Time Capsule Letter – October 2016
Greetings form Costa Rica!
By the time you receive this letter, I expect you will all have settled back into familiar routines or be off to new adventures. Can you believe that only a few months ago, you were swimming in waterfalls and learning how to dance bachata? Amidst the whirlwind of your daily lives, I invite you to take a few moments to reflect on all that you accomplished during GLA’s Beachside Service Adventure program.
You were the only EcoPlaya team to contribute to five service projects. Because of you, families of El Jobo and Tempetal now have more welcoming and sustainable places to relax on the beach, play in the park, learn and worship in church, and receive medical care. You also helped expand a recycling center and construct a park kiosk where local women can earn income for their families. Way to go!
In addition to working hard at service, we had plenty of time for fun! Did anyone every beat Jack at ping-pong? Will any of us ever forget Marshall’s stand-up routine at the talent show or how Etienne showed up dreamy Justin by doing a backflip? Remember our soccer game in a downpour? We must have bought out the whole bakery in La Cruz and tried everything on the menu at the smoothie shop. And s’mores with Nutella? Life-changing. (See, we didn’t always eat rice and beans.)
Throughout our ten days together, it was such a privilege to watch you step out of your comfort zones and grow as leaders. Every day, I saw you practicing your Spanish, trying new things, and making connections with each other and members of the local community. I hope that you continue to live by the new perspectives you gained in Costa Rica and that you strive to make a positive impact on your communities at home—wherever in the world your home may be. Thank you so much for being part of this Costa Rican adventure. Stay awesome!
Your mentor,
Emily
Summer Blog Posts
7/12/2016
Hello summer, here we are, all of us!
Our adventure has started, we are getting to know each other better and better and learning more about Costa Rica, ticos, Pura Vida, service sites and leadership.
We have five service sites, team activities and adventure waiting for us!
7/19
Leaders of the day got together, discussed and worked together to facilitate activities for four different groups.
It turned out to be a big success for the leaders and the group, and our soccer game with the community was memorable!
Rain and rain and rain, but fun fun fun!
