Day 1 and 2: Arrival, Service Day #1 and Rafting! :)

We arrived in Chilamate yesterday after a 5- hour plane flight and a 2- hour bus ride through the beautiful mountains. On the bus ride, we learned from one of our world leadership instructors, Randall, about the environment and the geography of the country. We arrived at the Eco Retreat and ate our first lunch in Costa Rica. Afterwards, we went on a hike through the rainforest with a knowledgeable guide, William, who taught us a lot about wildlife, the rainforest, and safety. We saw poison dart frogs and many interesting plants and heard howler monkeys. When we returned, we unpacked and got settled in our rooms. In the evening, we created our own list of expectations, norms, and concerns. Afterwards, we did ANCHOR, a World Leadership School evening tradition. A is for appreciations: something we saw, did, or participated in during the day that we appreciated. N is for news: going over the schedule for the next day. C is concerns: any worries that anyone has. H is hopes: what we hope we will do or what we hope will happen during the trip. O is for obscurities: a new, fun, and interesting fact that we learned during the day. R is for reading: a quote we find meaningful and inspirational that will guide our actions throughout the trip.

We completed the first service day. We worked on the community center from 9-12. The community center will be used by the local artisans to trade and sell their goods. We painted several mallas with green anti-corrosive paint, which will be part of the final center. When we had a break, we interviewed three local artists who were selling bracelets, necklaces, earrings, key chains, hand-painted tote bags, jewelry boxes, and small pictures. We practiced our Spanish speaking skills and learned a few new words as well.

For lunch, we split into three groups, each with one instructor, and we ate with our respective homestay family. Molly, Mackenzie, Mimi, and Madison stayed with Zayda, her daughter, and her granddaughter. The food was delicious. They learned a lot about her family, about making jewelry, and what it is like to be an independent woman in Costa Rica. They petted the baby chicks on the family farm and helped her seven-year old daughter with some English. It was really inspirational to see a woman who has been through a lot and does not have much materially but still has a positive outlook on life. She said her home is her heart, and that her home is full of love. She made her guests feel very welcome. Alex, Chloe, and Jessica stayed with Digna and her family. Her grandson, Alejandro, who is 15 years old, showed them around the farm. They took pictures of the chickens, turkeys, cows, goats, horse, and their adorable dogs. They talked with the family about a typical day as a student in America and realized how different their lifestyles and schedules were. Throughout their stay, they met different members of the host family including cousins, aunts, nieces, and nephews. Maggie, Linden, and Grace stayed with Yamileth. There were six children in the family, five of whom they met. The little girls were fascinated by the camera. They wanted to know more about them and take a lot of pictures. Grace, Linden, and Maggie showed the girls the pictures they took from home. When they gave the gift, which was a picture book of scenes in New Jersey, to their host family, the host family was very excited. The little girls were fascinated by the snow because they had never seen it before. When they saw the maple leaf, they quickly recognized it as the “Canada symbol”.

After lunch, we met up together, and went white water rafting. The five freshmen and Dr. MacCornack were in one raft; the five sophomores and Ms. Lukeman were in the other. We were all very excited and going over the rapids was thrilling. Everyone got a chance to go swimming in calmer waters. We saw a lot of different types of birds and wildlife. The freshman group even saw a howler monkey.  As we looked around, we thought the view was “too perfect”. Many people spend so much money trying to make their homes look the way our surroundings did naturally. The forest and the river looked more like something out of a movie or a Jurassic Park ride. It seemed more like a simulation than reality. After rafting, we ate 2 pineapples and 2 watermelons that were actually freshly picked and dripping with delicious juice. We walked back to a bridge near the Eco Retreat, where we are staying. The bridge was a little over 15 feet above the water. Everyone jumped off the bridge. For many people, it was their first time jumping from so high. Some people jumped twice. Afterwards, everyone showered, had dinner, which was delicious as usual, talked about what we got out of the experiences of the day, went over tomorrow’s schedule (going to an organic farm and planning the curriculum for when we visit the Chilamate Elementary School on Monday), and then  went to bed to the sounds of the rainforest.