Hey SAM group, friends, and family,
After a productive morning workshopping group dynamics and semester plans, we hopped on our bikes and hit the town for a Carpe Diem leader scavenger hunt. As 90 degree Portland sunshine blared down on us, we cycled across bridges and through parks, dodging traffic, sweating and smiling. We sampled some delicious street cart food from the Maurician Islands, browsed through the nation’s largest used book store for treasures to bring with us on our journey, and tracked down various landmarks across the city, all the while shouting out compliments to passers-by š However, the best was yet to come.
As the sun began to set, we took a breather at Jamison Square, a public park with a 30ft wide stone water fountain. Some people set up picnics in the grass, and other families with young children played in the fountain when we noticed a chant building “…water…Water…WATER!!” Every kid in the park was soaked head to toe, splashing water into the air, and screaming gleefully. As we prepare daily for this wild South American adventure, it’s easy to get lost in the details and risk management. Our semester will no doubt get challenging at times, and as a group we will work hard, but these children at the park reminded us that you gotta laugh and smile and shout on a beautiful day. We’re gonna have a blast together.
Looking forward to our group “water” moments,
Edward and Kelsi