Off the grid kids 3

Creek Hike

Hello!  This morning we woke up to the shining sun and sweet smells of breakfast!  We left for the creek on our bus.  We saw a sloth, with a baby, as we pulled into the parking lot.  We grabbed over sticks and set out for an adventure.  We saw many poison arrow frogs, only found on the Osa, thanks to our guide Jordan.  We had a lot of fun, falling and laughing lots of times, especially Clare and Riley ( nicknamed 2 stooges).  We ventured far and did fun team activities such as waterfall climbing and we helped the person behind us.  We saw a large spider and let shrimp eat dead skin off our feet.  We went back and midway through the travel, jordan caught a  blue morpho butterfly.  It was very old because of the dull color and ripped wings.  At the restaurant we had amazing vegetable and chicken quesadillas.  We played ping-pong and cooled off with mango smoothies.  Another fun day!! Miss you all!! <3 Skylar and Clare

Horseback Riding - A Wild Ride

Hello my friends!  Today the Mannix/Geeding group went horseback riding!  Today we ate a delicious breakfast and then we were on our way!  Once we got to horse farm we got to assigned horses and learned their names.  then we were off for a very fun and bumpy ride.  WE traveled through many beautiful sites.  We trotted, galloped, and walked.  Walter and his family made us a wonderful meal of rice and beans, chips, and french fries.  We also had ice cream!!  We then played soccer and swam in the pool.  Next, we met up with the zip line group and went back to the lodge!  We went swimming in the ocean and chilled out around the beach.  We had an amazing dinner and then made rosaries for the school we are donating to. Now, we are going to bed and cant wait for all the new exciting memories we will make!  Lots of love to those at home! - Addie and Graceyn

Zip-Line

Hola from the Osa side!! (Adele voice)  We woke up and had a great breakfast!  It was toads-in-a-hole which is toast with an egg in the middle of it.  Before getting on the bus to go zip-lining, we saw toucans flying and perching over our lodge.  When we arrive at La Palma Zip-Lining.  We received our uncomfortable but sturdy harnesses.  Our first zip-line was scary and exhilarating.   Everyone’s butterflies were gone after that.  We were able to enjoy all 6 zip-lines!!  While zip-lining we zoomed over the beautiful Costa Rican forest.  The last zip-line was a half mile.  We ate a great lunch and then we went to the horseback riding house and swam. We had a breath holding contest and Liza stayed under for 2 and a half minutes.  After swimming, we went back to the lodge and swam some more in the ocean.  We ate pork and mashed potatoes for dinner.  It was great!  Muy Delicioso!  Buenos Noches mis amigos! Love and miss you!! Michael M, Jack Mo, Brian D, and Jackson <3

PS - thank you for asking us questions 1D!  We put the bat houses today, so we havent seen if it has made a home to any bats.  the pool at Hacienda Baru was very warm but still cooled us off from the even hotter weather.  The waterfalls were 15 feet high and lots of fun!

Ms. Kelly has been diligent and dedicated to getting the blog updated and organized each day- big thank you! This is my first time uploading, as I sit in the internet cafe in Puerto Jimenez. We have been encountering God in many different ways since we have been down here and have been noting the many God moments. Getting off the grid and separating from the "screens" has allowed us to hear and see a bit more clearly. We hope you feel the prayers, love and energy each day from our group. We are thinking often about you back home- families, friends, St. Mary community and all. Thank you all for your prayers. We most definitely have been held up by them each day. Buen Camino!                  - Brian Geeding