A Full Day!
Today, we woke up to a beautiful day. Although Wednesdays can be exhausting since we’ve already worked for two days, and we still have two more, we were excited for service. We mainly did the same tasks as earlier this week, such as shoveling, painting, wheelbarrowing, and making cement. Service can be hard, but it is very rewarding. We are all making a lot of progress while having fun with the children.
After a plentiful lunch of rice and beans, we split up into our Spanish groups. One group was able to experience the petting zoo with moneys and animals galore. The other group went snorkeling. It was nice because the sun had just come out.
After our activities, we all got ready and decided to dress up for an American dinner of burgers and fris. What a special evening. we continued the festivities with a group exercise called ‘Cross the Line’, which brought us all closer together. I can’t believe this journey is almost half way over!
Miss everyone at home! See you soon Mom and Dad!
-Nicole Hu
Adventures & Service
This weekend we went camping, hiking, and surfing! We camped on the beach where we surfed, wcich is called Playa Naranjo, located in Santa Rosa National Park. It is famous for its waves and beauty. The waves and instructors were so good that nearly everyone was able to ride the waves. We also hiked through another national park, where we saw many natural springs and mud pools created by volcanic activity. After hiking, some people enjoyed rejuvenating mud baths, while others went to a local restaurant and watched the World Cup final. Overall the weekend was educational and fun!
Monday and Tuesday have been full of hard work and exciting activities. All of our projects are coming along nicely, propelled by teamwork and enthusiasm. All of the service groups have now had a chance to interact with members of the community and utilize their Spanish. Spanish classes have featured a tour fo Coco’s Super Mercado, where students participated in a scavenger hunt that introduced them to local foods. On top of that, students visited a Tico’s home to learn how to cook tamales and Costa Rican bread. Others went on a snorkeling adventure, where they explored the sea, admired the fish and met several howler monkeys!
Can’t wait to see what the rest of our time has in store! Stay Tuned.
-Jenn and Sarah
Service
After our typical 7am breakfast, we dispersed into our service groups. Cristina’s group carried on with painting a local school. Jess’ group continued to shovel and sift sand at the Playa Hermosoa school in order to construct a new sports court. At the school of Philip’s group, we finished what we started– a cement covering for a septic tank.
Then we had lunch and after a short break, we split off into our Spanish groups. Half of us went to potter class, while the other half stayed at home base for a Spanish lesson. After a long day, we all cooled off in the pool and at the beach before dinner. Later, we watched a Ted Talk about the importance of seeing multiple sides to a single story.
Surfing and hiking tomorrow! It’s going to be great!
-Mara, Bola and Nicholas
An Extra note from Nicholas:
Costa Rica is very eye-opening, the culture and people are not as they would be if in what is considered the first world. I have always heard that the people here are happy, and I strongly agree. I see children in California play with iPads, with plank expressions, yet here in Playas Del Coco, I see children playing with reptiles and bugs as if they are toys. One boy asked me today, “Are you coming back to me?” Of course he said it in Spanish, and like always, I didn’t understand it. That really made me feel important, special and alive.
I came here to see the sunset and make a difference for the future youth of the world. I feel complete here. I will hate to leave my new found little pals. I hope they grow up, just as I did, and will benefit the world, even if for a fragment of time.
They have the potential. I can see it; They, like how I desire, will change the world.
Sincerely,
-Nicholas Silva
Starting the Journey
Today was a start of our journey, as all four groups began their new service projects. After hard work and dedication we were rewarded with the beach and an evening trip to town. While we were at the beach we relaxed and played futbol con los ticos! Later that night we were at a carnival and went on rides. We all became great friends so there’s no need to worry. We are eating three full meals a day and the food is absolutely great! We’ll make sure to keep in touch and call whenever possible. Love you all and take care!
MUAH!
-Isabella, Anita, Gabriel, Bryan
*Photos to follow.
We’ve Arrived!
All students have arrived in country safely and are ready for an amazing program! Stay tuned for blog updates and photos.
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