Hey everybody!
Thank you so much for a great session in the jungle! The entire staff couldn’t have asked for a more diverse and silly (my euphemism for wild and clever) group for our Sea Turtle Initiative program. Even though we were together for a week, it felt like we got to know each other so well by the end. By the time you get to read this, you will have adjusted back to normal life in your homes, but we wanted to share a few memories to relive our time here.
It seemed like the first day you were already excited to get to know each other and begin your Costa Rican adventure. What better way to start the program than with zip-lining and going through the canopies of the lush rainforest? We even got to see our first sloth! Once at homebase, we got adjusted and jump-started the week with an awesome tour of the organic farm and surrounding forest with Jason, and found ourselves surrounded by all three species of indigenous monkeys!
Can anyone remember their names? (*see below!) Walking to town was also fun as we discussed Costa Rican environmental issues and then learned about sea turtles and the importance of protecting them. The night patrols were awesome with a big beautiful moon that lit up this dense coastal forest, and you guys were rewarded for your hard work! How beautiful was that massive leatherback? Remember that everything is connected and you guys did an epic job patrolling and protecting their nesting habitat in various ways (even though you tried to go barefoot). Don’t forget that your impact does not need to end in Costa Rica.
Through the week we were challenged to communicate with people different from us, pushed to step up in a very difficult situation, and taught how to come together with love and appreciation. You are an incredible crowd of students. I hope you guys use this time capsule letter to remember the purpose of your trip here and to continue inspiring those around you. We miss you and please stay in touch with us. Pura vida!
-Hannah Calloway, International Director
*Monkey species found in the Costa Rican caribbean: White-faced capuchin, howler monkeys, spider monkeys.
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