A special note from Kristina, Program Director:
“Check out the new header and background on our website! I am photographing a lot on my journey. The children are from Escuela Peters in Sarchi and the background was taken in a bus while I was traveling to the school in Costa Rica!”
Costa Rica
Friday-September 30th
Introduction to Costa Rica and Home Stay: (Please see the slideshow at the bottom of this page.)
On the 30th of September at 2:00 am, I arrived in Costa Rica. I was very delayed, after leaving at 8:00 am on the 29th from Portland, Oregon. Exhausted but excited I was welcomed by Lorena Frias and her family in their beautiful home in the mountains of San Rafael, Heredia, Costa Rica.
Their gardens consisted of herbs, vegetables and beautiful native flowers. I saw corn growing and fruit trees. Limes were in season. Flocks of parrots flew around and many colorful birds I did not recognize. Three very cute cocker spaniels resided on the property and watched out for us. Another home on the property was Lorena’s sister, Gabriella (Gabby), a wonderful artist who uses coffee in her paintings and found objects and her two sons and husband.
Lorena’s parents were very welcoming and good to me. Her mother Tina’s passion is to care for her family and make sure everyone is well feed. The weather was super nice during the day and cooler and rainy in the afternoons and at night. The Friday before I was to leave for Ometepe, Nicaragua I made two large pots of chili for futbol night! The entire family and some friends joined us at Gabby’s house and we had a wonderful time watching Costa Rica play soccer with Brazil. At the end everyone surprised me with a happy birthday song in Spanish and cake with cupcakes. I was so surprised and very moved.
Lorena has been a Partner of the Americas member for 12 years. She has been teaching English for many years. I really enjoy learning from Lorena as she often talks in both English and Spanish.
When volunteers work with Partners of the Americas chapter members in either North or Latin America, home stays, meals and transportation is covered. Additionally, careful coordination with community members is organized. This is what makes Partners of the Americas successful and wonderful for volunteers. Lorena had put an impressive itinerary together for me, which proved to be very successful! Not only did I visit five schools in five days, I also visited beautiful locations, hiked and learned about the Indigenous Costa Ricans.
Please see the next blog posting to visit our first school in Barva!
