I do feel that the work project is meaningful. I totally understood what the community is up against and how they are trying to solve the situation. I had plenty of free time. The food was always plentiful and delicious. The cabins looked like they would be a great place to stay. I chose to stay with Alvaro and his family in one of their spare rooms. It worked out great for me. From previous mission treks, I've already realized what a wasteful culture we live in and how everything is driven by financial gain. The people of El Sur are happy and grateful for what they have. I thoroughly enjoyed all the planned activities, especially playing soccer with the kids in the village. I will definitely do another volunteer vacation in the future. --Stephen Zeller

Today was a very long, (yet productive!) day. We finished making the bridge and it looks great. I was incredibly hungry right around lunch time and was pleasantly surprised when I was served fried chicken at Carmen's house! It made me miss the fried chicken back at home. Everyone here in El Sur is just so friendly, always welcoming us with a warm smiling face. Every meal is a new adventure. I feel very comfortable with each family I encounter, and feel very at home. Before I left for Costa Rica, a few friends of mine said that the "ticos" are very friendly. They were right! It's just great. Tonight we all made smores by the fire and sat around and talked. I was in absolute heaven! The chocolate was awesome with hazelnuts in it! Afterward, Ronald played the guitar and sang! It was a really mellow and relaxing night that brought everyone together. Everyday that passes is another chance to experience how different life can be. It's an experience how different life can be. It is an experience that I am sure that I will remember! -- Amanda

Beginning at 6 am, 6 of us set out with Roy in a "bird watching" hike. The plan was to begin working on completing the bridge at 7 am that we had begun the day before. Our bird outing ended 3 hours later. Roy took us on some side trails and we saw a green parrot, a hummingbird, and 2 big beautiful light blue butterflies that flew along the stream. I was so hot that I emptied my pockets and dove in for an unscheduled, chilly, rejuvenating dip. We ended up at a secluded stream following a 30-minute decent along the side of a steep incline. On the way back up, the heat, humidity, and the muddy terrain left me panting and diaphonic. I pulled it together enough to complete the journey. What began as a leisure bird watching outing evolved into a battle against exhaustion. Bird watching was supplemented by obtaining sufficient oxygen on my personal priority list. There was the contrast of untouched natural beauty with stifling heat, traitorous footing, and heavy humidity. Once back from our morning stroll, it was back to work on the bridge. By noon, the final touches on the bridge were done and the highly needed "free time" was the reward. -- DEAN SANDIFER

This is Andrea. It's been a long few days! So far, I've got a few great memories from this trip. The guy dancing in the bar and doing somersaults into the wall, hearing "Do you believe" by Cher blasting from one of the houses, the 3 puppies(so cute), pluse everyone I've met and befriended since I've been here.-- Andrea
Click here for more of Andrea's impressions

Hi it's Hannah! We only have one full day left in the rainforest of Costa Rica. Lets ee, we've built bridges, milked cows, painted, taught English, learned Spanish, rode horses (and motorcycles), gone swimming, planted seedlings, danced, sang, ate, fed the dogs and bonded with the village people. It's been a great experience meeting everyone and helping everyone. I also had a lot of fun walking and hanging out with my cabina friends! We spend most of our nighttime at the "bar" . We bought like half the store for only 500 colones. Last night me and Sarah ate ant Nena's house, and a few times, bugs would get zapped and fall dead from the light onto the table. I've tried multiple fruit juices and some interesting food! -- Hannah Sandifer

This is the third week of mission work I've done so far this summer, and honestly, before I came to this trip I was not too excited about working in the hot sun for people I don't know-with people that I don't know-for the third time in 2 months. But not knowing people here is not at all the case. All the volunteers have gotten along fairly well and the Costa Ricans treat us all like family that hasn't visited in a while. This trip has turned out to be better than what I had expected already, and we have several days to go. I cant say I just love all the new juices I've tried here, but the food itself is awesome. The work here isn't unbearable because it's only for a few hours in the (early) morning. The biggest surprise for me was that everyone here goes to bed around 9:00. That for me back home is just about the time to go out until curfew brings me back home! So it's a little weird . I love the mountains because Florida has none what so ever! I don't mind all the up hill treks, because I know after we leave it will be a really, really long time before I go up anything but stairs. And the first time I got bit by any sort of insect was this morning on our walk (more like journey) to the bat tree. And I don't even wear bug repellent. I guess I have bad blood. Even though I speak minimal Spanish (Hola"¦como estas"¦that's all) it doesn't seem to be a major problem. Enough people speak a bit of English that there isn't total silence in a conversation. Either that or Sarah help us out "“ she's awesome by the way! I learned the necessary phrases: No habla espaniol, no encantado, ans no se once. Good stuff to know. I also learned that bug spray takes off nail polish "“ yet another great thing to know (just kidding like when am I going to need to know that?) Everything else I learned has been very useful, and the people I've met and befriended, I will never forget. -- Erin Sandifer

This is Steve. Today is Monday. It's been raining since 4 O'clock this morning. It's now 6:30 local time. The skies were lit up before the rain storm with light shows of lightning flashes. It's peaceful with the steady rain, the birds are chirping away. -- Steve
Click here for more of Steve's impressions

Today now marks the second day of playing in poo, horse or cow, who knows. I've got to admit this is definitely a trip of new experiences. Never before have I mucked out stables, poured poo mixed with soil into Baggies, or milked a cow. -- Kayleigh Peters
Click here for more of Kayleigh's impressions

Today was my favorite day of the trip. We rose early for a long horseback ride. I had the one white horse. It took me a little bit to get used to riding. Lots of beautiful views. We ate lunch at a series of small cascades. The water was low. This must be beautiful at high water. After lunch we rode to a swimming hole with a small cascade that is deep with a nice current.

Then came the Rice Pudding Party. For me, this was the highlight of the week. As we were chatting on the porch with the kids, Jesus came by with rice pudding. Then many others followed. 3 had rice pudding, all a little different. They had this planned, but did not tell us. It seemed odd that they all brought pudding "“ same flavor. The spirit of their community was very evident. This was very welcoming and made me feel very much a part of their community. Toward the end of the party there was a full rainbow across the mountains. This was a great event. People sharing their culture, laughing and having fun together. Defiantly a moment of transcendence. -- OJ Robinson

"I participated in 2 different Globe Aware trips to Costa Rica. I work full-time so I cannot easily take 3 weeks off, so the timing was perfect. I felt the programs were so well organzied that not only were there activities set in place to help us bond with fellow volunteers and the community hosts, but also to contribute to the community projects quickly. I came away quite shocked that both 1) I was actually able to help and 2) that I felt the community and experience taught me more than vice versa. The lushness of the tropical rain forrest was exhilierating. How lucky this community is to live amidst those gorgeous waterfalls and scarlet mackaws! It was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had. I think I'm now ready to try out some of the more exotic locales." - - Brenna Fizgerald - Dallas, Texas

I learned how people can be very happy and bright even when they don't have enough money or modern facilities. Second, I learned how to interact with strangers and know about their worries. Before I came to Costa Rica, I thought we were coming to a jungle. I could'nt imagine that a village like this would be formed in the middle of a rain forest. At first, I wondered why people chose to live in such a difficult enviroment. But now, I realize that compared to other Costa Rica cities, these people are having so much more tranquilities and beauty of the nature around them. With the purity and natural abundance of the rain forest, people have found their own way of leisure and survival. During this trip, I really enjoyed staying here, and I appreciate the love and care that the town people showed us.

--Lim Ji Young, Kent CT. (age 18) Click here for more of Ji's impressions:

GA,

It's bittersweet to be home.. can't wait to go back. My brother and I took over 700 pictures, and we're just going to filter out the blurry ones from the ones we really like. Once again we cannot express enough gratitude for the opportunity to serve in El Sur. We are beginning to plan the next time we will be able to travel back to the village because our experience was so moving. We'll be in touch...

--JuDonn Bishop, Eustace Preparatory School Group, New Jersey

Tuesday At 5:00 am went to Arocelly to make Dulce. I stirred and turned until the consistency was right. It is poured into molds that are bull shape. The finished product is hard-formed brown sugar. One of the uses of this is to mix with water called "Agua Dulce" (sweet water). They would say to us "it's very good for you" . I ate at Alvero's and had a beef patty (like a sausage patty) with mashed potatoes, bowl of rice, cabbage salad, papaya juice, and lentils.
We also saw Ronaldo's beehives and walked to the top of the mountain to a sugar cane field, with a machete you pick out a yellowish one in color it is cut at the ground. It is then cleaned with the machete and keeps the green top part to stick back down into the ground to grow. They bring down with oxen and cart with water. We planted 10 different trees and made signs with the names they were given.
Roy, Mario, Crandell, and Juana took us to spear shrimp in the river. Wearing rubber boots, we are told to always walk in the river because of poisonous snakes. We used lights to spot shrimp eyes, which shine red"¦.
Then get ready"¦
Aim"¦
Spear the shrimp!! I loved the "spotting" job. We got 26 shrimp. Some looked like a lobster. We ate our shrimp on corn tortillas for Desayano (breakfast). - - Deborah Samuels

I am back from my trip, and what an amazing experience. I hope that everyone will do a trip like this at least once in their lifetime. I enjoyed it so much, I'm already thinking about doing another one next year. And if, AND WHEN, I have children, I want them to take part in trips like this as often as possible. It's so important to know the world outside of the U.S.
- - Stephanie Whittemore Click here for more of Stephanie's impressions

Jacqueline Anders 9yrs old

Kara Anders 7yrs old

Rourke Anders 5yrs old

Click here view journals made by some of our alumni kids listed above.

Click here for more comments from our Costa Rica Alumni

Project Crica (Bishop Eustace Prepatory School) July 2004

This story, like all good stories, has a beginning and an end. It is a tale of six motley volunteers in a town called El Sur de Turrabares, somewhere way off the beaten track in Costa Rica. It is a tale of love, hate, passion, despair, and hope"¦ and a bunch of other clichéd nouns found in paperback romance novels and poorly made soap operas. Seriously though, between the cliff diving, salsa dancing, trash talk, UNO, torrential rainstorms, crazy futbal games, and Fanta, they all managed to become better friends and actually help some people. Go figure.

This story, like all good stories, is there's alone. Others will not know of their experience simply by reading these words on this paper. They must experience it themselves, and that's all there is to it.
Let us begin at the beginning, from the mouths of the volunteers that are here with me:
(Andy Wolf, New Jersey)

Hola Hola! I never thought the plane ride would end. As I peered out the window, I could see what seemed to be mountains of Costa Rica. Ok"¦ so I was dreaming, but sure enough 5 hours after take off"¦ we were there. As I walked through the airport of San Jose, I noticed the familiarities of Papa Johns, Burger King, and thousands of American faces. To my disappointment in the lack of new culture would quickly disappear once we stepped inside Rudolpho's van. Beautiful colored houses; multiple Imperial signs, large crocodiles, insane humidity and friendly people were among the first impressions of our group. While trying to take in all that I was experiencing"¦ I couldn't help but fall asleep because of how boring it was. Just kidding"¦ One, two skip a few"¦ We've been here for 2 days now. Life is hard, I mean good"¦ Los puchillos are necessary to Costa Rican life. Today we went to El Rio, and the basic swimming and drifting was getting boring. So Tita and I decided to jump off of the rocks. We owned El Rio from that day on. Hello, hi"¦. The ninos aqui are very adorable. I cannot get enough of them. Unlike those little monsters that we have in estados, Costa Rican ninos are very well mannered, pero very divertida at the same time. Miguel and Sarita son, muy lazy especially Sarita. Today she rode a horse while we worked claiming that she was fetching out food"¦liar. Sharlene talkes a lot of trash and brags about all the hard work that she does"¦ whatever, she's got nothing on Roy. Andy cannot muscle the wheelbarrow, and Roy makes a lot of jokes because of it. I don't think Alexandra can even lift the wheelbarrow maybe they should get married. I think Andy will stay for an extra week. I heard Roy say something about keeping him in his back pocket. Christina, daughter of Gilda, pronounces my name very well. I will marry her now. Gotta go eat!
--JuDonne DeShields, New Jersey

There is something about El Sur that lets you confront your fears. This is probably true in any non-touristy exotic place, but in the past few days I have faced acrophobia (fear of heights), ant-o-phobia (fear of ants), and of course, cow-o-phobia (fear of large milkable animals that are easily enraged and enjoy clocking Alvaro in the head) Yes, he's fine, thank god!

My Spanish has improved to a muy grande extent. I am now allowed to say "Habla un poquito espanol" instead of a simple "no" . Also, I am equipped with the ability to maintain 5-10 minutes of small talk, provided the other person speaks slowly and uses vocabulary that is limited to that of a four year old. Now that I think about it though, I rarely understand Andre, and he's tres anos"¦ whatever!

Sophia taught me how to salsa on Tuesday. She said that I had a good sense of rythem and asked if I had done salsa before. Naturally people say this type of thing to me all of the time.

In terms of actual work, I feel like we've been really productive. El Puentes is all painted and rust/warp-proof now. Sweet. In addition, we've been teaching the kidlets in la scuela English and first aid. Christina is madd enthusiastic. The kids love her. Mass props!
-- Andy Wolf, NJ

Mario loves to say "mas" . By the end of the week, I was calling him "Mario mas" . He builds things that last. (except the basketball rim, but I am not mad about that) Everyday Henri just rips off his shirt and plops down on the chair in the front porch. He's not worried about you or anyone else seeing his stomach. It's all good! Pur Vida!

Jose talks like there is no tomorrow. He's going to tell you as much info as possible"¦ in as little time as possible. The topic is always futbol, so prepare yourself. I'm a find that boy a novia, so stayed tuned.

Carmen is the orginal. He had the poochio and his hat his hat on at all times"¦always ready to create a trail and give you his best smile.

I could go on about everyone that I have met for days. And either already have met for days. And I either already have or will be in the near future. El Sur just opened her doors and gave us an incredible home. For one week, we were all together. Talking to folk. Teaching. Learning. Laughing. Sharing. Oh, and did we eat. To my fellow volunteers: Thank You.
--Todd Johnson, NJ

El Sur taught me so much this week. The people of El Sur are beautiful. I made so many friends and I hope to return ASAP! The communial way of life is amazing. The people are "poor" but so rich at the same time. I lived in New Y ork for years and the US for 22 years, and I never see people happy. The people of El Sur are content with their lives. They value family, friends, and hard work. This experience in El Sur has truly changed my outlook on the world. I hope to co me back and work in El Sur, probably teach English in the school. I thank God my family and Sara y Sharlene for a truly pura vida experience. -- Mike

Tonight after dinner Mario and me went through a First World Book from A to Z. We must have reviewed over 120 words. It was amazing how much Mario knew. I picked out most of the words in English, but he took the time to teach me in Spanish. We also discussed formal V. informal, the importance of studying a language with people that speak the language and many other topics of conversation. He talked in Spanish or I talked in English but we were still understood what the other person was saying.
-- Christina Caliazzio, NJ

I am being raised in a very sheltered environment in the United States and rarely come into contact with any kind of poverty, I understand now that there are many materiel things that are completely unnecessary, as the people of El Sur are the happiest, most level-headed people I have ever met. -- Lee Gold

I enjoyed this trip immensely, it has been one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had, and I look forward to volunteering with Globe Aware again in the near future.--Melanie Jenson

We saw so many macaws and toucans!--George Madison

Our coordinator was a pleasure. She was very helpful with translating and kept us on schedule. She has developed a wonderful rapport with the community and is well respected. --Patty Sullivan

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