7/12/2015

Everyone’s morning started out early, no one managing more than 4 hours of sleep before we started our journey to Costa Rica. We arrived with flights ranging from 2 in the afternoon to 7 at night. The early group was able to enjoy a delicious meal of chicken rice and beans followed by a walk down to the beach. This is when the group began to really connect through getting knocked over by waves and being taught how to live through a riptide. Through this many people connected over being too short to live through the waves or getting sand stuck in every crevice of our body. When we got back to the Home Base we showered and went downstairs to play an icebreaker to learn more about each other and this is when the last members of our group arrived (meaning yes parents all of your children have safely arrived). We shared a dinner while talking over the ideas of a strong leader and the goals we wish to accomplish to become stronger leaders on this journey. We plan to wrap up the night early to catch up on some sleep to get ready to start on our service adventure tomorrow!

-In’Lana

7/14/2015

Today in Guanacaste, the group was split up into three subgroups and sent to different schools to help with renovations and additions. At one school, called Ignacio Gutierrez, the group worked very hard toward building a court for the students to play on when school starts up later in the year. Everyone in the group took this project as an opportunity to interact with the Guanacastecos that were generous enough to volunteer as well. Overall, the day at Ignacio Gutierrez was a day well-worked and rewarding!

Today at Obandito we began moving materials to the back of the school. We then learned how to saw wood and metal and other tasks. While on a water break, we got to play soccer with the kids in the community. They took the win. We then alternated between working and playing with the kids. All the kids were incredible, and were so happy that we were there. We had a rewarding day.

After a hard day of work we had our first adventure of our trip. We visited a monkey farm that rescues and rehabilitates monkeys alongside numerous other animals. At the monkey farm we all took advantage of the plentiful photo opportunities with the playful and curious monkeys, baby raccoons, and Nica the parrot. They captivated not only our attention but also our hearts. At the farm, we also learned about Aquaponics and the healing powers of local plants. After the monkey farm, we had an exciting evening and were able to take part in a Latino dancing class where we learned Salsa, Cumbia, and Bachata. Some of us were stepping on our own feet while others rocked it on the dance floor. Overall it was an amazing first day of service and adventure and we are ecstatic to continue learning and experiencing Costa Rican Life.

To wrap up our day we watched an inspirational Ted Talk, in which a Nigerian woman told us about “the danger of a single story”. This speech was about the misconceptions of individuals around the world, and how literature and the media can influence the way we view others from worldly countries. The speaker talked about the generalization of countries and the culture and education of people within those places.

PURA VIDA

7/15/2015

Today was our second day at our worksites, but our fourth day in Costa Rica, and it went very well! After breakfast we went to the schools where we are working; two of the groups mixed and laid down cement, and the third group finished digging the perimeter of the area they are going to build a playground on. We also interacted with some of the locals, exchanging stories and food, during our breaks.

Afterwards, we returned to the home base for lunch, before heading out to a local home, where we learned to make tortillas. Once we were done with our delicious tortillas we played at a playground made by a previous GLA group with some of the kids from the community. After that we walked over to a nearby school where we learned about and tried many of the fruits that can be found in Costa Rica such as passion fruit, granadilla, papaya, and star fruit. Although we were very full after our cultural activities, back at the home base we had a wonderful dinner waiting for us.

Since we were all very tired after our busy day we were given some extra free time to relax and swim in the pool. We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow!

7/16/2015

Today was the third working day. Each group knowing their goals and companions (in GlA and Costa Rican volunteers) better began to form better and more personal relationships. At Scott’s work group, we collectively finished making the pitch suitable for the application of the cement. At Adam’s work site, we put in the legs of the ping-pong table and dug a forty-centimeter hole to place a pole to make a basketball hoop. At Xenia’s work site, we made concrete and then laid concrete. All the worksites had a very productive workday.

The cultural activity was creating clay pots and visiting the souvenir shop. Today was also Julia’s birthday. To celebrate, Doña Veronica and Doña Lisette made a beautiful cake for Julia and we all engaged in a dance party. To finish the night, we engaged in a water balloon fight, which ended with the collective pegging of the birthday girl. All in all, it was a fun and enjoyable day.

7/17/2015

Today, our fourth and second to last day of work, proved to be extremely productive for every group. Each group felt that they improved their relationship with the locals at our work sites. We all felt like we had better experiences today than yesterday because the atmospheres were lighter more fun. It was amazing to see the way everyone learned to interact with the local people who work with us. After working at the sites we got to opportunity to try something completely amazing. We went snorkeling in Playa Hermosa. It was absolutely beautiful. Some people got to hold an octopus and even a puffer fish. It was incredible. Our big adventure took us to a private beach where we were able to relax and have fun. Later, back at the hotel we had an extra amount of free time that was appreciated greatly by most everyone. The day proved to be exciting, productive, relaxing, and overall very fun.

7/9/2015

We are all here safe and sound, bags and all!

We have had a great day here at Eco playa. We got to know each other by playing the games People to People and Rock, Paper, Scissors Cheerleading and learned what GLA is about. We also took a ride to La Cruz to check out the town and try some local snacks. This session is filled with lots of energy and laughs.

This is going to be a great week and a half!

The Beachside Service Adventure Team 🙂

P.S. Here’s an awesome photo of the group!

7/11/2015

Today we went to our service sites for the first time. We have the task of refurbishing a playground. We started out by washing and sanding it. As we slowly made progress,, we also had the chance to play with the local children. We played endless rounds of “duck, duck, tiger.” I can’t wait to go back!

Linn Ha

After the car ride for about 45 min, we arrived at a local school next to a medical center. We were divided into two. One group picked up big rocks and one group dug holes in order to build fences. During water breaks we also played soccer with the local kids.

Shirly

The ride to get to the service site was about 45 min. We started with painting tires all different colors to make the daycare more colorful and welcoming. Some of us painted flowers and clouds while some of us dug holes to put the tires in. After doing that we played with all the children. They are about 2-5 years old and they are adorable. Even though it’s hard to understand each other, we still had a lot of fun playing tag on the playground.

Liz Kalil

Today after a short ride over to an elementary school in La Cruz where Alex and his crew set to work mixing and layering concrete and wire grids. After smoothing out the concrete and making sure everything was contained in the individual squares, the group did it all over again.

Mary Teixeira

7/12/2015

Today we started off the morning at 5:00 AM by getting ready and heading to breakfast. Because it was adventure day, we were equipped with bathing suits, sandals, and clothes to hike. First, we went on a hike to Pilas where we saw volcanic activity. After, we went down to the hot springs and spent time relaxing and covering ourselves in healing mud. It was fun to explore nature, play in the river, and enjoy the company of other students. We later took a trip to El Coco where we shopped for souvenirs, ate ice cream, and experienced the tourist sights Costa Rica has to offer. Lastly, we drove back into La Cruz. Some of the local people set up an artisan and farmers market, so we stopped by to support them in their financial endeavors. We had a great time dancing with the locals and getting to know them better. Our first adventure day was super exciting and very fun!

– Josie Pearce

7/12/2015

Today was our second adventure day at Guachepelin. After our two our long bus rides, we started our day off with horseback riding. After getting settled on our horses, we quickly learned how to maneuver and control them for a fun and safe ride. During our ride we walked on a trail lading us through a forest. Next, we got our bathing suits on and tube down many rapids. Although we got soaked, we had a great time and then made our way to a lunch buffet to regain our energy for zip lining. We then geared up and learned simple instructions on the proper positions for zip lining. There were…..different courses ranging from slow, fast, upside down, rock climbing, and even a Tarzan Swing. Day 5 was a great day and a good way to explore the adventure parts of Costa Rica.

– Carolina Maamari

6/27/2015

All students have arrived safely and called home!

What a day it has been! Everyone has arrived safe and sound (minus another flat tire and a couple of delayed flights). We didn’t let that hinder our spirits though! We have an amazing group filled with lots of energy, positivity, and good vibes. Today we got to know each other and the place we will be living at for the next week. In the afternoon we went to town and got some snacks at the grocery store and had some Spanish Lessons with Luigi. It was a lot of fun. We are looking forward to an action-packed session!

Pura Vida

6/30/2015

There are subtle culture shocks that we are adjusting to- the incredibly bumpy roads and warm drinking water. But its day 5 and we are working hard to serve the community of Guanacaste.

On the bus ride to day 2 of service, I kept thinking about the talk that our teacher, Luigi gave last night about how peaceful and happy los Tico are. It couldn’t be truer. On the ride down the dirt roads to the service site locals wave and smile to us and families are everywhere.

On site, as we waited for some supplies (paint for the tire-flower pots we are making), we played with los niños. We are getting to know them well. Then, for the next 3 ½ hours, we split ourselves into two groups and worked on two projects at hand. The first was to build flowerpots out of tires. We stacked then snowman style and painted them, one red and one yellow.

Behind the school, the second group worked with a pickax and “palas” (shovels) to break up the hard clay and chunks of cement below the kid’s jungle gym. It was rewarding work to know that once we clear out the rocks and add a layer of sand (tomorrow’s task), then the kids wont get hurt when they fall down on the ground

Ruth Fuller (Leader of the Day)

Today Jake’s Service group went to a local high school to teach some kids English in preparation for their upcoming spelling bee! When we arrived we all felt welcomed and got right to work. We split off into small groups into different classrooms and began to quiz each kid individually. Then we decided to have fun with spelling and played hangman! We divided the class into two teams and whoever got the word in hangman won, which got them pumped to play even more. There was also some time left where we were able to judge a singing competition between some high schoolers. It was so much fun and some of us even out our own personal tour of the school before we left for the other activities of the day.

Natassja Alluin (Leader of the Day)

Despite the crazy wind, the scorching sun and the never ending scrubbing, it didn’t compare to the amount of positive energy that was received. Overlooking all of these obstacles to the sounds of laughter was more than a satisfying feeling. The difference was definitely seen after cleaning and painting the walls with my team members. While taking a short break and walking over to the daycare center arose a different aura. I’ve never seen such energetic and happy kids in my life! Not only did we learn about other kids, but we also engaged in games on the playground, played tag, tic-tac-toe, and even some of the girls braided my hair. It was an unforgettable moment knowing all of these smiling faces was more satisfying than anything else.

Paola Vélez (Leader of the Day)

In Regina’s service group, we continued to shovel the rock and dirt to fill the sidewalk for the children. Then at recess the kids came out wanted a rematch in soccer, but the 3 and 4 year olds came running and jumped on us wanting love and piggy-back rides. After we ran around with the kids for a bit, the bell rang and they all went back to class. A couple hours later we played a soccer game against the locals and got destroyed 1-7. Louis scored our only goal and was a real great player alongside Ethan Winter. All in all it was a great day!

Dolin Wegner (Leader of the Day)

7/6/2015

Today Lisa’s group helped build a sidewalk. We elevated a mixture of sand, rock, cement, powder, and water. We then poured this mixture onto the sidewalk. The work was strenuous and required patience and teamwork. Apart from that we got to play with the little children from the school we are creating the sidewalk for. It was a new and incredible experience.

Alejandra Wright (Leader of the Day)

Today was an exciting day for Regina’s service group! We started off the day by going to visit the local bilingual high school, where we split up into two groups. In one group, we helped students from ages 11-16 study for the spelling bee they’ve been preparing for. The words were split into levels that became increasingly harder, and when we got through all six, we played hangman with the words on the list. After a few exciting rounds, we took some pictures with the kids and exchanged contact information. We were particularly impressed by how strong the school’s English department was; these kids definitely spoke better English than we do Spanish. We hope to stay in touch with these sweet, smart kids!

Evening activity: after wishing a happy 17^th birthday to Paola, we gathered for some improve games and a talent show. We had a lot of fun acting ridiculous in front of each other, and some people singing as well! We ended the night with some ice cream and went to sleep very tired

Nina Grinblatt  (Leader of the day)

Today was all about the tires. While before, we were working on the playground; today we put all of our manpower into the tire structures, such as the minion and the ladybug. We started the frog and of course a new bear-ginning….oh man these puns are un-bear-able. Jeez, I need to paw-se and look at my life. Most of the structures are nearly complete, so I think that our projects should be done on time

Matthew Pullella (Leader of the day)

Today was a tiring day at the hospital service site. Our jobs vary from day to day at that location, but today we had to lay down cement for a patio of sorts in front of the medical building. It was difficult work, needless to say (laying and mixing cement is rather difficult) but at the end we felt very accomplished when we looked at the progress

We received a short break in the beginning to play with the children for their recess, which was adorable and loads of fun.

Katie McQuaid (Leader of the Day)

7/2/2015

Today at the school where we were building the sidewalk, we mixed and poured concrete to make the sidewalk for the children.  To make the concrete, we put lots of stones and sand in a mixer and added concrete powder and water to form the substance.  During our free time, we played the hotel staff in a game of soccer and did not score even once.  It was surprising to all of us how good they were at a game that they most likely had never been coached in.  We also had dance lessons a night, which was fun.  Overall, it was another great day here in Costa Rica.

Ethan Winter (Leader of the day)

Today we dug holes for the daycare to make “tire art.” We painted the tires to make them look like animals such as bears and ladybugs. After our service my mentor group went to the uninhabited island of Bolaños. Overall today was a great day filled with fun in the sun.

Patrick Keenan (Leader of the Day)

This morning, Jake’s service group went back to the medical center/school where we played with kids during their recess, moved huge piles of sand and rocks to a different location, painted the medical center, and picked up glass in an area where many of the school boys play soccer. Pushing the wheel barrels was tough work, but we managed to move everything to where we needed it to be! Local women came yesterday and today, and have been helping us out a lot! They are even coming up with ways they can help with other aspects, after GLA leaves. Sparking a community to come together and help out is something we are really happy about! We got to come home and have tons of free time to relax, swim, make key chains and play some soccer, were the locals beat us once again (and Lindsey got thrown in the pool!). Overall today was a rewarding day full of hard work and fun! Also, shoutout to my big sis Anjali who I miss so much! See ya soon sis!

Maya Patel (Leader of the Day)

Alex’s group went to the high school today. GLA students talked to the local students to teach them English. We had such a great time that tomorrow we will rendezvous. Overall most connected on a deeper level, snapchats, facebook, and instagrams. Hopefully lifelong friendships can be made.

Jovanna Herrera (Leader of the Day)

 7/4/2015

Today Alex’s group worked at the preschool and finished up the paint jobs on the tires that are being used for the playground. We dug holes for the finished tires to be placed in and the playground could be arranged. Once placing the tires in their final positions we were able to wrap up the project

Rachel Vresilovic (Leader of the Day)

During service today my group and I finished yet another square of cement for the sidewalk being built at the elementary school we have been visiting. We all knew the routine of filling buckets with piles of rocks, sand and water to add the cement mixture. It was tiring yet fun to work with one another in completing a sidewalk that will make a difference to so many people. Being leader of the day meant keeping an eye on all my fellow GLA members and making sure they were hydrated and ready to work. Not only did we work with cement today but we also attended the spelling bee at the high school in La Cruz. It was so amazing to see how the high schoolers had improved in their English speaking enough to spell out words in front of their classmates. These experiences are cherished in the moment and will be a cherished memory of mine in the future.

Beth Moed-Nelson (Leader of the Day)

Today was our last service day in Costa Rica. Jake’s group finished the week by finalizing the third cement square in the sidewalk for the school. We ended the day by cheering on some local high school students in a spelling bee and dance performances. We spent the last couple of hours of the day at the beach, tanning, swimming and playing volleyball

Jessie Bunting (Leader of the Day)

7/5/2015

New photos!

6/19/2015

All students have arrived safely! Stay tuned for blog updates and photos!

6/20/2015

Today was our first day of service. We went to a local community called Las Palmas de La Comunidad and split into 3 groups to work on different projects. One group worked on a school, preparing the land for concrete. The second group worked on preparing land to build a community center. Finally, the third group dug trenches to build a fence made of old tires. They also painted and cut the tires into lady bugs and turtles. Once we got back from service, we went to a nearby park and watched a group of high school students perform traditional dances. Then, we got to try on the outfits and learn some of the steps to the dances.

6/22/2015

Today was our third day of service! We started off playing with the kids. We played ‘Duck, duck, goose’ and tag. We also got to work on our Spanish with the kids throughout the day. Later, we went to mix cement for the community center. We sang a lot of High School Musical while shoveling cement. After that we painted tires for the park. After service we went to a craft place and made things out of clay. We also went snorkeling and saw an octopus and pufferfish. After snorkeling, we went to a small beach and played in the water.

*Leaders of the day

6/15/2015

Hello!
Is summer here already?! It sure is! Our first session is underway and it is off to a bang! All of our students have arrived safe and sound and we are getting into the Costa Rican swing of things. The sun is hot, but the cool breeze of the ocean is helping us stay a little cooler. So far we have met some new people, have put our acting skills the test, worked hard at our service sites and learned about GLA, and discovered what “Pura Vida” really means. This is going to be a great session filled with lots of service, culture, and of course fun!
Until next time….

Lindsey and the entire Beachside Service Adventure Crew

6/16/2015

This morning we all piled into busses and drove down a little dirt road to a small school and medical center. When we got there we grabbed shovels and axes. We started taking down barbed wire fences while a few of us worked outside at the medical center and tried to level out the dirt outside to make a waiting room. Local women joined us and helped the whole time! They are some hardworking women! Some of us tried to make small conversations in Spanish and found out some cool facts about them. After lunch and siesta we played soccer with the locals. We tied! They were very welcoming and had their families with them. Small children came and practiced their English while we practiced our Spanish. After being inspired we came back to base and watched the World Cup.

– Hannah Matts and Abigail Schuh (Leaders of the day)

We started off the day waking up smelling the cool summer breeze. We went and ate a hearty breakfast, followed by a trip to a school where we started the process of building a cement sidewalk for children who go to the school so they can walk home safely. We used axes and shoveled dirt to level out a path. While working on this project we were able to demonstrate leadership skills and create a community with our peers. After our hard work we went back to the home base where we played games to gain trust and build a better relationship with our peers. Finally, we played a soccer game against the native Costa Ricans. We tied 7-7 which hasn’t been done in a while. After a long phycially and tireing day we arrived back at home base for dinner. Afterwards we relaxed, went in the pool and slept off a hard day’s work.

– DeVon Pearson and Natalie Cohen (Leaders of the day)

6/17/2015

For the service group assigned to building the fence at the school, we first started our work by pulling out wood that was used along with barbed wire to build a fence around a school. The kids then were released to play outside so we joined them in playing a version of duck duck goose. Later on we played with them on the recycled tire playground a GLA team built last year. I think I can speak for us when saying playing with the children was such an enjoyable experience even though the language barrier provided a challenge for the majority of us. After they went back to class, we had to finish the hard work of pulling out the wood and also digging the remaining hole even deeper for the new fence. Overall, today we made good progress at our service site and it was a very productive day.

Emily Ruela and Reynold Anthony (Leaders of the day)

Today we did community service at the medical center. For this we moved around dirt and leveled it out for the cement we will be putting there later. We are doing this to create a waiting room for the patients. After that we had free time at our home base and were able to take cooking lessons, make jewelry, swim in the pool and play volleyball in our mentor groups, which are assigned at the beginning of the program. These are designed to help us meet new people while doing fun activities. Tonight we enjoyed a walk on the beach. Overall it was a great day of fun activities and service.

Jennifer Johnston and Jack Sewell (Leaders of the day)

6/18/2015

Today we switched service sites and my group worked on the medical center. We dug holes for a fence and flattened dirt that will eventually become a waiting room for the medical center. Two groups went to an uninhabited island to swim and hangout, while the other group did yoga and bonded. In our casita groups we talked about the environment and how to make the world a better place. Tonight we are having dance lessons and possibly a game of BINGO. It was another great day in Costa Rica!

Ashley Caster and Margaret Johnston (Leaders of the day)

Today we started off the day with a hearty breakfast. On our 3rd day of service we switched sites. It was an exciting day playing with the children at the local school/ At the school we continued to dig the holes for the fence that will be put in soon. After we went back to homenas ean ate lunch. Then angelica’s casita group too a boat ride ot an uninhabited island. Nena’s group arrived soon after. The island was beautiful and relaxing. Tonight after dinner we are having dancing lessons! Later we have a choice of BINGO or a night walk on the beach. Lights out is at 10 tonight so we can get a good night’s sleep for our 4th day of service tomorrow!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!

Paulina Cheney (Leader of the day)

Today our group worked at a school site where we shoveled dirt into wheelbarrows to create the foundation for a new sidewalk. During one break we played with some school children where we ran around, climbed, solved puzzles and learned about the way these students interact. This afternoon some students on an exciting boat ride to an uninhabited island called “The Island of the Birds” where we swam, snorkeled, walked and collected seashells.

Becca Kohn (Leader of the day)

6/19/2015

Today at service we finished digging holes for the fence at the school by the medical center. Everyone then went to the medical center and helped pour concrete. We also brought colorful string and made friendship bracelets with the kids there.

– Eliza Lenihan and Mason Lloyd Sullivan (Leaders of the day)

Our group worked hard at the service sites and still had fun with it. We also picked up trash on the beach and everyone was surprised at the amount of trash there was. Everyone became more aware of the environment around us in that sense.

– Abby Rush (Leader of the day)

Today, Friday June 19th, we took our 40-minute trek to a local school located a little outside of La Cruz. Our mission at this school is to build a sidewalk that enables students to walk to and from school safely. Current conditions at the school require the kids to walk in the road, which is very dangerous due to cars. Upon arriving at the school we admired the work we had completed the previous day. Then we focused our attention on the work we faced. After we had a clear idea of what we had to complete today we went and played with the students. The students ranged in ages from 3 to 6. Some activities included baseball, tag, cops and robbers, piggyback rides, puzzles, and so much more. The children always have smiles on their faces and really love to interact with us. The language barrier is difficult at times, but it has pushed us to learn new words that will enable us to communicate with the kids. They especially love to play a game where we have to catch them by enclosing them in a hula-hoop. We also had a piggyback race where all of us had a child on our back and raced to the soccer goal and back. After playing with the kids we said “adios” followed by many hugs and then set off to work. We had different teams to speed up the process in an efficient manor. First some of us shoveled and filled the wheelbarrows with rocks and dirt. Second, people pushed the wheelbarrows and emptied them onto the side where the sidewalk was being built. Third, we raked the rocks and dirt so that the ground was level. Lastly, some people came around and packed down the dirt so that it will be tightly compacted for the cement. At 11:15 we all got back on the bus and headed back to La Cruz for a yummy lunch.

6/20/2015

Today was an awesome day with GLA! Even though we had to wake up super early, we had an exciting day planned. We began our day with a bus ride to a majestic (dormant) volcano, and we had some great tour guides show us around to the awesome lagoons and small lakes. We
walked around in the beautiful tropical rainforests, and we were introduced to many of the unique animals that reside Costa Rica. We also got to relax in a steaming hot springs. After that we painted ourselves (and each other) with mud, followed by a rinse-off in the cool river flowing behind the springs. We also took a trip to the booming down of El Coco, in which we ate, shopped, and did some sight-seeing. Finally we had a musical bus ride home and some freetime to bond before coming together again for dinner. We can’t wait for another day full of adventures.

– Gabriella Scolpino, Carleigh O’Donoghue, Skyler Price, and Amina Youssef (Leaders of the day)

6/23/2015

All students have departed safely and are on their way home!