Time Capsule Letter
We can’t believe it has already been so long since our Costa Rica trip ended! You’re probably back in school but we wanted you to know that here in Costa Rica and elsewhere, we are still thinking of you and the impact we made this summer together.
Our time spent together here truly did make an impact. You should all know you left the school a better place than when you came. The walls and murals you painted will continue to be a place of shelter and community for the children you met during our days here.
Then animals you cared for continue to thrive under the care and attention paid to them by the volunteers at the rescue center, and new animals are receiving the care they need each day. And more importantly, the knowledge YOU gained on this trip we hope will serve you and the communities you go on to be in for the rest of your life!
Another thing I can’t forget is how much fun we had together here! You guys were a huge part of making this trip so wonderful. We worked really hard and also had a blast together. And remember the Jack and Jill riddle? anyone figure out that those two were goldfish the whole time?! Wears your paddle!
Remember the OMG – “One Meaningful Goal” – that you created at the end of the session? Whatever goal you created for yourself, we would love to know how that is going! Have there been any changes in your home or even community?
We are thinking of you! We hope from time to time you will remember to Be the Change!
From Chris, Jen and the rest of the team!
This blog includes both community service tracks – Children & Community Development and Wildlife Conservation.
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Sunday July 28, 2019
Things are off to a wonderful beginning here in Costa Rica! Weather was beautiful this morning for a few fun Icebreaker activities, Get-to-Know-You games, and an informative Program Orientation.
-GLA Staff
Monday July 29, 2019
Hi Parents!
Today was an exciting day as we got off to a great starts on our two service projects.
Some of us went to the school called La Pradera. A few of us helped teach English classes while the rest of us sanded the walls and began painting.
We also met the students and played some games during break, including a new game they taught us called elástico.
Those of us on the wildlife track went to the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center. We took a tour around and saw some animals including different types of monkeys, sloths, and birds.
We then helped clean some of the cages and feed the animals. Overall a really rewarding morning!
After lunch we had free time and got to enjoy some pool time.
We also got a long and competitive game of four square going.
After free time, we met up to plan for a debate we had tonight. The different groups took on roles to represent different stances on whether or not a hypothetical ‘SeaPlanet’ tourist attraction should be built on an island in Costa Rica. After dinner, we discussed SeaPlanet and learned more about the pros and cons of ecotourism.
¡Pura vida!
Wednesday July 31, 2019
After a delicious breakfast filled with pankcakes and Gallo Pinto (a typical Costa Rican dish) we pilled onto our buses and headed to service.
At La Pradera school, our students continue to build upon the English lessons creating strong bonds with the children, whilst the rest of the the group made great achievements painting the walls and starting a mural to leave their mark behind.
Whilst in the Animal Rescue Center armed with buckets, rakes and fresh fruit students tackled the nocturnal cages. Cleaning the cages and feeding the Porcupine, Kinkajous, racoons and Petuna the Coati. We even tried our hand at building some laders and toys for Beans the racoon.
after a rejuvenating lunch we headed over to the permaculture tour and Ceramics class. Where we learned all about the different herbs, flowers, fruit and vegetables that grow in Costa Rica, even getting a close up look into composting and the amazing benifits Worms have. We then got the chance to get our hands dirty and make a clay mask of our buddy.
on the way back to HomeBase we were treated to a delicious scoop of ‘Pops’ icecream before dinner.
After an action packed day we gathered together to watch a TED talk on lollypop moments and the importance of sharing our thanks with the people who have positively impated out lives.
Thursday August 1, 2019
Pumpkin is taken for his morning walk everyday so that he can grow up and learn to one day become a grown sloth and be released back in to the wild!
Learning from the sloths, just hanging out between service projects!
Barbaro training to become a wild sloth!
Be the Change mural coming along nicely at the school.
Practicing our Zumba dance moves in a very fast paced and dynamic class!
We try to have fun when we can! ; )
Picking coffee beans. Pura Vida!
Coffee is Costa Rica’s #1 export, and it routinely ranks as the best coffee in the world!
We were very happy to visit the coffee factory! But even more excited to sample the product! Best coffee in the world!
In Costa Rica, we celebrate important events like a 14th birthday party with a Pinata!
Happy 14th Birthday Jackson!
During our time at the incredible Baldi Hot Springs, the impressive Arenal Volcano came out from behind the clouds!
But it’s still so bitter until you add the sugar!
Then you have to mash the dried and roasted beans into a fine powder.
First step after removing the seed is to use human saliva to create a bacteria concoction to start a fermentation as the seed dries. Open up!
We loved our guide, El Chapo Guapo. He was absolutely hysterical, and made learning about the history of chocolate so amusing!
We made our fist stop at the most delicious tour yet, chocolate tour!
We started the morning with a long busride to Arenal National Park in Fortuna. We always have fun on the bus!
Break time before bedtime = Bananagrams!
