First Week Reflections

This morning spirits are high, after a fantastic evening with Lula from Guiding in Aruba (APG) at the Carubbian street festival of San Nicolas. Street vendors, colourful costumes and Pastechi were the tonic we needed after a very busy first week! We've been training in Santa Cruz and San Nicolas, and are now being recognised from TV most places we go!

Each GOLD project contains the same ethos and passion, but projects vary so much in content and context. For Aruba, we have an audience with fair English, drinking water, WiFi and we've hired a vehicle. Being a first year GOLD project, there are many firsts for our group to experience! We are building a structure that delivers over 3 years, and one that results in the APG progressing from associated to full members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Our greatest joy in training here is without doubt the incredible feedback we have had at the end of each session so far! So much work hides behind the flow of each session we run, and hearing that it is making a positive impact gives us the energy to continually tweak and improve for the next two weeks. As we get to know Guides and Leaders here, our love for and respect for the women and girls we meet continues to grow.

Ridiculous moments
- Miriam walking in on Sita going to the toilet
- The genuine struggles to open, close and lock all doors in our accommodation.
- Sophie's 'light packing' means the team must scrape together to dress her!

What's coming next?
- We have a huge weekend of training ahead, with existing leaders and their plus ones, and we couldn't be more excited!