes’ we headed back to our home base, some of us a little late for lunch; goodbyes always take longer than planned.

After eating a beautiful meal of homemade chapati and seasoned veggies we got into taxies and headed to a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery. The chaos and endless shouts and car horns we had come to recognize as the constant ambience of the vibrant and restless city was juxtaposed with the sharp contrast of complete calm. Serenity filled the air as we walked through the gates of the nunnery, the whirl wind of emotions we felt from the past few days melted into ease. The peace that surround the nunnery was incredible, the snow capped Himalayan mountains surrounding us absolutely breath taking. Nuns peaked around corners of vibrantly hand painted walls to wave at us, a warm welcome.

After we left the nunnery we headed to a Tibetan culture center. From the moment we drove over the mountain the vibrant red, golds and blues of an architectural masterpiece stood out and made what had seem like rainbow of houses before pale and dull in comparison to the Art center. After a brief history lesson on the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and the erasure of Tibetan society that has occurred, we explored the endless towers filled with endless rooms of beautiful art from every material imaginable.

Our day ended with our second mentor group— a meeting where we discuss what we experience and our goals for our time here and after. We watched a movie called the Bang Bang Club, which shows the true, raw power a single photograph can have. Afterward we headed to bed, grateful to finally rest at the end of another amazing day.

Blog post by Katy McDaniel

Sunday June 24, 2018

Culture is meant to be embraced. Yesterday that meant embracing the peaceful nature of the Tibetan nunnery and the beautiful foothills of the Himalayas. Today it meant embracing the chaotic nature of the Macleod market and winding crowded streets keenly navigated by our local staff members. Although immersed in the chaos we each found clarity through thinking of our families while shopping and capturing small moments of this clarity with the authentic gifts coming home with us.

Before the market our group received amazing guidance from Jessica Rose, one of our international staff members. and practiced our photography with this new found knowledge. The Macleod market was the perfect setting to practice these skills with the knowledge given to us. The people and buildings and food created the perfected environment for experimentation with lighting and composition. Even if an opportunity was missed, maybe the lighting was wrong or you lost focus with your camera, every turn presented new engaging moments to capture.

Multiple groups began painting at their day-care center and continued playing with and educating the children put in their care. What’s astonishing to us all is the progress we’ve all already made and the help we’ve received from the amazing and dedicated teachers.

Friday June 29, 2018

Today students enjoyed a relatively relaxed day. The day began with students attending
their placements, and working with their chosen daycare. Students are working to help

older kids practicer their english as well as deepen their understanding of school sub-
jects such as math or literature. After, the students spent the rest of the day at home

base, in which they enjoyed some free time, and attended a photo journalism session
lead by Jessica rose. Afterwords, students watched a movie about the history of the
Dalai Lama.

-by Georgia and Aiden

Sunday July 8, 2018

At 6:30 sharp we were in our taxis, bellies full from our last breakfast in Dharamsala, our hearts full of grief and nostalgia as we said goodbye to the local staff.

Five hours and 3 pee stops later our parade of clown cars loaded with us and our suitcases arrived in Amritsar. Per usual, the plot thickens.

We arrive at the Golden Temple and are immediately met with the swirling sights and sounds of an India we have yet to see. The sweat fills ours eyes and reality blurs into a smear of colors punctuated by the mechanical din of the Langar. This is the free meal that Seikhs provide to anybody who comes to visit. The generosity is beautiful and overwhelming. After about two hours we pack back up and head to our wonderful hotel where we take refuge in the chilly arms of our AC.

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Thursday July 26, 2018

All students who were supposed to arrive today have arrived! We are still waiting on 5 more students, 4 who arrive tomorrow and 1 who arrives on Saturday. We’ll try to post another group photo once our group is complete!

Saturday July 28, 2018

Today we went to Blue Hills community at 9. After a short 10 minute car ride we were all ready to work. I began by sorting out the good and the bad bottles and proceeded to cut some wires. After cutting the wires I painted one of the rooms yellow. Right before having lunch we played soccer with the locals and after a while I was sad to stop playing because it was so much fun. Everyone was very nice and we had a lot of fun together. For dinner we had noodles and then continued working soon after. I started putting bottles into the walls and talking with the locals. When we got back to the lodge we had a creole lesson which was very easy to understand as it is basically an informal version of French. For dinner we had chicken rice and beanssss!!!!

-Bautista C.

The day began at 7:30 a.m. with myriad of excitement and energetic kids. We spent the day working in a community called Blue Hills on a vocational school made made from recycled plastic bottles. Many, like me, couldn’t wait to play with the joyful kids. When we got there, a bond was created between us and the Haitian people. Both parties worked hand in hand to accomplish the same goal. Knowing our goal was to finish walls by 3:30 caused us to put our differences aside and cooperate. All in all, everyone had a great time and enjoyed the amazing life changing experience.

-Jake S.

Tuesday July 31, 2018

Today, we visited the Citadel, a famous fortress created by General Christof after the successful Haitian slave revolts of 1805. It is often referred to as one of the world’s untold wonders. After a precarious and bumpy drive up to the market place, we began our hike up to the fortress. The trek was completed quickly and efficiently, though it was quite tiring. On top of the Citadel, we enjoyed the breathtaking views and a delicious lunch of potato salad.

From this experience, we learned about how poverty and joblessness drive Haitians to resort to an extreme dependence on American tourism for income. Returning home, we enjoyed a soccer game between a local men’s team and our GLA boys. Concluding the night, we watched an informative documentary called Poverty, Inc. that goes into depth about the disparities between NGO aid and their devastating impacts on local communities.

Thursday August 2, 2018

Today was our last day- and we traveled to a Dr. Daytons Medical Clinic in downtown Cap Haitien. In order to accommodate all patients in the smaller space, the group was divided into two separate shifts at the clinic. While one group staffed the clinic, the other group went to a local market to purchase snacks and cold drinks. At the clinic we were able to see around 60 patients and provide routine checkups and consultation with Dr. Dayton. During the clinic the group staffed: Registration, Medical History, Vitals, Doctor Consult, and Pharmacy. The stations allowed us to interact with the locals in a positive way, as well as strengthen our own knowledge of how clinics are typically run. Following the clinic, we headed to the outskirts of Cap Haitien to observe a typical Haitian Voudou ritual- a ceremony that included singing and dancing. The ritual was the complete opposite of the Hollywood view of “voodoo” which has been portrayed as a pagan or occult practice, where in reality Voudou is a beautiful culturally rich practice that is focused on community and the preservation of Haitian heritage. After viewing part of the ceremony, we then returned to the lodge for dinner, our last night enjoying rice & beans. Following dinner we attended a presentation that primarily focused on the damage of Voulentourism.

Voulentourism is a multi-billion dollar industry that is unfortunately heavily influenced by the “white savior” complex- where westerners come to 3rd world countries with the mindset that they can save the native people with their superior intellect and material wealth. When attempting to provide aid in impoverished countries it is important to realize that the people are more similar to us than different, and to treat them as equals- without pity. In fact, strict material donation (ie. Clothing, food, toiletries etc) can unfortunately be more damaging to the people than helpful. Continuous material donation cripples the local economy, pushing many farmers & industry workers out of their need-sustained jobs. It is necessary to understand that the people in Haiti cannot be defined by their poverty, but by their incredible culture and sense of community. We look forward to sharing our newly learned knowledge with those at home, after our much anticipated beach day!

-Zach

More photos from throughout the session!