Learning, Educating, and Volunteering

Shelagh and Olivia here:

Today was a day focused on learning, educating, and volunteering. This morning we walked for about 30 minutes under the baking hot sun to the school in Cristo Rey. It was an exhausting walk, but it was worth it in the end. When we arrived at the school, the kids were overcome with joy just to see us walking towards them. As soon as we got there, we split up into three groups and went to our first classes with the third graders. The classes were art, P.E. and library. In P.E. we taught the kids how to play football. They loved it. Then in art we made papier-mâché lanterns. Finally, in library, we read the books that we brought with the kids. It was fun to read to them, and it was good practice for us. After we were done with all of our classes, we had quick snack and headed back to the ecolodge. Because it was so hot, the instructors let us swim in the river. It was really refreshing. Then we went back to our rooms, got dressed, and had lunch. After lunch we went on a short hike through the forest to get a glimpse of what we would be hiking through tonight and what this land should look like. We got to hear howler monkeys. We then walked up the road to a pineapple plantation and learned about how pineapple farming can help and hurt the land and the people. When we were done at the plantation we walked to a woman’s house to play pineapple games, have cookies and lemonade, and learn about sustainable farming in Costa Rica. We headed back to the ecolodge and had a little break before dinner and the night hike.

Olivia:

My favorite part about today was when we went to the school and helped/played with the third graders. I especially enjoyed reading to this one girl named Cristal. She wanted to read to me the book that I brought from home. I let her read it to me, and then I read a book that she picked out. I also enjoyed when we were teaching them a project in art class. Cristal and the other little girl I helped were perfectionists about how to make the lantern (just like me). Then at the end when we were heading out Cristal ran out to me and gave me a marble that she got for me. Overall, today was a really fun day for me.

Shelagh:

My favorite part of today was going to the woman’s house and playing games. We played games that helped us understand the cons of pesticides. We also talked a lot about how bad pesticides are at plantations. The games were really fun and included a lot of teamwork. At the house, there was a really cute dog that loved people and wanted lots of attention. He was very playful and everyone loved him. There was also a cute little boy named Jefferson who was only four. All the girls thought he was super cute. The family that lived at the house and gave us snacks were very generous. I had a really great time, and I appreciated the kindness of the family.

P.S. Hi, Moms and Dads! Don't worry--we're all fine!