2022 Bethel Costa Rica Service Adventure

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Lovely Last Day in the Community 

Blog 4

Written by Maddox and Matthew McElwain

Today has been very exciting. After an amazing breakfast full of delicious food from our host families, who have never stopped showing how much they care, we returned to our service activities; this time each team switching places. During the day we finished painting la salón and cleared branches that were hanging above the school. During the tree trimming a large spider was found giving us a great opportunity to learn more about the wildlife and how to respect it.

As we returned to la salón to eat lunch generously brought by our host families, we had time to share some of our favorite parts of the day so far. As well as a delicious meal, we had the chance to help raise money for the school here to take their students on a trip to a national park by purchasing helados (ice cream). We had finished both projects ahead of schedule so naturally, with some free time after lunch we all wanted to play more fútbol with the local kids. We were having too much fun to stop even when it started raining on us making the clay mud very slippery. Even this could not dampen our spirits.

The host families wanted to pick us up even sooner today because they enjoyed having us in their homes so much. We ended our scrimmage match to head home with all of the families demanding that we take a shower and get into dry clothes so that we do not get sick. They have been so thoughtful and caring to us this whole time they really do seem like a second family.

Quick Note from Walking Tree: the refunds have been executed so please be on the lookout for the money to arrive back onto your forms of payment on file any day now.

Planting, Painting, Stretching, Growing

Written by Taylor Kinser
After an exciting and rainy arrival last night, we all woke up in our amazing host families’ homes to share delicious homemade breakfasts. Some of us got to hike up the long hill and take in the sights of the lush green valley, with views of the sea peaking out through the trees and toucans bolting through the landscape.
Everyone was excited to see each other after their first night with the host families to talk about their experiences. Two students danced with their three year old host sister, some played cards with their whole host families, and everyone shared new phrases they had learned in Spanish and tips on how to communicate better, such as using certain gestures. Students were really starting to take ownership of their Spanish by taking notes and constantly asking how to say things to their host families and community members:
“How do I say I love your house?”
“How do I say that Im excited to work?”
“How do I tell my host mom that I admire her giving spirit?”
The students broke into two groups for two different projects: painting the community center referred to as “la plaza,” or gardening around the elementary schoolhouse. They were incredibly committed and engaged in the projects. They painted the entire outside of la plaza in only one day! The students at the schoolhouse used their green thumb to plant many brightly colored flowers and till the earth around the school with fertilizer. We ended the day with a lively game of “futbol” with the elementary school students. There were laughs all around and the students can’t wait to go back and play with everyone again tomorrow!

Surfing and Zipping—June 22 Adventures 

Written by Heidi Aaron and Ashley Zuhlke  
Surfing:
Today’s first activity was surfing, where we met with our surfing instructors by a completely empty and fully beginner-friendly coastline. We practiced surfing techniques laying in the sand and then went to the waves, and we all had an amazing time. It was really amazing being able to celebrate when others were successful at standing up, and our own progress was fun to see.
Zip lining:
The other activity we did today was zip lining. There were a bit of nerves at first (since we were so high in the air) but everyone was having fun by the end. Many  people even did it upside down! It was incredible to see everything from the treetops, and the rain at the end only added to the experience. The forest was amazing and the staff were great.
Monkeys and other fun:
We aren’t even at the National Park, and yet we are already seeing tons of wildlife! We saw monkeys twice today traveling on our bus and stopped to see them. The first time, we saw a troop of capuchin monkeys at a restaurant, including a mother and her baby, and we saw them climb about and even jump on a metal roof for entertainment. The second time they were running along power lines near our hotel.
Besides that, we have been eating amazing food and enjoying equally fantastic weather. The conditions have been great and we are all super excited for tomorrow!

Day 1

Today the group arrived after braving a long night of travel! They were immediately curious about their surroundings on the way to our lunch spot, La Casona Del Maíz. There, we ate traditional Costa Rican fare, including casados, a traditional lunch consisting of plantains, rice, beans, and a protein, corn soup, and some delicious house made fruit drinks! The students ordered their food in Spanish for the first time and took in the views of the Costa Rican countryside, layered mountains dotted with rustic farmhouses and lush palm trees. On our way out, we saw a few fluffy wild bunnies from the overlook at the restaurant! This was our first wildlife encounter on the trip and we are looking forward to many more!

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