The Cure

“We’re not here for hygiene”. This prophetic line from Tom Earls was uttered as we first arrived in Costa Rica. We all knew we would be separating from our daily amenities and comforts as we headed out of the country and into the jungle. As much as we talked about how jungle living would be a great opportunity to see the healing and beauty in simple living, there was no saying of how our group would respond until being in the thick of it.It is telling that this morning as we were preparing to head to the airport from our hotel that some of the kids asked that instead of getting their phones back when we get to the Atlanta airport, they wanted to wait until we had boarded the plane. They wanted to spend the last hours with each other without distraction. One of the prayers that we prayed often on the trip was, “God, please open our eyes to where you are.” Without the deluge of busyness, pressure, and distractions that we face each day, the 8th graders, as well as the chaperones, saw each other in a new way. We heard and shared stories with each other. We learned about friends and families. We looked at each other in the eyes when we talked. We listened. Not the half listening, but the active listening that it takes to see the soul. We started to notice each other in a new way. One thing that we all looked forward to each day was not always the exciting events that were planned, but were the bus rides. The kids loved being with each other. Just being. It was great for us chaperones to be a fly on the wall and listen in gratitude as they all realized they don't need the technology to be with each other.The unplanned events also allowed for the students to shine their brightest.  They always rose to each challenge and were able to maintain good attitudes throughout their experiences.  Just ask about the el collective ride…  They embraced each bump in the road and enjoyed their time with their friends.  They sang church songs, songs on the radio and the entire “99 bottles of milk on the wall” song.  The travelers told stories, shared jokes, and bonded over silly events.  We all strengthened relationships and created new friendships.
We think we have found the cure for “tech neck.” Monkeys in the trees… Birds in the skies… Sloths in the branches…Perry, Brian, Carolyn, Tim, Matt, Tom, Julie, y Celeste

Last few days pictures