Day 4
After breakfast this morning some of the group chose to attend church in Turriabla - the city nearest to Sitio de Mata with an Evagelical Christian Church. We took a bus down there and we were graciously welcomed into the church. The service was spoken entirely in Espanol - and had beautiful music and singers during the altar call, which was very morning. After church the group took a quick trip to the grocery store and then onto the bus back home. After lunch we went to the project site - one group had worked in the morning to get a great deal done - Work done today
Friday, July 20, 2012
A Note from Sra Soares--July 14
What a life changing experience it has been the last 10 days. From being back to my birth roots after 12 years and experiencing the culture first hand, to seeing my students have true life changing experiences. The place where we stayed "Sitio de Mata" will forever have families that I now consider my second family.
Our last day in our homestay began with our last breakfast, everyone ate with little interaction, it was not our typical laughing, practicing our Spanish or shouting the phrase "Pura Vida." While we were eating we exchanged words, the families expressed that from all the groups that have ever visited this group was special. They were easy to love, affectionate, willing to take risks, humble hearts and embraced the families and children so quickly. One thing that the families repeatedly said, these kids are special, its obvious the great education they are receiving and how well their parents are raising them. After I thanked them I would often tell them that we have a unique school with loving parents and teachers that believe that it takes a whole community to raise a child!
As for me, I am so proud to be a "Tica" proud of the beautiful country where I was born but most of all to have witnessed first hand that the people in CR are truly a treasure! I can't wait for other students to experience what this group was able to experience, and what future opportunities will occur because of our connection with the beautiful people in "Sitio de Mata!"
A Note from Connie--July 9
Scenes from the war on Spanish:
The Battle of WalMart--Austen, Brooks, and Nick ask me whether they can shop the little market in the shed up the road. I turn to the mamis for their stamp of approval. "Esta bueno mi chicos vamose a ....." I can't lay my hands on the word for grocery, despite having passed a hundred storefront signs on the way here. Groceria? No. Marketa? Laughably no. (The mamis don't even bother to feign interest on this one.) We are stuck. The boys give me the "Thanks for nothing, Ms. Connie" look. Now the mamis are laughing. The panic sets in, and my dignity breaks ranks. I throw my arms wide, saying "WalMart? Mucho grande, no? Uno poquito Walmart (here, pinching my fingers together for dramatic effect). Que es?" Pulperia, comes the response. The battle lines, though damaged, have held.
The Charge of Costa Rican Educational TV: I am sitting with Alexa, my 7-year old housemate, watching the equivalent of Zooboomafoo. Alexa, as always, is talking a blue streak. I have no idea what she's saying. She is undeterred and fires questions at me about the animals the show is featuring. She is convinced I'm a teacher, though her disbelief grows as the minutes tick by. And then, somehow the words "oso polares" separate themselves from the jumble of words tumbling from the TV set, and I blurt out, "Polar bear!" Alexa stops in mid-sentence and then bursts out laughing. "Yessss," she says kindly ( and not just a little sympathetically) "Polar bear." She has held the high ground. Every time I pass her now, she smiles slyly and calls, "Connie, yeeesss, polar bear."
I Shall Return (or maybe that was yesterday): We ask the women of our village for help in celebrating Liz's 16th birthday. They throw an amazing party, complete with two cakes. Next evening, I am determined to reimburse the women for the cakes. And to show my appreciation I decide to ask the price in Spanish. "Cumpleanos caki por Liz mañana quanto es? I say, more than a little proud of my complex sentence. Blank stares. "Mañana, cumpleanos caki, quanto es?" I repeat. Here, two of the women go pale and reply, "Uno mas? We make another party?" I shake my head. We go another round. No progress. I simplify. "Mañana (pointing my thumb over my shoulder for emphasis), caki, quanto?" A smile crosses Roxana's face and she insists it is their gift. I thank them profusely and turn to go, satisfied. The accent may need a little work, but I still got it. Roxana follows me up the path. She is still smiling. She reaches down and grabs my hand, points my thumb over my shoulder and says, "No mañana." She turns my thumb forward, "Es mañana. Comprende?" No, but I nod and thank her again. It isn't until I'm in bed that I realize that "mañana" --the one word of which I was so dead certain that I said it again and again-- means "tomorrow."
The Battle of WalMart--Austen, Brooks, and Nick ask me whether they can shop the little market in the shed up the road. I turn to the mamis for their stamp of approval. "Esta bueno mi chicos vamose a ....." I can't lay my hands on the word for grocery, despite having passed a hundred storefront signs on the way here. Groceria? No. Marketa? Laughably no. (The mamis don't even bother to feign interest on this one.) We are stuck. The boys give me the "Thanks for nothing, Ms. Connie" look. Now the mamis are laughing. The panic sets in, and my dignity breaks ranks. I throw my arms wide, saying "WalMart? Mucho grande, no? Uno poquito Walmart (here, pinching my fingers together for dramatic effect). Que es?" Pulperia, comes the response. The battle lines, though damaged, have held.
The Charge of Costa Rican Educational TV: I am sitting with Alexa, my 7-year old housemate, watching the equivalent of Zooboomafoo. Alexa, as always, is talking a blue streak. I have no idea what she's saying. She is undeterred and fires questions at me about the animals the show is featuring. She is convinced I'm a teacher, though her disbelief grows as the minutes tick by. And then, somehow the words "oso polares" separate themselves from the jumble of words tumbling from the TV set, and I blurt out, "Polar bear!" Alexa stops in mid-sentence and then bursts out laughing. "Yessss," she says kindly ( and not just a little sympathetically) "Polar bear." She has held the high ground. Every time I pass her now, she smiles slyly and calls, "Connie, yeeesss, polar bear."
I Shall Return (or maybe that was yesterday): We ask the women of our village for help in celebrating Liz's 16th birthday. They throw an amazing party, complete with two cakes. Next evening, I am determined to reimburse the women for the cakes. And to show my appreciation I decide to ask the price in Spanish. "Cumpleanos caki por Liz mañana quanto es? I say, more than a little proud of my complex sentence. Blank stares. "Mañana, cumpleanos caki, quanto es?" I repeat. Here, two of the women go pale and reply, "Uno mas? We make another party?" I shake my head. We go another round. No progress. I simplify. "Mañana (pointing my thumb over my shoulder for emphasis), caki, quanto?" A smile crosses Roxana's face and she insists it is their gift. I thank them profusely and turn to go, satisfied. The accent may need a little work, but I still got it. Roxana follows me up the path. She is still smiling. She reaches down and grabs my hand, points my thumb over my shoulder and says, "No mañana." She turns my thumb forward, "Es mañana. Comprende?" No, but I nod and thank her again. It isn't until I'm in bed that I realize that "mañana" --the one word of which I was so dead certain that I said it again and again-- means "tomorrow."
A Note from Connie--July 14
Of the many notions that tie this trip together, one in particular stands out for me. I don't think a single day passed when we weren't floored by spectacular views. Costa Rica is truly a beautiful country. Take a look at our share site on Shutterfly. With over 500 photos there and counting, you'll get a taste of all that we saw.
As we fly back today, here are the lasting images in my mind's eye:
Nick salsa-ing patiently and willingly with 11 year-old Maryel, who was enchanted;
Marissa and Amelia sparring with Kenneth as they hand-tilled soil for the greenhouse;
Laura, N'kenge, and Breanna singing softly and packing mud around stones on the job;
Graham slide-tackling locals and our guide with abandon in a fierce futbol game;
Ian reaching for my arm, pointing to interesting birds and rare, clear views of volcanoes;
Aurora and Maddie chatting animatedly about everything and never lacking for material;
Austen visiting with the village dogs each morning and carrying them in his arms;
Brooks washing dishes and biding time until that next cup of coffee;
Hailey reaching out to engage every adult and kid she could on a single day on the river;
Mandy rocking with excitement on the edge of her seat during a game of Who Am I;
Mercy and Brooke snapping photos of the landscape on a bus full of dozing kids;
Lauren leaping confidently from a towering rock into a deep pool in the Pacuare Canyon;
Jesse smacking his oar with a clap to the river's surface, celebrating each rapid passed;
Gabby reveling in the company of the village's children;
Katie joining Costa Rican dancers to kick off the fiesta on our last night in Sitio Mata;
Michael digging into the river with his oar to splash anyone who dared to pass his raft;
Austin wowing the locals with a juggling exhibition and capping it with a back flip;
Liz playing guitar for an appreciative crowd who never sensed she had no rehearsal;
Bekka slipping, sliding, and squealing with joy in the midst of a torrential rain.
When I travel, I'm always moved by the thought that I've been lucky enough to see so much of this world. I think always of my grandparents. They saw so very little of the world in their lifetimes that they might not have easily conjured in their imaginations some of the places I've seen with my own two eyes, much less conceived of traveling there.
My grandparents would be thrilled at my good fortune. But they'd also be proud of the chance I have to travel as an educator and to see the world through the eyes of students. Traveling with your children is a responsibility that I don't take lightly, but it is also a gift that I treasure. Thank you so much for the trust and support you offer me and our school. I've seen a lot, but I'd not have conjured the array of opportunities you've laid at my feet.
Pura Vida.
As we fly back today, here are the lasting images in my mind's eye:
Nick salsa-ing patiently and willingly with 11 year-old Maryel, who was enchanted;
Marissa and Amelia sparring with Kenneth as they hand-tilled soil for the greenhouse;
Laura, N'kenge, and Breanna singing softly and packing mud around stones on the job;
Graham slide-tackling locals and our guide with abandon in a fierce futbol game;
Ian reaching for my arm, pointing to interesting birds and rare, clear views of volcanoes;
Aurora and Maddie chatting animatedly about everything and never lacking for material;
Austen visiting with the village dogs each morning and carrying them in his arms;
Brooks washing dishes and biding time until that next cup of coffee;
Hailey reaching out to engage every adult and kid she could on a single day on the river;
Mandy rocking with excitement on the edge of her seat during a game of Who Am I;
Mercy and Brooke snapping photos of the landscape on a bus full of dozing kids;
Lauren leaping confidently from a towering rock into a deep pool in the Pacuare Canyon;
Jesse smacking his oar with a clap to the river's surface, celebrating each rapid passed;
Gabby reveling in the company of the village's children;
Katie joining Costa Rican dancers to kick off the fiesta on our last night in Sitio Mata;
Michael digging into the river with his oar to splash anyone who dared to pass his raft;
Austin wowing the locals with a juggling exhibition and capping it with a back flip;
Liz playing guitar for an appreciative crowd who never sensed she had no rehearsal;
Bekka slipping, sliding, and squealing with joy in the midst of a torrential rain.
When I travel, I'm always moved by the thought that I've been lucky enough to see so much of this world. I think always of my grandparents. They saw so very little of the world in their lifetimes that they might not have easily conjured in their imaginations some of the places I've seen with my own two eyes, much less conceived of traveling there.
My grandparents would be thrilled at my good fortune. But they'd also be proud of the chance I have to travel as an educator and to see the world through the eyes of students. Traveling with your children is a responsibility that I don't take lightly, but it is also a gift that I treasure. Thank you so much for the trust and support you offer me and our school. I've seen a lot, but I'd not have conjured the array of opportunities you've laid at my feet.
Pura Vida.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Day 4 from Graham
Day 4 - Sunday
Today is Sunday so we got the choice to go to a Catholic church here in Sitio de Matta, an Evangelistic Church in Turrialba, or stay here and work. I went to the church in Turrialba this morning called Communidad Cristiana para la Familia (Community Christian for the Family). The church wasn't that different from churches at home. The main differences between their church and mine were that it was in Spanish, and many people raised their hands above their heads when they prayed rather than folding them. We couldn't understand everything they were saying but it was fun, and Mr. Roland explained what they said, when we were driving home on the bus.
The group that stayed and worked this morning said they were about finished with the green house, and finished digging the holes for the recycle center. After lunch we went to work and we put up the posts for the walls and roof, put a cross beam across the top for the roof, and built a retaining wall to keep the dirt from washing out. When we finished working, we went over to the soccer field, and played a big soccer game in the wet and muddy field, and after we got cleaned up we practiced some Latin dancing :)
Today was really fun!
~Graham
Today is Sunday so we got the choice to go to a Catholic church here in Sitio de Matta, an Evangelistic Church in Turrialba, or stay here and work. I went to the church in Turrialba this morning called Communidad Cristiana para la Familia (Community Christian for the Family). The church wasn't that different from churches at home. The main differences between their church and mine were that it was in Spanish, and many people raised their hands above their heads when they prayed rather than folding them. We couldn't understand everything they were saying but it was fun, and Mr. Roland explained what they said, when we were driving home on the bus.
The group that stayed and worked this morning said they were about finished with the green house, and finished digging the holes for the recycle center. After lunch we went to work and we put up the posts for the walls and roof, put a cross beam across the top for the roof, and built a retaining wall to keep the dirt from washing out. When we finished working, we went over to the soccer field, and played a big soccer game in the wet and muddy field, and after we got cleaned up we practiced some Latin dancing :)
Today was really fun!
~Graham
Day 2 from Austen
Day 2! :)
The past 2 days in Costa Rica have been tiring...but REALLY fun! :) We have done so much touring. Before dinner we got to know Sebastian, a little boy from the house that we are staying in. We have fun trying to converse with him. It was cool finding out more about him. We found out that his interests were not much different than ours, like the music he liked. We sat for about an hour listening to music, and trying to communicate.
~Austen
The past 2 days in Costa Rica have been tiring...but REALLY fun! :) We have done so much touring. Before dinner we got to know Sebastian, a little boy from the house that we are staying in. We have fun trying to converse with him. It was cool finding out more about him. We found out that his interests were not much different than ours, like the music he liked. We sat for about an hour listening to music, and trying to communicate.
~Austen
Day 4 --Hailey
Day 4: Sunday!
We don't have any alarms so today I accidentally woke up at 4 in the morning! Ahh! I took my first freezing cold shower. We then ate pancakes and got dressed for church. Church was really cool, even though I had no idea what they were saying. I noticed that they were very open and welcoming; they didn't even know us, and most of them came up and hugged us with open arms. After church we went to one of their main food markets, I bought a drink and it was so nice, because it was so hot out! Our group got back on the bus and headed home. Tom and a ground of coordinators came over and we played the "guess who" forehead game! I got mine so fast (NEMO!), after Tom said my first one on accident, "Chubaka". After we left, we went back to the work site.
At first, today was like every other day, until Brooks threw the first mud ball. It began raining and the mud fight began. After work/mud-fight, we went down to the soccer field and played soccer. We also went exploring, and I thought I ripped my pants, on a tree! :P For dinner, we had everyone from Sector 2 over at our house, and we all danced, and had a fiesta! :) After supper everyone played cards, and we broke Mamie's table with our intense game. I love this family, and group so much! I never want to leave this place. Today, we didn't go to sleep until late because we had 6 wasps swarming our room...which was terrifying! Thank goodnesss Mami is tough and killed them all!
~Hailey
We don't have any alarms so today I accidentally woke up at 4 in the morning! Ahh! I took my first freezing cold shower. We then ate pancakes and got dressed for church. Church was really cool, even though I had no idea what they were saying. I noticed that they were very open and welcoming; they didn't even know us, and most of them came up and hugged us with open arms. After church we went to one of their main food markets, I bought a drink and it was so nice, because it was so hot out! Our group got back on the bus and headed home. Tom and a ground of coordinators came over and we played the "guess who" forehead game! I got mine so fast (NEMO!), after Tom said my first one on accident, "Chubaka". After we left, we went back to the work site.
At first, today was like every other day, until Brooks threw the first mud ball. It began raining and the mud fight began. After work/mud-fight, we went down to the soccer field and played soccer. We also went exploring, and I thought I ripped my pants, on a tree! :P For dinner, we had everyone from Sector 2 over at our house, and we all danced, and had a fiesta! :) After supper everyone played cards, and we broke Mamie's table with our intense game. I love this family, and group so much! I never want to leave this place. Today, we didn't go to sleep until late because we had 6 wasps swarming our room...which was terrifying! Thank goodnesss Mami is tough and killed them all!
~Hailey
7-9-12 A Note From Lauren (:
7-9-12
Although Costa Rica is quite possibly the most beautiful place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting, the most extraordinariny thing about it isn't the awesome cloud forrests that surround the mountains; it isn't lushiousness or the biodiversity. The best thing about Costa Rica is the kind and simple spirit of the Ticos. Last night, I had the opportunity to encounter our Homestay Families in an inspiring and authentic way that, probably, 95% of people will never get. They shared with us the journey they took to get to where they are today, and I was inspired beyond belief by not only their willingness to share their stories with strangers from North Carolina, but by their thankfulness through the hardships they've faced during their life.
Most of these ladies and gentlemen never had the chance to finish school. At the age of around 13 or 14, they were asked to begin working to provide money for their families. There was only one woman who was given the opportunity to continue school, but she didn't take it because she felt she needed to start working right away. Everyday of her life, she says, she regrets that decision. As a single mother, she always tells her son to take advantage of the opportunities he is given and to learn from his mistakes. Instead of living in the past, she advised us to move on and live our lives to the fullest, as she hopes to do when her son grows up to graduate from a university and can buy a house of his own.
One couple told us that when they got married, they were given two plates by one sibling and two forks by another. They slept on the floor until they were eventually able to buy little pieces of land to sell crops and build a house. It was so cool to see that they created so much by starting with so little. It seems that so often in this life the happiest people started with little to no material items. It makes me extremely thankful for everything I have back at home. Something they said was that now, they have the money to move up to San Jose for a "better life," but that isn't important to them. Their family is happy here, and that's what makes a difference. They love to see their children run around with frisbies and bubbles and little chocolates, and to know that they are in a safe and loving community.
It really is a safe and loving community here. I feel so loved by my family. Last night, right before bed, I hugged my homestay mom, and she said, "Eres mi hija. Te quiero y buenas noches mi amor." It is so beautiful to be loved by so many new families and to truly see the spirit of Ticos in action. I truly hope to stay in touch with these families through skype and continue to play Go Fish with my hermana y prima! I love the fact that I am truly learning Spanish in such an amazing place filled with hearts of love.
-Lauren Morris
P.S. Tell Jack I miss him!
Although Costa Rica is quite possibly the most beautiful place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting, the most extraordinariny thing about it isn't the awesome cloud forrests that surround the mountains; it isn't lushiousness or the biodiversity. The best thing about Costa Rica is the kind and simple spirit of the Ticos. Last night, I had the opportunity to encounter our Homestay Families in an inspiring and authentic way that, probably, 95% of people will never get. They shared with us the journey they took to get to where they are today, and I was inspired beyond belief by not only their willingness to share their stories with strangers from North Carolina, but by their thankfulness through the hardships they've faced during their life.
Most of these ladies and gentlemen never had the chance to finish school. At the age of around 13 or 14, they were asked to begin working to provide money for their families. There was only one woman who was given the opportunity to continue school, but she didn't take it because she felt she needed to start working right away. Everyday of her life, she says, she regrets that decision. As a single mother, she always tells her son to take advantage of the opportunities he is given and to learn from his mistakes. Instead of living in the past, she advised us to move on and live our lives to the fullest, as she hopes to do when her son grows up to graduate from a university and can buy a house of his own.
One couple told us that when they got married, they were given two plates by one sibling and two forks by another. They slept on the floor until they were eventually able to buy little pieces of land to sell crops and build a house. It was so cool to see that they created so much by starting with so little. It seems that so often in this life the happiest people started with little to no material items. It makes me extremely thankful for everything I have back at home. Something they said was that now, they have the money to move up to San Jose for a "better life," but that isn't important to them. Their family is happy here, and that's what makes a difference. They love to see their children run around with frisbies and bubbles and little chocolates, and to know that they are in a safe and loving community.
It really is a safe and loving community here. I feel so loved by my family. Last night, right before bed, I hugged my homestay mom, and she said, "Eres mi hija. Te quiero y buenas noches mi amor." It is so beautiful to be loved by so many new families and to truly see the spirit of Ticos in action. I truly hope to stay in touch with these families through skype and continue to play Go Fish with my hermana y prima! I love the fact that I am truly learning Spanish in such an amazing place filled with hearts of love.
-Lauren Morris
P.S. Tell Jack I miss him!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
08 de Julio 2012- Aurora
Today, I realized two things from my experience thus far in Costa Rica.
First, there in much more biodiversity here in Costa Rica than I experience on the average day in North Carolina. When we got back from church, before everyone else returned, Maddie and I ended up going on a hike with our housemama's husband, Roberto, an older man and a teenage boy named Andre. We hiked up the mountain that Sitio de Mata is on. There, we recieved a personal tour from the three men with us. We saw so many plants and animals: many butterflies; little fern things that close when touched; two sloths; colorful flowers; anthills with probably thousands of ants in them; at least three different types of ants; squirrels; beetles; birds that make noises like a robot while swinging upside down in trees; sugar cane; rainbow trees; strange, edible fruits; and much, much more. Everything had a name in Spanish that we were told by Roberto or the older man. But back home, I often only see a lot of trees; some bugs and birds; a few small mammals; and few flowers and butterflies in times other than spring.
Maybe in North Carolina there are many more flora and fauna, but I just don't pay much attention to them. I travel in cars and stay indoors most of the time. In Sitio de Mata, I haven't set foot in a car or bus since we arrived two days ago. I've walked up a mountain and back, walked to the other buildings and back, walked everywhere. It forces me to take notice of the outside surroundings. My camera card is full of the wonders that nature has to offer in Costa Rica. I don't remember the exact statistic, but I know that Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, with thousands of endemic species only found here. It's completely different from where I've lived all my life.
Second, this was the dirtiest that I've gotten in almost six years. The last time I was this covered in mud was when my grade went to the Barrier Islands of South Carolina and walked through the mud up to our necks. My group today worked on digging one of three trenches for the compost center. It involved getting on our hands and knees breaking apart the clumps of dirt and removing weeds, sticks and rocks. My hands still have dirt on them even though I've scrubbed my hands twice already.
There is something about digging in dirt with several other people that is just...fun. I know that I did my best to jump in and make the best of it. We didn't have tools other than the hoe and shovel to dig up the doirt in the first place. Everyone just used their hands to dig. The best part was that I was covered in mud because I was doing it for someone else. As well as being fun, digging in the dirt made me feel good because I was doing something for the people of Sitio de Mata, who have opened their hearts and homes to me and the rest of the group.
We're not even half way through our trip, and already I've experienced so much more than I ever expected, in both the natural part of Costa Rica that everyone can see and the part that not many tourists get to see in living with the people and helping them in return. I can't wait to see what Costa Rica has to offer in the days to come.
First, there in much more biodiversity here in Costa Rica than I experience on the average day in North Carolina. When we got back from church, before everyone else returned, Maddie and I ended up going on a hike with our housemama's husband, Roberto, an older man and a teenage boy named Andre. We hiked up the mountain that Sitio de Mata is on. There, we recieved a personal tour from the three men with us. We saw so many plants and animals: many butterflies; little fern things that close when touched; two sloths; colorful flowers; anthills with probably thousands of ants in them; at least three different types of ants; squirrels; beetles; birds that make noises like a robot while swinging upside down in trees; sugar cane; rainbow trees; strange, edible fruits; and much, much more. Everything had a name in Spanish that we were told by Roberto or the older man. But back home, I often only see a lot of trees; some bugs and birds; a few small mammals; and few flowers and butterflies in times other than spring.
Maybe in North Carolina there are many more flora and fauna, but I just don't pay much attention to them. I travel in cars and stay indoors most of the time. In Sitio de Mata, I haven't set foot in a car or bus since we arrived two days ago. I've walked up a mountain and back, walked to the other buildings and back, walked everywhere. It forces me to take notice of the outside surroundings. My camera card is full of the wonders that nature has to offer in Costa Rica. I don't remember the exact statistic, but I know that Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, with thousands of endemic species only found here. It's completely different from where I've lived all my life.
Second, this was the dirtiest that I've gotten in almost six years. The last time I was this covered in mud was when my grade went to the Barrier Islands of South Carolina and walked through the mud up to our necks. My group today worked on digging one of three trenches for the compost center. It involved getting on our hands and knees breaking apart the clumps of dirt and removing weeds, sticks and rocks. My hands still have dirt on them even though I've scrubbed my hands twice already.
There is something about digging in dirt with several other people that is just...fun. I know that I did my best to jump in and make the best of it. We didn't have tools other than the hoe and shovel to dig up the doirt in the first place. Everyone just used their hands to dig. The best part was that I was covered in mud because I was doing it for someone else. As well as being fun, digging in the dirt made me feel good because I was doing something for the people of Sitio de Mata, who have opened their hearts and homes to me and the rest of the group.
We're not even half way through our trip, and already I've experienced so much more than I ever expected, in both the natural part of Costa Rica that everyone can see and the part that not many tourists get to see in living with the people and helping them in return. I can't wait to see what Costa Rica has to offer in the days to come.
July 8--A note from Maddie
Hola! It's our fourth day here in Costa Rica. We've made many new friends, much progress on our service projects, and lots of great memories so far. Today we are working on the greenhouse and the recycling center. It's so hard to believe that this little plot of land with grass and corn plants has bloomed into a wooden frame for our future recycling center and the "tunnel" for our greenhouse in this amount of time. It's been a lot more fun than I expected digging in the dirt would be. Today I went to mass (misa) at the local Catholic Church. I understood most of what was going on because the mass parts were the same as at my church at home. The building (and experience) was beautiful, with the sun shining through an open door, marble altar floors, statues, and the choir of 5 or 6 singing.
Yesterday we celebrated Liz's birthday with cake, balloons, music, and dancing. The bugs partied with us as well. I've learned that if a bug spray/sunscreen combo exists, I need to buy one if I come back here next year. Both have been well appreciated this week. The bugs haven't been the only ones eating well, though. There hasn't been a food I've encountered that I didn't love. There have indeed been many meals with rice and beans, but they still taste great. There has been so much amazing food; tropical fruits, cafe con leche, and picadillo have been enough to make up for the lack of variety with rice and beans. Mmmm......I'm so thankful for our Mama that is so kind to make us all this awesome food.
I'm going to play futbol.....
Puravida,
Maddie
Yesterday we celebrated Liz's birthday with cake, balloons, music, and dancing. The bugs partied with us as well. I've learned that if a bug spray/sunscreen combo exists, I need to buy one if I come back here next year. Both have been well appreciated this week. The bugs haven't been the only ones eating well, though. There hasn't been a food I've encountered that I didn't love. There have indeed been many meals with rice and beans, but they still taste great. There has been so much amazing food; tropical fruits, cafe con leche, and picadillo have been enough to make up for the lack of variety with rice and beans. Mmmm......I'm so thankful for our Mama that is so kind to make us all this awesome food.
I'm going to play futbol.....
Puravida,
Maddie
July 7--A note from Connie
It is a beautiful thing to travel with our kids. They are warm; they are open; they are curious; they are true. Last night I fell asleep to the sounds of the three boys next door laughing uproariously with their new Costa Rican family, including the two young boys who follow our guys around like puppies. I could hear the girls two houses up, giggling and chatting into the night with their hosts. All of it developed in 6 short hours.
It is a rare thing in this world to be surrounded by individuals who make such authentic connections to the world and the people around them so quickly. We hear so much about the sense of isolation and self-interest that has weakened our sense of community and our ability to work toward a common good.
Those challenges are nowhere in sight here in Sitio de Mata, our corner of Costa Rica. Our casa mamis are working (very patiently with the adults, I might add) to teach us Spanish and feeding us as if we may never eat again. And our kids--they are a wonder to watch. They've dived in with household chores, taken the little ones under their wings, and worked in the dirt like they've done it all their lives. All in two short days.
This morning, as we struggled to clear and level and overgrown patch of earth (more on that later), I stopped for a brief break with Austen and Liz. It was their two houses I'd heard laughing and playing the night before. I'll treat you to just two of the thoughts they shared, but be warned: either one alone might bring you to your knees:
Of the views of the valley below and the volcanoes and mountains around us: "Ms Connie, I can't believe what I'm seeing--it's almost like it's not real. I can't stop looking."
Of the relationships they're forming with their Costa Rican families: "I feel lke we've been here two weeks and like I've known them forever."
It's beautiful thing, traveling with our kids.
It is a rare thing in this world to be surrounded by individuals who make such authentic connections to the world and the people around them so quickly. We hear so much about the sense of isolation and self-interest that has weakened our sense of community and our ability to work toward a common good.
Those challenges are nowhere in sight here in Sitio de Mata, our corner of Costa Rica. Our casa mamis are working (very patiently with the adults, I might add) to teach us Spanish and feeding us as if we may never eat again. And our kids--they are a wonder to watch. They've dived in with household chores, taken the little ones under their wings, and worked in the dirt like they've done it all their lives. All in two short days.
This morning, as we struggled to clear and level and overgrown patch of earth (more on that later), I stopped for a brief break with Austen and Liz. It was their two houses I'd heard laughing and playing the night before. I'll treat you to just two of the thoughts they shared, but be warned: either one alone might bring you to your knees:
Of the views of the valley below and the volcanoes and mountains around us: "Ms Connie, I can't believe what I'm seeing--it's almost like it's not real. I can't stop looking."
Of the relationships they're forming with their Costa Rican families: "I feel lke we've been here two weeks and like I've known them forever."
It's beautiful thing, traveling with our kids.
July 6--A note from Connie
Pura Vida! It's a phrase I've encountered over and over, since the first moment we began planning our trip. The travel literature repeats it. Our host signs every email with it. He said it as we hung up at the end of our first telephone conversation. His staff uses it. And all along, I've been touched by how quaint it sounded and how nicely it created the mystique that so often goes along with anticipating a visit to a new place and a new culture. And finally, I looked it up.
Pura vida! It works for "Hello." It works for "See you later."
How are you? Pura vida.
How was your day? Pura vida.
Is this alright with you? Pura vida.
I'm sorry. I hope you're not disappointed. Pura vida.
It works, apparently, for just about anything.
But suddenly we were here, and our guide Hurben delivered a meditation on Pura Vida, urging us that it was so much more than something to say. Costa Ricans, he said, embrace it as a way of life. He told the kids this visit would ask them to try new things, to challenge the limits of their comfort zones, to shrug off expectations, to encounter life as it comes to them, to dig deep and find the most positive force the could bring to bear in every situation. And in doing so, he assured them, they would experience the verve and purity of life that Pura Vida conveys.
While Hurben held forth, our bus made its way through San Jose. Three times we stopped for directions to a place that had no name for an event Spanish teacher Susan Soares had refused to describe. The guides were confused. The drivers were unsure. And we were exhausted from a trip that had begun at 4 am and 3,000 miles away. When the busses cut their engines on a steep hill, we crossed to an unmarked driveway that fell away at a similarly steep angle.
An enormous dump truck sat at the bottom, as did a large tent decorated with balloons and welcome signs and a tiny house and yard from which Susan's mother, aunt, and uncle emerged. They threw their arms around her. They served us dinner, serenaded us with marimbas, and promised the arrival of dancers. And we watched as Susan enjoyed her first visit home in 12 years.
More family poured in. Time ticked by. The kids' energy waned. The guides became restless. We waited for the dancers--none of sure where, how, and when the evening would finally end, and we would sleep.
And then it happened.
Austin B grabbed three fruits that had fallen from a tree and began juggling.
Maddie asked the marimba player for his mallets and tried playing.
Laura, Nkenge, Mercy, Breanna, AMelia, Aurora, Liz, Lauren, Bekka, Marissa, and Mandy started dancing.
Nick, Brooks, Hailey, Austen, and Katie introduced a young cousin to Freeze Ninja.
Ian leapt from the table and ran to join the game.
Gabby joked and played with another small cousin.
Graham, Jesse, Michael, and Brooke limboed and danced with costumed dancers who had finally arrived.
And Susan walked across 12 years and up the driveway to open a car door and greet her teary dad, who did not know she was coming to Costa Rica and whom the family had arranged to surprise.
Pura Vida indeed.
Pura vida! It works for "Hello." It works for "See you later."
How are you? Pura vida.
How was your day? Pura vida.
Is this alright with you? Pura vida.
I'm sorry. I hope you're not disappointed. Pura vida.
It works, apparently, for just about anything.
But suddenly we were here, and our guide Hurben delivered a meditation on Pura Vida, urging us that it was so much more than something to say. Costa Ricans, he said, embrace it as a way of life. He told the kids this visit would ask them to try new things, to challenge the limits of their comfort zones, to shrug off expectations, to encounter life as it comes to them, to dig deep and find the most positive force the could bring to bear in every situation. And in doing so, he assured them, they would experience the verve and purity of life that Pura Vida conveys.
While Hurben held forth, our bus made its way through San Jose. Three times we stopped for directions to a place that had no name for an event Spanish teacher Susan Soares had refused to describe. The guides were confused. The drivers were unsure. And we were exhausted from a trip that had begun at 4 am and 3,000 miles away. When the busses cut their engines on a steep hill, we crossed to an unmarked driveway that fell away at a similarly steep angle.
An enormous dump truck sat at the bottom, as did a large tent decorated with balloons and welcome signs and a tiny house and yard from which Susan's mother, aunt, and uncle emerged. They threw their arms around her. They served us dinner, serenaded us with marimbas, and promised the arrival of dancers. And we watched as Susan enjoyed her first visit home in 12 years.
More family poured in. Time ticked by. The kids' energy waned. The guides became restless. We waited for the dancers--none of sure where, how, and when the evening would finally end, and we would sleep.
And then it happened.
Austin B grabbed three fruits that had fallen from a tree and began juggling.
Maddie asked the marimba player for his mallets and tried playing.
Laura, Nkenge, Mercy, Breanna, AMelia, Aurora, Liz, Lauren, Bekka, Marissa, and Mandy started dancing.
Nick, Brooks, Hailey, Austen, and Katie introduced a young cousin to Freeze Ninja.
Ian leapt from the table and ran to join the game.
Gabby joked and played with another small cousin.
Graham, Jesse, Michael, and Brooke limboed and danced with costumed dancers who had finally arrived.
And Susan walked across 12 years and up the driveway to open a car door and greet her teary dad, who did not know she was coming to Costa Rica and whom the family had arranged to surprise.
Pura Vida indeed.
July 8--A note from Austin B
Here is the thing about Costa Rica, it messes up your internal clock like crazy! Every single day I wake up at 6, thinking it's 9. This does give me some good time to prepare for the day, though. I wake up, usually make some noise, and accidentally wake up Graham. (oops : /) Then, I must prepare for the shower; five minutes of shivering through an Ice Age. The day begins here. Today was super productive! With only 9 people, we were able to get the roof on the greenhouse!
An interesting thing I've noticed is that being around native Ticos has almost made my default language Spanish. I even talk to my friends in Spanish, as well as write in Spanish, purely on accident. I am learning so much throughout the day, and I am becoming more confident. So far, I have asked for tools, food, to help, and even helped teach the children of the village three card games! I am learning so much about the culture, language, and the people. Not looking forward to leaving one bit!
An interesting thing I've noticed is that being around native Ticos has almost made my default language Spanish. I even talk to my friends in Spanish, as well as write in Spanish, purely on accident. I am learning so much throughout the day, and I am becoming more confident. So far, I have asked for tools, food, to help, and even helped teach the children of the village three card games! I am learning so much about the culture, language, and the people. Not looking forward to leaving one bit!
July 7--A Note from Jesse
Today we started the project. We are going to flatten land to make a recycle center for the village. We are also building a hot house for the crops. We almost had the leveling done when we found a rock. We tried to dig it out a little but it kept growing and growing and growing. By the time we got it fully exposed, it was at least 4 and a half feet at its widest and maybe 300 pounds. We got it manuevered
using three logs.
The rest of the day was very easy, well as easy as it can be when you are working. We leveled the ground by the time it was lunch, and the people working on the greenhouse had finisihed the frame for it. It then started raining. We had a good lunch and then learned we had to keep working in the rain! It was so muddy, so I pretty much ruined my shoes in the mud.
Once Austin, Graham, and I finished digging our hole, we headed back to the house and even though I had my rain jacket on, my shorts were soaked. I changed, got on with my life, and had dinner. Liz's birthday was today so we had her party. After section 2 left, we practiced for the talent show for the end of the week, but I am not saying what we are doing until after the talent show. Then we played cards and went to bed.
using three logs.
The rest of the day was very easy, well as easy as it can be when you are working. We leveled the ground by the time it was lunch, and the people working on the greenhouse had finisihed the frame for it. It then started raining. We had a good lunch and then learned we had to keep working in the rain! It was so muddy, so I pretty much ruined my shoes in the mud.
Once Austin, Graham, and I finished digging our hole, we headed back to the house and even though I had my rain jacket on, my shorts were soaked. I changed, got on with my life, and had dinner. Liz's birthday was today so we had her party. After section 2 left, we practiced for the talent show for the end of the week, but I am not saying what we are doing until after the talent show. Then we played cards and went to bed.
July 8--A note from Ian
Today we did the same thing--wake up, eat breakfast, then go to work. This time, I went to work by myself. As I was walking, I saw a really cool bird. It was all black with bright yellow eyes. I stared at it for five minutes and on with my walk to work. I wondered if the people that live here are like we are back in the USA, saying, "Look, I've seen that bird millions of times, and we are seeing it for the first time.
I got to work. We put up the roof and then we came back for lunch.
I got to work. We put up the roof and then we came back for lunch.
July 6--A note from Nick
Yesterday we arrived in Costa Rica. We went to someone's house for a small party and to watch people do a native dance. Today we visited a garden and tried lots of different fruits. The we arrived at our homestays.
It was cool finally realizing that we were out of the USA. It felt kind of weird, but good at the same time. The party we went to had a really nice environment, and everyone seemed really happy. Everyone was really nice to us.
It was cool finally realizing that we were out of the USA. It felt kind of weird, but good at the same time. The party we went to had a really nice environment, and everyone seemed really happy. Everyone was really nice to us.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Blog Number 1 (:
Blog 1!
This trip is amazing. It's Day 3 and we have just started our service project. I don't think that we have ever worked this hard before. I feel like even though we just started, we have accomplished so much. Btw, did I mention the food?!?!?!!?!?!?!? It's MUY BIEN! So many different flavors, and fruits...plus it's super fresh! It's super awesome to know that most of the fruit is picked off the trees in our neighborhood, and that food is all around us! :)
Yesterday we went to CATIE, which is a plant conservation garden. We learned about the history on Costa Rica's fruits and plants, and we even got to try some! Our intructor was really nice, and had fun trying all the different plants/fruits.
Our mama is amazing, she cooks all kinds of meals for us, and none of them are the same, so we are constantly trying new things! Also, we have started to be more concious about wasting food, and materials because our mama is the "queen of recycling"! We have help around the house, cooking and cleaning. Yesterday we even helped cook plantain chips, which was a blast!
Last night was our first time showering at the homestay, and it was one of the hardest things we have had to do! The water is freeezing cold, and makes us feel like we have frostbite. I don't think we've ever taken such a short shower. But it was a fun experience!
We cannot wait to make special relationships with our families, and the people around us. This trip is going to get better each and every day!
Hasta luego :)
~Mercy, Hailey, Katie y Brooke
This trip is amazing. It's Day 3 and we have just started our service project. I don't think that we have ever worked this hard before. I feel like even though we just started, we have accomplished so much. Btw, did I mention the food?!?!?!!?!?!?!? It's MUY BIEN! So many different flavors, and fruits...plus it's super fresh! It's super awesome to know that most of the fruit is picked off the trees in our neighborhood, and that food is all around us! :)
Yesterday we went to CATIE, which is a plant conservation garden. We learned about the history on Costa Rica's fruits and plants, and we even got to try some! Our intructor was really nice, and had fun trying all the different plants/fruits.
Our mama is amazing, she cooks all kinds of meals for us, and none of them are the same, so we are constantly trying new things! Also, we have started to be more concious about wasting food, and materials because our mama is the "queen of recycling"! We have help around the house, cooking and cleaning. Yesterday we even helped cook plantain chips, which was a blast!
Last night was our first time showering at the homestay, and it was one of the hardest things we have had to do! The water is freeezing cold, and makes us feel like we have frostbite. I don't think we've ever taken such a short shower. But it was a fun experience!
We cannot wait to make special relationships with our families, and the people around us. This trip is going to get better each and every day!
Hasta luego :)
~Mercy, Hailey, Katie y Brooke
All Good in the Village
It was a full day yesterday with a tour at the botanical Gardens at CATIE and introduction to the homestay families. Everyone is doing great and a perfect blend of young energetic Costa Rican kids to invite the CSD students into their homes.
They are getting ready today to build a recycle center for the village along with a compost system for each house in the community. Its going to be hard work and stay tuned for pictures to come.
They are getting ready today to build a recycle center for the village along with a compost system for each house in the community. Its going to be hard work and stay tuned for pictures to come.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Party on Night One!
They got a full dose of music on night one. Everyone is at the hotel getting a good nights rest after a long long day of traveling. We will get some face shots on tomorrows blog so you can get a better look at everyone nice and rested. Have a great night!
Arrived!
Everything is running as scheduled. They arrived on time and headed over to Santa Ana where they are enjoying some local flavor. They will be heading to the hotel after dinner and getting ready for the rest of the weeks adventure. Stay tuned pictures are on there way.... Pura Vida!
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