Ni hao!

Time flies, doesn’t it? It seems like yesterday we were all in Shaxi together. I can still see in my head line upon line of the beautiful roses we picked and the vibrant, luminous green of the rice fields on the walk to the farm. All the the laughter we shared learning Bai dancing, making mud bricks and eating weird food together still rings in my head. You’re probably back at school but we wanted you to know that here in Yunnan we are still thinking of you and the impact we made together this summer.

Your time here really did make an impact. The temple restoration is much further forward thanks to you and the 482 mud bricks you made whilst in Shaxi, motivated by our enthusiastic Leader of the Day that day, Laura and her assistant Izzy. On completion it will be enjoyed by local people, young and old alike; a place where they can meet and connect with one another. The roses and rosemary you picked at ShaSha organic farm will now have been transformed into fragrant sprays or essential oils ready for sale, to help further the important work at the farm. The enzymes you created together from plums will be breaking down, smelling glorious, ready to be used as natural fertiliser and the compost will already have been strewn, helping the produce to grow naturally and in a sustainable way. Cody proved to be such a worthy worker that day as Leader of the Day, wheeling barrows of dried leaves and labouring to get the compost made.

Something none of us will forget in a hurry either is those ‘numb’ berries! Oscar kept us all entertained by daring to lick so many of them, and Brezlan proved to be the absolute champion at picking them. And while we’re on the subject of food, I’m sure we can all remember Brayden’s meal worm ‘burrito’ and Natasha and Tristen taking on the chicken feet at the food challenge. The duck neck proved to be a difficult one to guess, but Alexis got it in the end! A final food memory worth sharing is the day of the dumplings and how we all overcame the challenging task of making them, before Jonathan and Daniel conquered the eating of them (37.5 each) with Ryan and Jonah tying in second place with 37 each. Food was such a huge part of the China trip and always a hot topic of conversation.

We couldn’t write a letter to you guys without mentioning the Great Wall of China! What a bonding experience that was. The rain did not dampen our spirits, and in fact, it probably made the whole experience more spectacular due to the fact we were the last ones on the wall before they closed it for the afternoon. I was very proud of CJ and Jordan that day for overcoming their fears of steep steps and courageously making the journey with us, both up and down. What legends!

Now, this letter wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t talk about Uncle Lu, fount of all knowledge, our generous host in Shaxi and Connect 5 Grandmaster! Hats off to Beck who won the Connect 5 tournament, winning the ‘Pig of Destiny’ and going on to face Uncle Lu in the Grandmaster challenge. Speaking of Uncle Lu, do you recall how he threw us a fabulous farewell party before leaving Shaxi? We were treated to several traditional Bai dances by the dance troupe, and we had a beautiful flowing feminine dance by our very own Gaia, which impressed the entire audience. What a way to round off our stay!

As this is a letter from the GLA China Staff, we personally can’t forget the sentiment that was put into making our thank you cards. Ellie proved her leadership skills by carefully organising ,well in advance, cards for all GLA and support staff. Nandini was her partner in crime, sketching beautiful images to compliment the written words. We were so impressed and felt so appreciated!

I think you will all agree there was never a dull moment on this program! Filled with mud, somewhat scary bugs, strange things to eat, giggles, shared life stories, dreams, and of course friendship. We want to thank you wholeheartedly for making the effort to be open to new things, for showing leadership in accepting the people around you for who they are, for giving service to the community and for bringing so much of your personalities into the trip to give it a most unique flavour. GLA China Session 2 2018 – we won’t forget our time shared here together and the imprint it left on us all.

Zai Jain! Very best wishes,

GLA China Team 2018

 

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Hello everyone,

The time has gone by so fast and it was like yesterday. As busy you probably are with school and life, this is a good time to remind all the good work and fun time you spent in the summer in China.

The temple and museum complex in Shaxi is still under construction and it looks different every time we visit. Your group record of 315 bricks has yet to be broken.

Do you remember the kindergarten kids? You planted a seed of a larger world beyond the village in their young age.

The push up competition you had with the locals in Beijing was fascinating and hilarious.

Maybe now is the time to see if you still remember those Bai dance moves?

What were the most memorable activities when you think back?

Finally we would like you to know that you did not only made an impact the local community in Shaxi, but in us as well. All the great questions you asked, your unique perspectives and initiative spirits really inspired us.

Thank you for the meaningful summer

Yi, Xiao

 

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Hey Team!

I’m still shocked at how the 21 days of our time together in Brazil both seemed like an eternity and also flew by in a second. I still remember the sea of blue shirts that came into the hostel in Manaus, wondering how I was going to remember everyone’s names. Now it’s safe to say I know not only your names, but who you are as people; and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to see you grow and learn throughout this program.

It seems like just yesterday we were hiking every day, playing hide-and-seek with Kenna, baking bread with Kinan, and learning about medicinal plants with Geo. I’m so inspired by Vanessa and Leo for creating that home and welcoming all of us into it (brb still pondering everything Leo has ever said).

We survived geckos in our beds, frogs in our toilets, and ants in our pants. We enjoyed a cold, fresh outdoor shower on a hot, humid day. We made crafts with local community members. We learned from biologists who are living their passions and who care about our planet. We played a lot of mafia, and taught Igor and Kenna how to destroy us in Uno. We talked every night. We explored the rainforest and climbed the Princess. We made George breakdance, sang a lot of Hamilton, and laughed at Charlie’s jokes. We rolled up our sleeves and played a small part in helping our planet. We slept in hammocks. We took time to close our eyes and enjoy the moment. We did all of this together.

Then we traded in Amazon time for the hustle and bustle of the big city: Rio. What a contrast, and such a unique experience to go from a home to a hostel- getting to see how both environments can be so welcoming in different ways. It was so fun getting to swim in the ocean together and explore Copacabana.

Meeting the locals in the Favelas was such a highlight; Hugo, who speaks so many languages and dreams of traveling the world one day; and Jorge, who is taking action in his community while also going to college for nanotechnology (?!). Getting to play with the kids in the garden and seeing how these neighborhoods truly embody the meaning of community is something I’ll never forget.

The last couple of days started to feel like we were one big family; we had gone through ups and downs together, danced samba in the Amazon and in Rio, debated and appreciated each other, and shared many a meal (and Reece’s snacks) together. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you are one group of awesome teenagers. Thank you for impacting these communities, letting them impact you, and making this trip everything that it was.

Obrigada!
Ari 🙂

-Daphne, Mentor

 

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Hello everyone!! Tudo bem?! I can’t believe it has been a little over a month since we have gotten back from our adventure in the Amazon! I am sure you are all starting the new school year (and some of you college!!) and I hope you all were able to reflect on the impact you had on each other and the program. This summer was so memorable because of all of YOU!

Our forest home was such a beautiful place, and it left even better with the impact you all made. I am so grateful to have seen you all grow and learn throughout our two weeks together. I can say we are all different people after this experience, and that we all have a new perspective. It was so unique to be welcomed into Vanessa and Leo’s home and become part of the family, learn about their lifestyle, and see an amazing example of what following your passion looks like.

From spending time with the family and doing cooking class with Geo and Kinan, to being shown up all the time by Kenna whether it be a game we taught her or climbing a tree, it was so much fun learning from them about their way of life and realizing how much a non-traditional education can really teach you! Also how awesome was exploring the forest with Silvio and learning about the spiritual connection and knowledge he has about the Amazon, and teaching us how to scare away jaguars and make Acai bracelets?! I know we all left with some awesome memories and laughs from camping in a hammock in the middle of jungle, climbing the Princess, Jared always saving us from the Tarantulas and catching geckos, the girls’ room late night talks, playing with the puppies, experiencing the World Cup hype, Avery’s Shakira impression, seeing a boto(!!!), Tobie always getting the perfect picture, and not to mention the last battle with the cockroach in the airport. There were so many moments that made me grateful to experience the Amazon in such a special way, and with all of you!

I was blown away by how great of a group you guys were. Not only was everyone engaged, but gave their all in every activity with no complaints. Our deep dive activities where we shared about personal experience and made deeper connections also were so special because everyone opened up so much and by the end it felt like we were a little family! Nobody else will be able to quite understand how our time and experience was, but I definitely encourage you guys to meet up and keep up with each other and keep in contact, hold each other accountable for your sustainability projects, and share with others about what you have learned. You are all so amazing in your own way and couldn’t have asked for a better little fam!

Wishing you all the best!

Jenny – Brazil Team 2018

 

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Wow! We can’t believe how much time has passed since we were all in Belize together! I can still picture all of us sitting in the dining room eating empanadas, taquitos, chicken, and (of course) the rice and beans. It feels like just yesterday that we were all snorkeling in Caye Caulker, singing and dancing on the boat together. Most of you are probably back at school, some of you are starting college, and some of you are working and back in the swing of things, but we wanted you to know that we are all still thinking of you and the impact we made this summer together.

Our adventure in Belize was genuinely an incredibly unique experience. I hope that all of you know that you left making a genuine impact in Belmopan, not only with the connections you made with your students, but the connections you made with the volunteers, teachers, Miss. Emily, and each other. You were able to help start paving the way for a parents night, facilitating many different opportunities and perspectives on how to connect parents and their students. We found a genuine need in the community, and made a genuine impact. You helped fix up the classrooms at Helping Hands, and really became part of the community at Literacy Night. You provided help and showed leadership in an incredibly real way throughout your experience. You made real, lasting connections. You found what you loved, what you weren’t so crazy about, and some of you even found a path for your future.

I will also never forget how much fun we had together. Your amazing attitudes, diverse personalities, and incredible perspectives & insights made the experience what it was. We experienced Belizean culture through adventures, food, connecting to the people, and more. We went to a local market, learned about Maya culture, made jewelry, and learned creole dancing. We hiked up Xunantunich, swam in the blue hole, and trekked through the ATM caves. Some of you concurred your fears, tried new things, and got out of your comfort zone. All of you walked away from the experience learning something new about yourself.

We worked hard, played hard, and had an amazing 21 days together. We made memories to last a lifetime and have a million laughs to look back on. Thank you all so much for the amazing program, and being part of our lives.

Some special moments from our trip:
· Playing chess and dominos with Juan Carlos
· Watching students perfect their handstands in the pool
· Conga lines on the dock in Caye Caulker
· Swimming with the manatees and sea turtles
· Feeding bananas to the spider monkeys at the zoo
· Learning how to make real chocolate from Mayas… and watching everyone’s faces when they tasted it
· Holding the iguanas… or letting them climb on your head.
· Moon-Clusters, Western Dairy, Scoop Dis on Caye caulker… ALL of the ice cream
· Meeting Miss. Emily, and creating connections with her high school volunteers and students
· All the morning cheers to get us pumped for service (ehhhh!)
· All the bug bites
· All of the laughs and love

Stay Un-Belizable!

-Kacey (Mentor), Patrick (Mentor) and Maria (International Director)

 

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