Panterra :: MySchool Journal

Daily Journal

ESSMY

Baja Gifts Program

Our esteemed hostess ~~Vanna~~, I mean
Stasia poses with the many dufflebags of gifts.

Alyssa and Leanne organize the school supplies.

All sorts of toys and sports equipment were part of the gift package.

Lots of clothing ranging from adult to...

Very small children's clothing.

There were also gifts for families.

Everyone pitched in to help organize the cache of gifts.

We ended up with approximately 25 gift bags.

Hold it right there! Stasia Mae you're busted.
Put that Barbie pencil back. Sheesh!!!!

Our first stop on our journey of giving
was to the community of Ensenada de Cortez.

We started by distributing the clothing.

Meagan teaches the recipient of the baseball mit
and ball how to throw and catch. His dad pitches in to help.

Part of the ESSMY community donated soccer balls and t-shirts.

Guillaume gives this beautiful young girl her gift bag.

Ereinne gives her gift bag.

Leanne as well.

Summer.

Gerald.

David.

Alex's recipient was so shy shy she wouldn't even look at, let
alone accept the gift. Eventually her mom took it on the little girl's behalf.

The family gift packs were also distributed.

Lots of appreciation and thanks were shown
when they followed us down to say goodbye.

The next day we headed to the community of Palmo Solo.

A community of goat herders and fishermen.

Alba receives a gift of clothing.

Her 13 year old daughter, Adelaine, recieves a gift bag from Alex.

Danielle gives Estrella her gift bag.

A group picture in front of Alba's home.
Of course, one of the students stepped out of line.
Can't quite make out who it is!

Gift giving is such an amazing way to open your heart and feel it smile. Something most people don't experience enough. The group had the time of their life organizing, distributing and receiving hugs of thanks from the recipients.

At Ensenada de Cortez a young boy captured the hearts of a couple of girls who spent their entire time playing with him. After the gift giving was finished the community asked the students if they would like to stay and join them in a game of volleyball. Everyone involved was thrilled. The game lasted an hour and a half. No one could communicate through language but lots was said and felt through the heart.

At Palmo Solo the students got to see the absolute definition of isolation. We were lucky to catch a day that we could access the community on the windward side of the island. These folks can only travel by panga to access the outside world. Quit often the winds prevent most small ships from passing through the area. Sailors very rarely sail by. This is one of the most beautiful places to explore, only if you're lucky to catch the seas calm.

Quick note on Palmo Solo: A few of the kids were away at a neighboring community so gift bags were left for them.

All in all the students learned a lot about giving and I know that this experience will never leave their hearts or memories. Pretty cool, huh?

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