Yesterday, we woke up a little earlier than usual because we had a big day ahead of us. This was our service day. We were nourished by another great breakfast of eggs, rice&beans, and fruit. We have a surplus of fiber from the past week of beans and are hoping to power the busses on the way to San Jose on Sunday with our surplus.
At 7:30am we headed to the Corcavado High School where we met with the organizers of ASCONA- a non-governmental organization trying to preserve the beauty of Costa Rica. They gave us a presentation about what they do and then we headed out to the backyard of the school. Our mission was to help create a sustainable garden area. Before we got started, there was a group of young adults who spoke to us about permaculture and helped guide our project. We worked with the high school students in creating a new compost area made of scrap metal, bamboo poles and other materials. We also painted a brick wall and cleaned up the area.
We ate lunch in the school cafeteria with all the students. We had their school lunch of rice, beans, chicken and a good sauce. It was an authentic experience.
After lunch we went to a private grade school where the students sang us their anthem and showed off their English. We sang our fight song to them. We also danced and played with the kids on the playground. We got all the kids to dab with us!
After our time at the schools were over, we went to the "Iguana Lodge", which is a nice resort in Puerto Jimenez. We went straight out to the Pacific Ocean and got pummeled by the 10 foot waves. (Don't worry we had life jackets). It was great because there were no rocks to worry about in the surf. "It made us realize how powerless we are in the grand scheme of things after being dragged 30 feet in 5 seconds by the waves." (Jerry B's words) Mama Bird (Cece) bodysurfed a wave all the way to shore and was classified as the expert wave rider. We played volleyball and then ate dinner there. Most of us got chicken tenders, fries, pizza, and tacos.
After dinner we had a night hike along the shore and stargazed at the clear sky. We left the Iguana Lodge around 8:00 and got back to our campus around 8:45. We were worn out from the long, great day and went to bed.
More to come tomorrow mis amigos en Los Estados Unidos. Nosotros desemos que todos son muy bien. Amor y Paz!
- Brian G and Jerry B
What a wonderful trip you're having! Matthew, I'm glad you got to experience the waves at the Iguana Lodge. I think I'm still a little sore from getting knocked around in them four years ago. I hope your last couple of days are great. We all miss you and can't wait to hear your stories when you get home.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dad
Sounds like an amazing surplus of fiber is powering everyone through all the activities and service work! Looks like an amazing trip! Can't believe how big those waves are -- awesome! Maggie, I'm looking forward to seeing you when you and I both get back from our International trips! I hope you were able to do some body surfing -- too bad you didn't have your boogie board from the OBX.
ReplyDeleteLove this update! Go beans! Great service work today!
ReplyDeleteOh- Skylar.....Sydney, Skylar, Dad, Rosie and Coco send kisses. We miss you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day! I am so glad you guys have this opportunity to see how other kids spend their school days! I know you guys are probably getting a little sad that your time in Costa Rica is coming to a close, but I can't wait until you get home and we get to hear first hand how awesome your adventure was. Enjoy you final day at Morgan's Lodge. Make sure you say your very sincere thank yous to everyone who made this adventure a reality!! Continue to use your good manners and be kind to everyone you meet. T, we can't wait to give you big hugs and kisses!!! Love you lots!! Mom, Dad, Lily and Sam
ReplyDeleteLooking back at all the pictures and reading the blog reminds me of how much I wish I could go on this trip again!
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone is having a great time and has made some awesome memories!
Please enjoy the time you have left, even the time spent traveling because you'll never get another opportunity like this with your classmates and friends at St. Mary.
Safe Travels and Pura Vida!
-Nicholas Hutchins
Michael-
ReplyDeleteRemember it's more important to smell good on the airplane ride home than on the bus ride back to San Jose. Hope you saved a clean pair of undies for your plane ride home!
xoxo
Oh,Jerry-my critical thinker. Always on a search for answers. You're right. There are many times when we are powerless. During those, we rely on our faith in God & the plan he has. There are just as many times when we have GREAT power (which anyone who's ever seen the movie knows it comes with 'great responsibility'). During those, our power manifests itself in the choices we make. I am constantly impressed with your choices. Not that you're perfect! But your kindness & your desire to do the right thing have always made me so proud of you. It culminates in a wonderful balance between the plan God has & the path we create.
ReplyDeletePlease remember that you need to have $25 to check your bag @ the airport. (We gave you this. Remember?) I go from feeling like you've been gone forever to feeling like you just left. My hope is that you have learned some terrific life lessons & enjoyed some of this world that you can't experience in our backyard. See you soon! (I like the way that sounds.) I love you. <3 Mom
Hey Riley and Graceyn!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you've all had an outstanding week. I've enjoyed seeing the pictures. The "48-person dab salute" my favorite so far. We miss you here veery much and can't wait to see you. Travel safe and soak up these last moments of the trip. You'll remember them forever. - love you, Dad
Hey Jer, it's your brother Carson. Hope you are enjoying your last day in Costa Rica. You guys are doing important work out there bringing the dab to central america. Have a safe flight back man, I'm not sure how much longer Sugo is going to last before he loses his mind.
ReplyDeleteIt's mom. & frankly I'm much more worried about dad. He's been talking to Sugo A LOT!
DeleteHey Caroline! Hope you enjoyed your last day in the Rain Forest! Loved all of the pictures and informative Blogs. Can't wait to see you and hear about everything in detail. Love that LA bucket hat! XOXOXO Tracy
ReplyDeleteHi Drew. Enjoy your last day! See you at the airport Monday night.
ReplyDeleteLove mom and dad
Hi Elliot, Perry and all,
ReplyDeleteThe pictures have been great to see what you have been doing all week. Life back home is pretty uneventful in comparison. Messi seems to have taken the only male in the house role pretty seriously - he barks constantly! Especially at night. Miss you and enjoy the last days.
Love Mom
Counting down the hours until u get home Katie and mom
ReplyDeleteLuv u!!!! :) xoxo
Hi Grace and Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI know you guys are enjoying your last day at the Jungle Lodge. Any good talent floating around? My money is on Brian! Can't wait to hear all about it. Check your cabinas and the line to make sure you have everything. I'm sad that your trip is coming to an end-you'll always look back at this wonderful experience with your classmates. Remember to thank Captain Morgan, Randy, Jackie, and Marvin for everything. Enjoy getting back to reality at the hotel. A real shower will never feel so good. We can't wait to hug you Monday night! (and I will probably be crying)
Love, Mom and Dad
Hey Adaliene and Everyone,
ReplyDeleteHave fun on your last day in Costa Rica! Caroline, Claudia, Kate, and I have been so jealous of you these past 10 days but we can not wait to hear how much fun you had! Enjoy your last few hours there, you will never forget them! Love ya and see you soon!!!
Love,
Annaliese
Looks like you all have had a great time! Hope the conch is still intact when you return... ;) Stay golden and see you Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Chambers
Hi Riley and Graceyn,
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited to see you. So glad we were all able to follow along all of your journeys to learning about the rainforest. Participating in mass on the beach seemed totally amazing. Love love love the picture of the two of you. Now please make sure my Lily dresses make it home from Costa Rica ;) You are all in my prayers for safe travels home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the teachers and parents who looked out for you on this magical trip. They all have my eternal gratitude. We love you to the moon, the stars, and back (especially Olive).
XO,
Mom