TIME CAPSULE LETTER
Written by Musha and Adham (International Mentors)
Omsuwatiastu fam,
Musha and Adham here… we are writing this to you from Madra homestay, seated in that cozy, black area outside Kaitlyn and Hallie’s room. We have been reminiscing about the two weeks we had together, speaking about great memories we shared and the lessons we learned.
Picking Leanna and Darby up from the airport first began the excitement for the program. The first dinner we had together (excluding Pau, Maia, and Caitlin who had not arrived yet) was extremely awkward and quiet, very much like the next day’s three-hour orientation. We played ‘speed dating’ which was run by us, and then proceeded by walking around the local area of Ubud during the ‘Amazing Race’. Lunch at ‘Kin Tamani’ with the mountain backdrop was amazing, wasn’t it! Eating those skewers and unlimited noodles while taking great drone footage. Putting on our sarongs and sashes to meet the king and princess. Shoutout to Kate for gifting the princess her earrings.
We had our first service where we split into two groups for mangrove clean-ups with Johni and food distribution with SOS. We are so proud of how both groups smashed the service both those days! Not only that, but we still remember heading to MacDonald and having a sweet little baby take a picture with you guys. We remember how funny it was walking around barefoot with those disgusting feet on MacDonald’ white floors. We also had a great end to the night with a fun trivia that Adham ran. This is when we really saw the group dynamics starting to really form (Musha believes the mentor team let you guys win that trivia…). Do you guys remember that library we went to? Where we split into mentor groups and ‘read many books’ in sporty clothes. That was one sweaty library. Congrats to Musha’s group for “reading all the books”.
We moved our trip to Pemuteran where we ran down to the beach and made friends with the plankton. Seeing you all so happy made dust fly into our eyes. The sunset boat ride was a definitely heartwarming experience, especially with that great video Yudha made. Service at the local Balinese school for the next three days was a humbling experience for us all. To see the joy of the kids greeting us with excitement each session, teaching in classrooms in much worse conditions that we’ve had it. Those kids will remember us for the rest of their lives. They are 100% Singing Jimmy Jimmy Paw in their dreams (So is Musha). On the last day of service, we saw some sweaty eyes with the students signing books, writing their names on our arms, and leaving us with goodbye hugs. Shoutout to Risky (the kid who eats dumbbells and benches his teachers). ‘Legend says he tells his dad it’s bedtime’… Diving was definitely one of the top highlights of the trip. Seeing all the beautiful biorock sculptures and the colors of the fish, reflecting from the sunlight. The last dinner on the beach was magical. Shoutout to Ariane for her beautiful singing.
The waterfall on the way back to Ubud was definitely a nice surprise, even though we needed some time in the sun to dry up. Watching you all surf and get beat up by the waves was a fun way to end the program. We are surprised we haven’t received a call yet from the Karaoke place for breaking their table and having too much fun. We then went back to Madra where Andrea ran a beautiful and emotional evening activity. We sat in a circle with tears running down our faces as we knew it was time to say goodbye. We all felt appreciated by one another and realized the strong bonds we built together.
The airport day finally arrived, and we just couldn’t spot waving through the glass. It was definitely one of the hardest goodbyes for us to say. But let’s not leave this on a sad note…
We are grateful to have the opportunity to share this experience with you all. We still have moments in our daily lives that remind us of each one of you;
Whenever we see a bug, we are reminded of Ace trying to catch them.
Whenever we see AC, we are reminded of Sebastian.
Whenever we play riddles, we remember Leanna stressing out.
Whenever someone says ‘im gunna take a picture’, we are reminded of Darby.
Whenever we see a big wave or have a sore neck, we think of Cody.
Whenever we see a flower on the floor, we think of Hallie giving it a final purpose and putting it in her hair.
Whenever we see a jewelry store, we think of Kate.
Whenever we give someone a freight, we are reminded of how jumpy Katie is.
Everytime we hear ‘oh my gawddd’, we can hear Lily’s voice.
Everytime we free dive, we think of Malia.
Everytime we go scuba diving, we remember the happiest in Lucca’s face.
Everytime we play EDM, we see Rogan dance.
Everytime we hear Adele, we hear Ariane.
Everytime we hear ‘Ya’ll’, we think of Jenna.
Everytime we kick a soccer ball, we are reminded of Maia’s epic skill.
Everytime we look at our Ukulele, we are reminded of Pau in his Hawaiin shirt.
Everytime we hear sarcasm, we remember Caitlin.
As you can see, you guys have impacted our lives majorly, even after you left. We still miss each one of you. We wish you all the best for your futures and believe you will achieve greatness, embodying your OMG wherever you go:
– Have an open mind
– Be kind
– Appreciate nature
– Don’t take things for granted
– Live in the moment
– Step out of your comfort zone.
We will end this with Musha’s favorite quote… ‘Live the life you love, Love the life you live’.
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Here are a few things you can expect:
- We typically receive 2-3 blog posts per week here at GLA Headquarters from our program staff and students, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post daily – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates sent on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors, including but not limited to internet accessibility, photos may not always be available to post onto the blog. Sometimes onsite program staff are only able to send text back to Headquarters, where our team updates the blog.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
Cell Phone Policy: The GLA cell phone policy is currently in place this summer to help foster meaningful connections between students. This means your student’s phone will be collected every day and returned to them after activities are completed to have with them through the night. Actual tech times and regularity will vary greatly by program location and time zones. During designated ‘tech time’, your student may use their phones as they wish. Please note that your student may not always choose to use this time to get a hold of their parents. If you are not hearing directly from your student each day, you can assume that no news is good news! We strongly recommend you follow the blog to follow your students’ experience without talking to them every day. If you are a parent and would like to get in touch with your student directly, you can call us at +1-619-758-3031 and we can set up a formal time for you to connect with your student.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
Click here to jump down to the most recent posts!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18
Hello Families,
This is Andrea, the International Director for the Education & Sustainability Adventure program here in beautiful Bali. We are absolutely delighted to have our students embarking on this incredible two-week adventure on this enchanting island. As I look at the schedule and contemplate what lies ahead, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement!
Our students, arriving from diverse destinations, have finally arrived at Home Base after their respective journeys, some longer than others. To welcome them, Ibu Coma and her family prepared a delectable Balinese dinner. Caitlin, Maia, and Pau, though arriving a few hours later than the main group, were warmly received. I can sense how our students are experiencing a mix of exhaustion and excitement.
During their bus ride from the airport to the homestay, students were able to engage in delightful conversations, bonding with their fellow adventurers. Now, it’s time for all of us to rest and recharge, ensuring we’re fully prepared for the extraordinary day that awaits us.
Warm regards,
Andrea Gallegos (GLA International Director)
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19
Hello families!
Today marked the beginning of our program, and it was a jam-packed and successful day. Some of our students were bursting with energy since 5am due to the time difference.
We kicked off the day with an orientation session where we discussed the program’s rules and emphasized the importance of safety. The local team also shared valuable cultural insights and fascinating information about the island, the country, and its people. Bali is brimming with a beautiful and rich culture, adorned with captivating costumes. We were taught how to wear a sarong and sash, which we’ll be donning when visiting temples and palaces. You can catch a glimpse of us in the photos, dressed in traditional Balinese outfits.
Following a delightful Indonesian lunch, we engaged in a thought-provoking debate that shed light on the intricate balance between preserving culture and fostering tourism development.
Next on our agenda was a language course, where we embarked on our journey to learn some basic Indonesian words.
Later, students formed teams and participated in a cultural scavenger hunt, immersing themselves in the surroundings and expanding their knowledge about the local culture.
Our day continued with Sisya Upanayana, a blessing ceremony typically performed by students from elementary school to college here in Bali. Sisya, meaning students, and Upanayana, meaning a ceremony of blessings, is dedicated to bestowing good fortune upon their educational endeavors, fostering a spirit of learning, and enriching their knowledge. As part of the ceremony, students were presented with a Karawista (shown in the photos) as a symbol to sharpen and clear their minds in preparation for the upcoming learning experiences.
After this awe-inspiring and special ceremony, we returned to our home base for dinner and were treated to a surprise dance performance.
Our students had a fantastic and eventful day, and they are now happily exhausted and ready to rest, eagerly anticipating the exciting adventures that await them tomorrow.
This will be my final blog entry, as the leaders of the day will take over from here to share their adventures with you.
Best regards,
Andrea (International Director)
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 20
Written by Maia and Kaitlyn
Halo Keluarga! (Hello Families),
Today we started our day very early with breakfast at 6:30 am, we then left home base at 6:45 am and headed to our Early Morning Tour. This included a Herbal walk, Tirta Empul Temple tour, and then we had lunch at Kintamani. During the Herbal walk, we learned about traditional Balinese healing practices and even got to purchase natural cosmetics which included the herbs we learned about. A few examples of this include Turmeric and Black pepper. We then went on to visit the Tirta Empul Temple, where we witnessed traditional examples of Balinese religion and prayers. Then we had lunch at Kintamani with an incredible view of a mountain.
After we drove to the coffee plantation. We learned that a Civet cat eats coffee beans, poops them out, and then is used to make delicious coffee. After trying out several different types of coffee, we came back to the Home base to freshen up before visiting the Royal Palace. We headed over there at 4:30 pm and got to tour the palace before having a delicious meal with the King and princess of Ubud. We got to ask them lots of questions and learn about their lifestyle as well as their different hobbies. To finish off our busy day, we had a “chow circle,” which is where we talk about our favorite part of the day and share our appreciation for others. As the leaders of the day, we are looking forward to furthering our knowledge of Balinese culture and getting to know our peers on a deeper level.
Suksma (thank you)!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 21
Written by Jenna & Rogan
Hello families!
We are writing from the Madra homestay in Ubud! Today we experienced a full cultural immersion by starting off our day by exploring different stations at the local Banjar. Two of the stations allowed us the opportunity to learn how to keep the beat with traditional instruments while learning from a professional legong dancer. The two other stations were difficulty carving our names into wooden boards as well as crafting hand made flower offerings.
Afterward, we traveled to the PKP community center located within the jungle where we explored, did yoga, and ate lunch. The owner shared her inspirational personal testimony explaining the motivations behind the creation of the center. After a long day, we ended with a traditional legong dance performance in the town. With another beautiful long day in Bali coming to an end, we prepared for the upcoming days ahead!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
Written by Leanna and Malia
Hello families,
Group 2 leader of the day Leanna:
Today, lucky group number 2 slept in until we departed for the Scholar of Sustenance for food service preparation at 8 in the morning. The group split into two groups; one folded the wrappers and peeled boiled eggs, while the other chopped veggies such as carrots, green onions, cabbage, and green beans. After a short break of gelato, we reconvened to pack up the meals. Using incredible teamwork and an efficient assembly line, we packed just under 300 meals. We completed the experience by tasting the food we made for lunch and packing up to deliver the meals. Once we arrived at Kertalangu, a community living by a dump site, we began handing out meals to families. A few highlights of the experience were the young children who kindly interacted with the students and brought smiles to many faces.
Group 1 leader of the day Malia:
We started the morning with breakfast before we switched groups from yesterday.
One group traveled to the beach to pick up trash in the mangroves by stand-up paddleboarding. We also learned about seagrass growth in the ocean and the affected species. After the beach, we went to lunch at McDonald’s in order to try the Balinese menu. In the evening, after eating dinner at home base, the whole group drove to an outdoor turf where the three mentor groups went against each other in a futsal tournament.
After a few necessary naps and relaxation at the homestay, we ate a delicious meal of mixed veggies, rice, fried tempeh, and tofu, covered in peanut sauce. Under a misdirection, the group traveled to what they thought was a library research activity when they brought us to an outdoor turf field for a futsal tournament. The day concluded with the CHOW circle, all ready for a good sleep.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
Halo!
Today, we woke up to a beautiful, peaceful morning to embark on a six hour journey to our new home-base in Permutean. On our way we made several stops to two locations, such as, the Ulun Danu Temple and a traditional buffet for lunch. At these locations students got the chance to interact with locals and take another look at balinese culture.
After the stops, we continued our trip and finally reached our new home base safely. Then we had a quick settle in to our new homes and soon after threw on our swimsuits to take a quick swim at the beach before a sunset boat ride. Once the time came for the boat ride, we split into two groups to ride side-by-side as we got to experience a breathtaking view of the mountains, sunset, and ocean.
Once the boat ride came to close, we made our way back to the beach to go get a quick swim and volleyball game in before heading home for dinner. Our day came to an early end where we got to spend some free time with each other before bed.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
Written by Ariane & Caitlin
Today we started off by having a delicious breakfast in our new home base near the beach. Then, in order to wake up in the best conditions, we had an early morning swim at the beach. The water was appreciable and refreshing and helped us gain energy for our service ahead. We then came back to home-base and prepared our activities and lesson plans for the children at the nearby school we were going to visit. Before leaving to the school, we had a fresh salad to have enough energy to enjoy our time with the kids.
For service we split up into 3 groups all teaching different subjects, all about animals. Group 1 taught animals through PE, group 2 taught kids different animals in English, and lastly group 3 used art as a way of learning. We had a great time and can’t wait to go back tomorrow for more lessons. The energy of the children and their willingness to learn was incredible and impressive.
After our service, we were tired and were in a need for a break. Therefore, we headed to the beach to have a sunset swim all together. We made some new friends, dove down to see the corals, and played beach volleyball. Due to our packed day, we came back to have a filling dinner and then got a yummy ice cream to finish the day off. Heading off to bed, we’re excited for the days ahead and all the adventures to come.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26
Written by Katherine, Pau & Ace
Hello families!!
Today half the group started the day with a sunrise walk down the beach! LOADS OF FUN!!
The other half joined the group after some nice nights rest for banana pancakes with syrup at breakie! Then we all went to a coral reef restoration and diving place where we attended a presentation about the importance of coral restoration and preserving marine life. After the presentation we snorkeled, looked at the coral reefs and jumped off a house dock!
After snorkeling we ate lunch at home base and we prepped our lesson and activity’s for service. Then we walked to the school where we split into our mentor groups and taught different English activities through physical education, art and English class!
After service, a group of us swam at the beach for sunset and saw some lion fish! We returned home for dinner of chicken, rice, noodles and as requested; French fries!! We ended the night with snacks from the local shop and a gratitude activity!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Written by Lucca
Dear Families,
Today the students enjoyed another wonderful day in Bali consisting of a multitude of adventures. They started their day off by walking to the scuba diving shop to learn about the safety precautions regarding their adventure tomorrow, following a quick sizing test so the instructors will properly have the right equipment for the students.
After their trip back they followed up with some delicious breakfast following with some service prep to finish off their last day of service-teaching the students at school English. The students now on their third day of service prep are ready for another day of teaching the children at the school, with todays theme consisting of body parts.
The students spent the afternoon teaching the kids through a variety of uses such as games, art and memorization games, after this they said their goodbyes for a final time where they then enjoyed the late afternoon by the beach. The warm water and sandy beach felt amazing after a long day of hard work, some of the schools students were actually found at the beach and even recognized our own GLA students leading to a more profound goodbye. After their long day of hard work the students enjoyed some wonderful dinner leaving no leftovers on the plates.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28
Written by Jenna B.
Hello families!! with an early start to our day with a 6:30AM wakeup call we ventured to the diving school where we submerged underneath the waves and explored the world below! it was exhilarating and an amazing experience. we then swam, snorkeled, and relaxed for a few hours before visiting a nearby turtle hatchery. while at the hatchery we learned about the importance of protecting sea life and were given the opportunity to play with baby turtles! afterwards we returned to homebase to get ready for dinner. we ate a family style dinner at a delicious restaurant on the beach where we played pool and sang songs together. with another beautiful day in bali coming to a close we rested for the last days ahead.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
After enjoying 13 days of uninterrupted sunshine, Bali’s sky today bids farewell to our cherished students. As I sit here writing this blog, my heart overflows with love and gratitude. Since our last update, we have been enjoying countless beautiful moments. Among them, one of my favorites was the surprise karaoke night. The students were under the impression that we were going to visit a temple, but we astounded them with an unexpected twist. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and vibrant energy. At first, everyone sat down and began singing along to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”
As the night progressed, gradually they rose to their feet, dancing together in an exuberant display of joy, culminating in a heartfelt group hug while singing an Adele anthem. Witnessing our students thrive in this camp has been an absolute gift. They have forged new friendships, gained fresh perspectives, embarked on adventures in this breathtaking location, and discovered both the intricacies of a new culture and the depths of their own being. It is truly beautiful. The difficulty they experience when bidding farewell to one another is a testament to the profound friendships they have forged. The atmosphere in our Homebase now feels empty, with all the students having embarked on their journey back home.
However, I am confident that they carry with them an abundance of cherished memories, experiences, and knowledge. Each student played an invaluable role in making this program so exceptional. As the Director, it has been my utmost privilege to work with this remarkable group of students, and I will forever remain grateful for all that I have learned from them.
Sincerely,
Andrea (International Director)
