We had been talking about this day for months, the day we would finally be meeting the boys and girls of Los Quinchos. We were told numerous times that the children were all very welcoming and loving, but when we got to actually experience this, we all realized that they were even more inviting and loving than what we could ever have imagined. After hearing so much about them and not knowing what to expect, it was really neat seeing where they lived, the activities they participated in around the farm, and how they interacted with us. We weren’t at the farm for long, yet we could already see the different personalities in the bunch and it was really interesting to see how each boy interacted with each other and also us. -Latty
When we visited them again later that night, we were in for a show. Literally. They boys and girls put on a circus for us, showing us their skills which consisted of dancing, hula hoops, acting, and stilts. Once they completed their show, they invited us onto their stage to dance with them. All of the people in our group were all in to dance with the kids of Los Quinchos. Rafael, a very adorable and petite young boy, quickly glued himself on to a few of the girls, looking out for them to see that they did not get wet, as there was a storm that night. Later he taught each and every person in our group how to dance together, even in that short period of time. As for myself, after the dancing, I ended up sitting with a little boy named Jimmy. He had been quiet all night, not dancing, but watching. As soon as the scene became calmer and we could hear each other, he began questioning me about my many rings and bracelets, making sure to take all of my rings off to put them on himself and compare his hand to mine. In doing so, we played some counting games and he taught me some spanish. When it was time for the boys to walk back, I could tell he was reluctant to leave. I didn’t even want him to leave. He made sure to know if he would see me tomorrow and I reassured him that I would be here. For the most part of this trip, I had spent so much time worrying about how I didn’t speak Spanish and how I wouldn’t be able to connect with the boys. After meeting Jimmy, I realized that the language gap means nothing to a 10 year old boy and we were still able to connect. I am so thrilled to be able to say I still have time to hang out and meet all of the other boys and bond more with my newest friend, Jimmy. -Kelsey
June 9th a Tuesday
Things today were swaggy, creepy, as well as exciting. We started with a harrowing trek on the bus to what we now know as a place that saves lives. Serving food as well as cleaning dishes, mopping floors, and giving kind smiles are only some of the delightful acts we encountered on this fine day.
I pondered my thoughts during sign in, my hands clicked the buttons like nothing before. With a snap of the fingers we put our bags in a drawer and ventured to our task of setting tables. There, I rolled the circular tables to their rightful destination. From there I strolled to the chairs in order to house the needy. BLAM! I am putting coffee grounds in a bucket and mmm did it smell good! ;) Snip Snap patty’s back scrubbing dishes and cleaning utensils for the homeless. SPIN MOVE going to grab juice and handing them to the people… Peppermint or Lemon?
Tip toe through the window we are rumbling around in the mushy middle making banana pudding for future use. Slish Slosh back to work, mopping floors as well as snapping necks aka green beans. Then we said “bye, bye, birdie” as we leave the site for the mall. Fast forward a couple hours, we are back to work setting more tables and cooking muffins, and making a fruit bowl and pancakes. Swoosh doors open and people spill in like an avalanche. I didn’t know we were at the beach because things were getting “Shelly.”Lol! Smooth like butter, Shelly was dropping knowledge like a couple of apples from a tree. Smack, Wham, no said ham, muffins were out of the oven and dessert was being served. Things look grim when ice cream was threatened, yet light shined once more when was it in store. Meow, Meow, Kittie purrs and gives some delightful nicknames out the wazoo, unlike the Ragu packed yesterday. Snaps all around, the day came to a close when we sat down to right this blog.
-Joe, Annie, AC
June 9th a Tuesday
Things today were swaggy, creepy, as well as exciting. We started with a harrowing trek on the bus to what we now know as a place that saves lives. Serving food as well as cleaning dishes, mopping floors, and giving kind smiles are only some of the delightful acts we encountered on this fine day.
I pondered my thoughts during sign in, my hands clicked the buttons like nothing before. With a snap of the fingers we put our bags in a drawer and ventured to our task of setting tables. There, I rolled the circular tables to their rightful destination. From there I strolled to the chairs in order to house the needy. BLAM! I am putting coffee grounds in a bucket and mmm did it smell good! ;) Snip Snap patty’s back scrubbing dishes and cleaning utensils for the homeless. SPIN MOVE going to grab juice and handing them to the people… Peppermint or Lemon?
Tip toe through the window we are rumbling around in the mushy middle making banana pudding for future use. Slish Slosh back to work, mopping floors as well as snapping necks aka green beans. Then we said “bye, bye, birdie” as we leave the site for the mall. Fast forward a couple hours, we are back to work setting more tables and cooking muffins, and making a fruit bowl and pancakes. Swoosh doors open and people spill in like an avalanche. I didn’t know we were at the beach because things were getting “Shelly.”Lol! Smooth like butter, Shelly was dropping knowledge like a couple of apples from a tree. Smack, Wham, no said ham, muffins were out of the oven and dessert was being served. Things look grim when ice cream was threatened, yet light shined once more when was it in store. Meow, Meow, Kittie purrs and gives some delightful nicknames out the wazoo, unlike the Ragu packed yesterday. Snaps all around, the day came to a close when we sat down to right this blog.
-Joe, Annie, AC
Our group spent the day at Thrive D.C. in the northern part of our nations capital. We rode the bus today, which was a bit slower than the metro but still succeeded in getting us there on time and in one piece. We were put to work upon arrival at Thrive. Some were setting up tables while others helped out with preparing the meals in the kitchen (like one team member who sliced more bread then he ever thought was possible). The doors opened around 8:30 and the service began. Sandwiches donated from local restaurants were served along with soup until 9:15 and then “breakfast” began, which consisted of a turkey like substance and some side dishes were served along with tea. All 168 of those we fed were very nice and appreciative of all the work our group was doing, which made it all worthwhile. We concluded our service with some various kitchen activities. The team then returned to our residence to rest and snack.
At 4:30 our group made our way back to the church from seeing the sights at the national Mall. We needed prepare to serve 40 D.C. area residents a breakfast dinner which consisted of pancakes, fruit salad, egg casserole, and muffins. Things needed cooking, tables needed setting, and coffee needed brewing; there was much to do. At 6:00 the doors were opened and in spilled the hungry visitors. Much fun was had by all as we met some fun and interesting people of all types. We played games with the visitors and chatted with them about where they were form or their hobbies. Everyone was sad when our newly made friends had to leave so that we could clean up. After clean up, the group reflected on our experience (some more silently than others) and talked with some experienced YSOPers. The group is now “settling down” before bed.
Side note-everyone please call Maya Mehta “Mayo” now due to a name tag mishap at our site today that had everyone laughing.
Our group spent the day at Thrive D.C. in the northern part of our nations capital. We rode the bus today, which was a bit slower than the metro but still succeeded in getting us there on time and in one piece. We were put to work upon arrival at Thrive. Some were setting up tables while others helped out with preparing the meals in the kitchen (like one team member who sliced more bread then he ever thought was possible). The doors opened around 8:30 and the service began. Sandwiches donated from local restaurants were served along with soup until 9:15 and then “breakfast” began, which consisted of a turkey like substance and some side dishes were served along with tea. All 168 of those we fed were very nice and appreciative of all the work our group was doing, which made it all worthwhile. We concluded our service with some various kitchen activities. The team then returned to our residence to rest and snack.
At 4:30 our group made our way back to the church from seeing the sights at the national Mall. We needed prepare to serve 40 D.C. area residents a breakfast dinner which consisted of pancakes, fruit salad, egg casserole, and muffins. Things needed cooking, tables needed setting, and coffee needed brewing; there was much to do. At 6:00 the doors were opened and in spilled the hungry visitors. Much fun was had by all as we met some fun and interesting people of all types. We played games with the visitors and chatted with them about where they were form or their hobbies. Everyone was sad when our newly made friends had to leave so that we could clean up. After clean up, the group reflected on our experience (some more silently than others) and talked with some experienced YSOPers. The group is now “settling down” before bed.
Side note-everyone please call Maya Mehta “Mayo” now due to a name tag mishap at our site today that had everyone laughing.
Yesterday, the White House was evacuated for a security threat, but we want to assure everyone in the community we are doing fantastic. Most of the students didn't know this event happened yesterday. We will publish new posts later in the day!
Yesterday, the White House was evacuated for a security threat, but we want to assure everyone in the community we are doing fantastic. Most of the students didn't know this event happened yesterday. We will publish new posts later in the day!
Wow, as I prepare to board the flight to Johannesburg, I cannot contain my excitement. But after prepping since January with mini research missions on the Namibian economy, government, and conservation efforts, I feel more than ready. The long flight is really intimidating, and I am really bad at sleeping on planes, so I hope that I am not to tired when I arrive. I am most looking forward to doing independent research at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which will build off of my classroom knowledge with real world experience. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I thank Collegiate School and my family for making this trip possible
Wow, as I prepare to board the flight to Johannesburg, I cannot contain my excitement. But after prepping since January with mini research missions on the Namibian economy, government, and conservation efforts, I feel more than ready. The long flight is really intimidating, and I am really bad at sleeping on planes, so I hope that I am not to tired when I arrive. I am most looking forward to doing independent research at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which will build off of my classroom knowledge with real world experience. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I thank Collegiate School and my family for making this trip possible
The last of our meetings today was based around the idea of “need”. The point of the meeting was to discuss our needs, the needs of Los Quinchos, and how our needs compare to theirs. After much discussion, we concluded that we all have needs in the emotional sense and that Los Quinchos also are/were faced with the need to survive. After coming to this conclusion, we decided that it would be important for us to make our needs known to Los Quinchos so that they don’t think we are any better than they are. This openness of our needs demonstrates the idea of vulnerability or the willingness to be open about sensitive sides of your life. Overall, the theme of vulnerability manifested itself throughout the entire day. There were multiple occasions in which members of our group opened up about their needs and struggles. Their vulnerabulity brought us closer together.
Kirby K.
