Unfortunately, we did not receive a letter to you from staff in time. But we’ve collected some amazing photos from your GLA program! You can check them out below.

July 29 – August 11, 2015

I wish this time capsule letter was paired with a time travel machine, because I would love to go back and re-live our two weeks together again! I remember meeting you all at the airport, it was a crazy day with everyone coming from so many different directions. Some students were arriving from northern Costa Rica, a short 45 minute flight away, while others were coming from distant continents and even crossing the Atlantic Ocean for our Protecting the Pacific program! Most of you arrived alone, not knowing anyone in the group and feeling a bit shy; or maybe your quiet behavior was actually just exhaustion from travel. In fact many of you, such as Shane and Callen, needed a long nap to rejuvenate yourselves. By dinnertime however, you were all together as if you’d known each other for a long time. I remember JP, Emi and I talking about this instant bonding, we were so surprised by the good energy, friendliness and humor everyone shared in the first day. We knew it was going to be an awesome two weeks!

For me, what I remember most clearly from your group was being consistently impressed by your energy and resilience. As an example, so many of you had never surfed before, and felt trepidation, but our first day on the beach everyone was in the water chasing waves. Specifically I recall watching Megan, Antonio, Callen, the Joshes and Anastasia riding waves like pros on our first beach day! I was so stoked that you all took advantage of the lessons and that you couldn’t wait for your next time with Bodhi Surf!

You spent a lot of time in the pool. May mornings you woke up REALLY early to play in the pool before breakfast! It was a great place to cool off, play games and refresh yourselves in between service projects and excursions. I loved all the pictures that our resident photographer Julia took in the pool! There was a lot of diving, flipping and chicken wars. I don’t know if Annetta ever made the leap, and I would like to remind Josh and Dylan to be cautious about future swim races!

Here are a few of my other favorite memories:

The never-ending, no-one-winning starring contests. For the record, who was victorious between Jack and Sabrina, or Austin and Isis? I can’t imagine how many hours you spent trying to make each other laugh and break your stern concentration!

I remember Fatou saying to me “my goal on this trip is to keep my hair straight”, but soon enough Fatou was in the water almost daily, swimming, kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling! I will never forget snorkeling with you for the first time, Fatou! You were so brave and I am still so proud of you!

Shane and Moises, our leaders of the first day, gave us a lot of insight into what it would be like to go to school at a military academy. They set a superb example of leadership and gave a strong foundation for everyone else who was later a “leader of the day”. Josh and Miles showed us a unique leadership style filled with humor and out-takes. I’m still unsure if the joke was on me, JP and Emi… or if you all were just writing your own script. I hope I am not that outrageous 😉

I loved watching you all with the kids at Forjando Alas. Moises, Dylan and Antonio certainly have soft spot for kids, and I enjoyed watching them hoist the kids onto their shoulders, playing soccer and talking with the students. Adi, Summer and Shane all had siblings or nieces/nephews at home that they missed being away from;I could tell when they were spending time with the children at Forjando Alas they were reminiscing about their little loved ones at home.

Finally, I want to share how great your group’s work ethic was. We had a lot of service hours, and a number of projects that we tackled over the two weeks. You all should be really proud of the time you put in, and I hope you learned some new skills! My favorite was painting the value signs for the public elementary school and building the bio-gardens! Jani, Anastasia, Moaen and Matteo should all consider careers as construction contractors and wood workers! Everyone learned so quickly and accomplished a lot!

To save time I will refrain from sharing all my other memories, but I encourage you to spend some time re-living yours. Maybe reach out and say “hi” to someone in the group that you haven’t caught up with in a while. Our group developed some genuine friendships, and I hope that you maintain those long past our time in Costa Rica. Emi, JP and I miss you all so much and hope you’re all doing well and sharing your light with others!

-Bridget

August 14 – August 27, 2015

Oh my, I can’t believe how much time has passed since we were all together! I can still hear Sam, Rosanna, Josephine and Jillian laughing, Izzy and Max splashing in the pool and others inquiring about whether we are expecting more rice and beans for dinner. I wish we could return to Canto de Ballena hotel and spend a little more time together! Your group was very special for JP, Jen and me because you were the final group of the summer! I have so many epic memories from out time together. I invite you to remember a few highlights from our Protecting the Pacific program:

Our beloved Max, aka Mr. Confident who would say, do or wear anything to lighten the mood and make everyone laugh.

There was a lot of good conversation between everyone. I remember at the end of the dining table was a great place for pensive and educational chats. Deqi, Lilly, and Wendy were always offering up interesting conversational tid-bits! I learned so much from you all.

Charlotte and Walda revealed their love for music (and their competitive side) when JP played his guitar and we tried to guess what song he was playing. I loved hearing you ladies sing!

We were so lucky to go on the whale-tail walk. The weather and tide did not always cooperate for us in the past, but for this final stroll and swim on the beach we were quite fortunate! I know a lot of you took pictures during that walk, I have a few but they don’t capture how serene our landscape was and how endless the sky appeared above us. I hope you all have a place that you’re sharing pictures between each other. I would love to see them!

You all left your legacy in Bahia Ballena with your beautiful update to the mural. I cannot emphasize enough how talented you all are! The murals are beautiful, and I’m sure the community appreciates all those hours you put in. It was awesome to see Cecile’s jellyfish addition to the mural and Walda’s updated sting ray. We had some really talented artists in this group and I’m so happy that you were willing to spend most of your service hours finishing the mural. It looks so much better!

Dancing lessons were hilarious, as many gave their own version of how to dance to Salsa or Merengue music. JP was not the only instructor in the house as Sebastian showed us how it’s done in Colombia, and Rosanna also helped those of us without rhythm untangle our feet. Lilly caught on quickly, but later surrendered to her free spirit and danced like no one is watching. I wish we had more dancing during the trip. It was fun to watch you all.

It was so great to briefly celebrate Rosie’s birthday on our last night together. I hope your actual birthday was very memorable, Rosie! I’m sure you were happy to get home and see your family that day. I hope you got even more cake and ice cream to celebrate!

Thank you for being an awesome group. You were all really fun, easy company and I am struck by how your unique personalities balanced each other so well. Thank you for a great few weeks in Costa Rica. I hope that you will keep your memories and friendships alive. Please share your knowledge and experiences with others! You all have a lot of good to offer the world, and it would be a shame for you to keep it to yourself.

Pura Vida!

-Bridget

For student volunteers on these sessions – June 10, June 26, and July 12 – we have some spectacular adventure photos to share with you from the entire Protecting the Pacific summer! Check them out below.

Letters from your International Director, Susannah

June 6-19, 2015

Two weeks with you girls was such a pleasure! You all emulated such positivity and teamwork throughout our time together. There was never a quiet moment at home base, laughter echoed through every room and smiles radiated as you girls connected with one another and with our local communities in Costa Rica.

Some of my fondest memories throughout our two weeks together included:

The van rides: Once the auxiliary chord was discovered, it was all down hill for our chauffeurs. The music from your ipods blasting throughout the car, nearly muffled by all of our melodic voices singing (screaming) along to your favorite songs.

Lights Out: Every night we witnessed the exhausted expressions on all of your faces as we finished up our evening activities. After closing up the day, we would send you off to your rooms to get ready to bed. The moment you were excused, life was brought back to your faces. And all of a sudden there would be screaming and peels of laughter throughout home base as you entered the “war zone” of bugs. Just minutes before lights out, you girls would be reenergized… just like THAT!

Bugs: You girls were troopers with the bugs! What an experience that was. The first few days your legs were unmarked, but it was just a matter of time before those bugs found you. I personally enjoyed walking down the hall and being pelted in the head by flying bichos.

We truly had an amazing time watching you girls connect so quickly, and to see that group cohesion throughout the two weeks of service, soccer games, activities, mentor groups and more. I hope you always remember the connections you made with each other, with the communities here, and with yourselves!

-Susannah

June 23 – July 6, 2015

Gorditos: Your time in Costa Rica was two amazing weeks of of bug bites, Baes and Choco-la-te-ing with the Costa Rican kids.

Arrival day: As we awaited the arrival of the rest of the group the first night, we spent quality time with our new bicho friends (Steve and Titan, you will never be forgotten…and Queen Latifa and Penelope and the paparazzi…).

Bug bites: After surviving the likes of mosquitoes, bullet ants and unidentifiable/unseen insects, there were a lucky few that left with clear, unbitten legs. Most, however, and especially one or two, left with hideous scars from the onslaught of the bugs. Itching and scratching became part of the daily routine and even with the application of rubbing alcohol, lotion, aloe and pants, nothing seemed to rid the itch.

Dancing: Every opportunity there was to dance, you all danced. Even before our official dance class, Latin music was being played and the batchata and salsa were danced.

Spanish Immersion: Thanks to our few fluent Spanish speakers, the staff got a break from translating. We were incredibly impressed as everyone connected on so many levels with the local community. Kudos to everyone that pushed their comfort zones and practiced their Spanish.

Kid time: From playing soccer like a homegrown Tico to playing tickling and dancing, the hours you spent with the kids were a highlight.

Thanks for an unforgettable two weeks!

-Susannah

July 9 – July 22, 2015

Many things were fresh at the start of group 3; a new driver, a new blue van and an excellent group of 13 students. You all came with open minds, ready to learn about Costa Rica: it’s people and environment. Though you all started out as a quiet group, over the two weeks everyone came together and formed amazing friendships.

The first week at ACG Horizontes began well, with challenging yet satisfying service work that will help protect and enhance the reforestation project in the dry forest. Pouring rain on our first night hike with Freddy, a couple of AMAZING days at the beach camping and swimming and all the friendly scorpions in your rooms were definite highlights for some.

By day seven, everyone was ready to make the trip up the mountain to the tropical forest reserve of Bromelias near the volcano Rincon de la Vieja. We were all greeted by the crazy and boisterous Mapache and his family and his sweet dog Pantera. The constant bug bites, occasional room rats and appearance of a rat eating snake in the rooms of the lucky, all made for some great memories. The fear of getting bitten by a bullet ant didn’t stop anyone from enjoying the spectacular waterfalls and relaxing hot springs. The soccer games (in pouring down rain and with the kids) were definitely high points for many of you as was the time spent with the students at the schools.

It was a great two weeks that passed much too quickly but hopefully helped make some amazing memories, friendships and inspired you to continue to travel and find ways to connect with new communities.

-Susannah

July 25 – August 7, 2015

Two weeks of fiestas and fun flew by with the Ohana group. From the moment you all arrived in Costa Rica, to the moment you left, you blew us away with the way you connected, worked and played together. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish our summer!

Two exquisite trips to the beach during the first week were highlights for many though the soccer game and interacting with Rosbin at Horizontes were a close second. The constant presence of scorpions kept everyone on their toes that week and the incessant heat provided lots of opportunities for Jessica and Suzannah to remind you all, “mom squad style,” to drink your water. A birthday celebration with a visit from Tono Pizote, a delicious cake and cimarrona band was the perfect way to finish the first week.

Once we reached the rainforest the second week, you had become an incredibly tight group. You challenged each other to stay positive and succeeded in bringing out the best in everyone! The week in Bromelias was a blur of fiestas, including a bull riding exposition, multiple crazy piñata endeavors in the schools and another birthday celebration. Nighttime bedtime stories and requests to be tucked in became a regular occurrence and the continuation of playing “what are the odds” and other fun phrase games kept everyone entertained. The Buenos Aires and Gavilan communities were left a brighter place thanks to all the painting you completed during service.

It was an amazing two weeks, one that we hope left you with long lasting memories and inspired to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Thank you for being such an inspiring group!

-Susannah

For those of you on the July 1 – July 14 and July 17 – July 30 sessions: Here are some incredible bonus cultural immersion photos from the entire summer for you!

Letters for You from GLA Staff

June 14 – June 23, 2015

When people ask me about my summer in Costa Rica, all I can say is, “How much time do you have?” I still can’t believe the first session was three months ago. It was my first time being a mentor to a great group of GLAers.

We had a group of around 36 of you and it was definitely a learning experience for everyone. From the community service (was it hot or what?) to the cultural aspects (how many of you got tired of gallo pinto?) the summer was filled with so many learning opportunities!  I am glad how much of you were open to the experiences placed in front of you

You all started many of the service projects. You may not have been there to see the completion, but your impact was felt throughout the sessions! There were more holes to be dug, more cement to mix, and a lot of kids to play with; I am glad you were there to get it all started. I hope you all checked in to see how they all turned out.

We  also had the rainiest of all adventure days.  We zip lined, water tubed, in category 4 waters, and went horse back riding with the much-needed rain. No one else got that the category 4 or rain experience!

1. I hope you all enjoyed the rest of your summer!
2. My mentor group loving the question game. I think we played it 3 days in a row.
3. Emily had to ride in a one-person tube with me after we flipped so she could catch her own again. Sorry Emily!
4. It was so awesome when Abby S. led the Ships and Sailors game.
5. Thanks to all the students who shared their thoughts and experiences during the identity game to the whole group.
6. Angel, I enjoyed your singing and the conversations we had.
7. The very bumpy boat rides. We all got soaked!
8. I could tell Snapchat, instagram, and facetime were missed; so seeing all of the expressions when we finally had Wi-fi was too funny.
9. Abby R. for the awesome talks during lunch.
10. Star gazing on our night beach walk was incredible.

-Angelica

June 26 – July 5, 2015

Dear amazing GLA-ers,

Isn’t it just wild how time flies…?! It doesn’t seem like so long ago that we were all enjoying gallo pinto together and cruisin’ down the dirt roads with the cows! I hope you all still look back at the times we shared together at Ecoplaya as fondly as I do 🙂 The days we had there were filled with so much laughter, growth and inspiration! I’m still so impressed how well you all worked together at service, tried new things and supported one another. You all made such an impact on the communities in El Jobo and La Cruz. The children at each of the schools idolized you all and had such a blast playing games! Whether that was on the soccer field, braiding hair, or playing hangman! From all of your hard work, you’ve left behind footprints of positive change. It was a pleasure watching the growth that take place in all of you as the days passed (including physical growth)! We had some pro shovel-ers and pickax-ers by the end!

From buying snacks and fruits at the local markets to seeing monkeys swing through the trees- I hope there were moments that are still captured in your memory today. I loved sharing experiences with you, both big and small. Zip lining through canyons, practicing Spanish and checking out an uninhabited island together! Remember when we almost won the soccer game against the locals?…. ha! At least it was still a good time, win or lose 😉

One of my favorite activities was knocking down coconuts with a long stick from the trees at home base and then using a machete to cut them open to drink! I remember that it was Matt’s first time drinking a fresh coconut. I will also never forget the countless crabs and salamanders that I rescued from various rooms (my lovely neighbors, Maya and Mia!). Do you remember jumping straight into the pool after the soccer game? Or when Dolin was it for Sardines and then it taking ages to find him in the bushes?! I also loved watching the guys step out of their comfort zone with the dance lessons! You all have some natural talent! I loved stargazing with you all every night before lights out.

Reflecting on all of this makes me realize what an incredible opportunity it was to meet each of you and share this special experience with you all. I have no doubt that all of you will accomplish the goals and dreams you set for yourself towards. It excites me to see such a talented and compassionate group of young adults; already so aware and eager to learn about the world. I wish you all the very best with what’s ahead, as you continue to carry what you’ve gained from GLA into your futures!

-Lisa

July 8 – July 17, 2015

I believe that [Eco Playa] Session 3 of the time I spent as a mentor at the Beachside Service Adventure in Costa Rica was the session filled with the most student leaders. I can think of many people that were motivational and kept the attitude at home base fun. Not only were students inclusive, but they encouraged each other to face tough challenges such as being away from home and staying positive during difficult days at service sites.

Session 3 was also the most competitive, the students took the soccer games against the locals very seriously and their passion was greatly admired by the locals, who are very passionate about the sport themselves. While we still lost the soccer game against the locals during session 3 (we never once won while I was a mentor in Costa Rica), there was a strong sense of camaraderie between the students for the rest of the session.

Not only was this session filled with strong leaders, but I believe the students left the program with a strong desire to keep exploring. Beachside Service Adventure was but a small taste of what the world outside the U.S. can be, and many students were coming up to me and asking me about my time abroad saying that they wanted to keep traveling and experiencing different cultures and immersing themselves in other languages. I believe these students made the most of the time they spent in Costa Rica, and nothing is more rewarding for a mentor than to see students leave GLA with a growing desire to see more of the world.

-Regina

Memories:

• Shirley getting pulled by the strong current when were at the hot springs, only to be saved by one of the students further down the creek.
• Ben cutting open many coconuts “fruit ninja” style.
• Lisa, one of the mentors, doing her talent during the talent show. It was a series of impressive jump roping skills while playing the harmonica simultaneously. I was impressed to say the least.
• Marie’s fabulous singing voice all the time.
• Charleigh going up to the top of the uninhabited island barefoot. You go girl!

July 20 – July 29, 2015

August 5 – August 14, 2015

Hola mis amigos!

Wow! I still can’t believe that you are all back home now with Costa Rica being that crazy thing you all did last summer. It feels like yesterday that we were sitting down that first night and all of you were there talking about how it’s so different than anything we’ve ever seen before and we were all opening up about who we really are. I haven’t stopped telling everyone about what a great experience GLA was for me and how it was really the students (You all!!!) that made it special and kept every experience new and exciting for everyone involved.

One of my main highlights (of many) included all of the great community service we did. The countless hours and blisters we endured to make ping-pong tables, playgrounds, French drains, and a WHOLE LOT of cement will always stick out in my mind as the most useful projects I have ever been a part of. The school children are enjoying everything that we built (except if you are reading this after dark, you know nobody can do anything after dark there). After my time at GLA, I stayed in Playas del Coco a bit longer to work at the Monkey Farm and got a chance to visit my work site’s school (Obandito) to help out with animal conservation awareness and general English lessons. All of the kids were asking how you were all doing and some of the older kids named a few of you personally as their favorites from the whole summer! They are now enjoying the ping-pong table in P.E. and the basketball hoop is up and operational. All that we accomplished and the other projects completed during our trips have significantly improved the communities that we worked in for generations to come. So give yourselves another pat on the back, you did it! Nice work!

What a crazy summer! It’s truly incredible to think about we did in just a few days! Let’s all take a moment to remember Julia’s birthday party with the water balloons and night swimming! I’ll never forget the look on Jade’s face as she was being pulled into the water! Then, there’s Caro, being launched into the air performing perfect backflips to our amazement. And we can’t forget our craft circles. Still wearing that friendship bracelet, Olivia! Additionally, JC’s video worth a thousand words a thousand times! And, most importantly, all the new friends and memories we made.

I can only hope that you left this summer with ideas of not only how to improve every community that you are in, but how to improve yourself in it. You all came with such great ideas, amazing and creative outlooks on life, and, truly, good intentions of improving the world around you that all you have to do now is go for it! And please remember, you are all the hero of your journey, love the path you’re on and own it!

You all made my summer the best I’ve ever had and I thank each and every one of you so much for it! I came away a different person and it’s all thanks to the students, the mentors and the local community. This summer was simply unforgettable!

I wish you all the best of luck this school year and if our paths ever cross again, don’t be afraid to shout at me and make a weird face, because you know that’s exactly what I’ll do to you!

Pura Vida and never skimp on the gallo pinto,

Adam

For all of our Beachside at Ecoplaya students from other sessions, your International Directory Lindsey has provided a couple hundred wonderful photos for your viewing below. Enjoy!

Letter from your GLA Mentor, Rudy (Session 1)

你好,

I am writing this letter from one of the coolest coffee shops in Phoenix and the people next to me are getting ready for a trip to Beijing this December. I couldn’t help but smile and think, “Hey, I was just there this past summer!” It has been about 5 months since our group was wandering through the narrow streets of Shaxi, playing with Sasha, having chill conversations with Melissa, helping restore a temple sacred to Shaxi, practicing our Mandarin skills, receiving endless information from Charles and eating some of the best food in the world! Those three weeks were truly an adventure and it was all due to you guys.

Whenever I share my experience with friends, I always mention how Isabel was the bravest student in the world because she literally ate everything including pig’s blood and liver (gross). I mention how Sam and Alex started a war on who could recite more Spongebob Squarepants quotes and how Stefano would give us Tweet updates every 5 minutes. Do you guys remember how Stefano did not mind if the news were sad or happy but he still shared them with everyone? The cool thing was that was how many great conversations started, haha. Then we had Molly and Ayana who were the sweetest girls in the world and made our group feel extra special. As I recall, Molly actually went back to Beijing after the GLA trip so it would be nice to hear how that went.

Finally, I can never stop mentioning Aaron because he saved us so many times! Aaron literally made everyone laugh out loud with his jokes and comments. Without his help we would have been super lost in Beijing and maybe he got tired of translating for everyone but he always smiled so I’m sure it was ok. What I am trying to say is that I miss you guys and the great times we shared together in China. I have already met up with Alex so I will be working my way down the list to catch up. I hope you guys also share your GLA China experiences with your friends and how you guys had a crazy Mexican as your mentor.  I hope you are all doing well in school and I wish you all happy holidays. Don’t be afraid to reach out for anything! See you guys soon!

-Rudy Calderon

Letter from your GLA Director, Sara (Session 2)

Hey guysssss!

I hope this letter finds you well and ready for the holidays. This time of the year is always really special, because it gives people the chance to reflect on the things they are grateful for in their lives. For me, that list would definitely not be complete without every one of you! I think about our 3-week adventure in China every day, and I miss you all so much. Sometimes it seems like the entire experience was a dream— did we really do that!?!?

Like Beijing. Can we relive those few days for a moment? It’s weird to think back on a time where everyone didn’t know everyone and we were still trying to get comfortable as a group. From wandering through Beijing on the hunt for delicious noodles or Peking Duck to trying what felt like every ATM in the city to get spending money for everyone, we got to do some amazing things. Sliding down the Great Wall? Eating ice cream at the Temple of Heaven? We also learned things about one another, like the fact that Duncan is a Chinese celebrity and that Max is Mao’s biggest “fan”. As the director of the program, I learned about you as a group, too! I figured out that you were AMAZING- the smartest, most flexible students ever. When plans constantly changed, you rolled with it. When our plane landed in a city that wasn’t Kunming, you rolled with it. When it poured for 11 straight days, you rolled with it. When we discovered a lake we could swim in but didn’t have suits…yep, you rolled with it. Charles, Rudy, Mags and I couldn’t have been more thankful for the way you handled yourself when presented with both cultural and logistical challenges.

Another thing- maybe because it’s been 4 MONTHS, but I’m starting to get really nostalgic for Shaxi. It was like our own little Shire. I even miss the rain. Cozy afternoons in the coffee shops, the daily walk to service past all of the butchers and funny murals of cartoon characters, cobblestone streets with the friendliest, sweetest people…I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I want to go back. I can’t be the only one who misses amazingly ridiculous Chinese movies (CHINESE GHOST STORY), games that pitted mentor group vs. mentor group (Fear Factor, Team Charades…), and spending hours upon hours making dumplings (only to devour them in what can only be described as an animalistic nature). I also don’t know if I’ve ever had so much fun volunteering— from mud bricks to demolition jobs, you guys had so much fun doing such a dirty job. And what a difference we made! I saw Charles last week, and he told me that Mr. Huang already used our bricks and tiles to build 2 new walls at the Temple! They’re also repurposing the wood and nails from our demolition job (special shoutout to Jade and Josh for being MVPs of nail removal)!

Anyways, I could go on and on about how amazing each and every one of you are, but it might be easier to grab another slice of pie and replay our Giving Light night in your head. Or, reach out to one another! There’s no shortage of love to be found… I hope you’re all keeping in touch and challenging each other to pepper-eating contests over Skype. I’ve seen some reunion pics pop up on our Facebook group— but I’d still love to see more of you! Let me know if you’re going to be in Southern California! Would love to see you all and catch up 🙂

Also, if any of you sign up for another GLA program, let me know! I still haven’t decided where I’ll be heading for Summer 2016, and you guys might be the swing votes!

Love you and miss you all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Sara McDaniel

Also, be sure to check out the incredible adventure photos below from your GLA program!