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Immersion Experience: Ecuador
DAY 3: SCHOOL, FAMILY VISITS & CLUBS
Today, our group split in half. One group went into the classrooms and was able to spend time bonding with the students. The other group went on home visits to learn about the family's experiences.
Sophia
I was assigned into the 1st grade classroom, and was so inspired by how loving and welcoming all the kids were. We had a costume party with lots of dancing which filled the kids with so much joy. After that, we had an on-site project, where we organized the bodega. We sorted through clothing in order to make more room for incoming donations. We had lunch with the kids and then headed to afternoon clubs with them. I got assigned to the Ribbon Dance Club where we were able to learn some new dances and gymnastics skills. Overall, it was a very joyful and welcoming day!
I was assigned into the 1st grade classroom, and was so inspired by how loving and welcoming all the kids were. We had a costume party with lots of dancing which filled the kids with so much joy. After that, we had an on-site project, where we organized the bodega. We sorted through clothing in order to make more room for incoming donations. We had lunch with the kids and then headed to afternoon clubs with them. I got assigned to the Ribbon Dance Club where we were able to learn some new dances and gymnastics skills. Overall, it was a very joyful and welcoming day!
Diego
Today, our other half of the group got to do home visits and learn about and hear the experiences of the various families and family members. I was able to listen and understand the families and their struggles as well as not only notice their resilience but also their pride. Despite the various hardships and the bad hand dealt to these families they found ways to support themselves and continue to seek help and companionship. The families were also very proud of their children and their accomplishments, with generations giving up for the next, grandparents and parents supporting the young generation. These families were also willing to open their doors and invite twelve strangers into their homes and share their experiences, they were extremely welcoming. Their pride is directed in their right things and it has created a very welcoming and compassionate environment.
Ellie
As part of the group that went into the mountains to visit families that are members of the center, we had the incredible opportunity to see how many of the people that we are seeing everyday live. We spent the time in the van spotting the adorable dogs that were roaming the streets and eventually got to meet some that belonged to a family. Every person we spoke to expressed their immense gratitude to the Center for all the services and opportunities it has provided them and their families. Their vulnerability and fortitude stuck with all of us. When we returned we ate lunch with the kids at the school and then joined them in their extracurriculars. We finished out the day with dinner in the community house and a reflective prayer service.
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Regis Jesuit High School
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Regis Jesuit High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.