Costa Rica Update 2

Tarrah Elam, our International Program Coordinator writes:

“We started our morning with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast of rice and beans with eggs, fruit, and juice. It was delicious and filling! We left our hotel at 8:30AM to drive to Guayabo Archeological Park. We learned a lot about the indigenous tribe called the Cavecar, their living establishments, aqueducts, and their way of life. The settlement, which is only 1/4 of the way uncovered, was very impressive. We had a bilingual guide, however, she gave her presentation in Spanish. Our Spanish speakers did a beautiful job translating the information for our French speakers. It was a great morning with some cloud cover and intermittent sun. Before leaving, we had a picnic lunch of pasta, chips and salsa along with more FRUIT!

On our way back to Turrialba, we made our first stop at the orphanage. We PLAYED AND PLAYED AND PLAYED. The 14 students were full of life and smiles. The children of the orphanage and some of our kiddos rode the horses, which was a highlight, but after watching our kids interact with the children of the orphanage – the simple game of cops and robbers (somewhat similar to tag) was touching. It didn’t matter if our students could speak Spanish or not – there is a universal language that was being spoken. Running, laughing and pointing was all that was needed.

We painted the first layer of paint on the shed that was built. Tonight, we will start to design a mural that will be painted on the front side Monday morning. Our students are excited to return on Monday – as am I. I am so happy with the way all of our students represent themselves. They are willing to take risks, and be part of what is happening around them. Each person we have interacted with has nothing but compliments for the group. It is nice to feel a sense of pride being a leader of the group and to be able to say that I agree – they are fantastic kids.”