Hi girls,
Wow. It feels like just yesterday we were waking up to the sound of howler monkeys at Angels
Ecolodge. Although I miss the gallo pinto and delicious, fresh fruit, I don’t miss their howls at all!
I still remember Saoudatou’s morning jams pumping us up for full days in the Costa Rican sun
and humidity. By now, you’re probably back to school in the States. How different are your
classrooms there compared to the hot, chaotic classrooms in Costa Rica? We wanted you all to
know that here in the Nanadamojo watershed, those kids are still thinking of you, your animal
bingo, water workshops, and recycling centers. We made an impact together this summer.
Like Matt said in his first talk with us, the people here truly remember you. You should all know,
the Nandamojo watershed is a better place than when you came. El Centro Verde (the plant
nursery) is green and thriving, and Marcia will continue to plant new trees all over the watershed
as the rainy season continues. The kids are using their recycling centers in the schools.
The families and children we visited during out cafecitos have fond memories of our time here
together. Our friends and fellow soccer players will remember our fun, lively (sometimes
competitive!) games. 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! We now know how
important water conservation is, and how to reduce our water consumption meter. We also
know how deforestation affects climate change, and how even the act of planting one seed, or
one tree, can make a positive impact on the environment.
Another thing I remember about the trip is how much fun we had together! And how many times
we laughed together. We played jeopardy, and you girls got almost every question! We thought
about how we want to change the world and how we want to act in the future. We played with
young kids and hung out with high schoolers, and made friends even with language barriers. I’ll
always remember the sweet heart drawings the school girls gave us. We hiked through Monte
Alto, and painted with Ivan and Marcia. We saw beautiful sunsets at Playa Negra and ran from
thunderstorms at Playa Avellanas. We went whitewater rafting and jumped from boat to boat.
These memories will last a lifetime!
We worked really hard and also had a blast together. Whether it was during mentor groups,
playing in Monte Alto’s waterfall, figuring out riddles at El Centro Verde, scarfing down the
delicious food at Casa del Sol, playing tag with the high schoolers, doing face masks, or
exploring new places together- it was that much fun because we got to share it with all you guys
— the 2018 GLA Costa Rica Initiative for Children group! Thanks for helping to make these
special memories in an amazing place.
Pura Vida,
Megan and the Costa Rican team
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