Out of the Forest, to the beach, and home!

Matyas, 16

We're back to civilization after being in the rain forest for 3 days of work. We helped the Bribri people of Yorkin (pronounced Your-keen) build a trail, cut pieces of wood for lodge building, and start making a pathway to their new conference-center-in-progress. It was a lot of work but we got our rewards by swimming in a nearby stream at the end of the days, which was really fun. A couple of the other guys and myself (along with Mr. Moreland) were skipping stones down stream and eventually we got the whole group doing it with us. Then one of the little boys who lived there set up some rocks far away that we were all going to try and hit down. My favorite part was that when our guide, Matt, said it was time to go, he kind of forgot what he said and started to try and hit the rocks as well.

Being that I want to base my future career field in some type of Biology, visiting Costa Rica allowed me to see lots of animals. It gave me opportunities to catch small toads, lizards, and insects, as well as let me observe the beauty that is the Blue Morpho Butterfly.

After the rain forest we didn't come straight back home, we stopped by the Caribbean Sea first! I enjoyed that part the most. The country is just as culturally diverse as it is biologically diverse. The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has a pinch of "Rasta" culture, which is overall laid-back, but at the same time bouncing with Reggae music. The beach was stunningly beautiful, and I got to observe some marine life there as well. There were a lot of old coral reefs that were on the beach and some that were halfway in the water. On those ones Arturo, Shalyce, Mr. Moreland and I found lots of Sea Urchins. For the sake of observation, I got a stick and flicked one out to the coast, being sure to avoid its spines.

Overall, from the Rainforest to the Caribbean, the whole trip was worth it. I can't describe how beautiful this country is. Nor could I describe the whole experience of this trip on this blog. Its going to have to come out in person, but I still really encourage anyone to come visit Costa Rica and experience the true meaning of "Pura Vida."

Arturo, 17

The past four days were somehow very difficult to me. First of all, the four to five hour drive to Yorkin wasn't the best. Sitting in the bus made me feel really frustrated at times while people made too much noise. However, when arriving closer to Yorkin, the boat ride was definitely one of the most stress relieving things we did. For some reason I felt like the boat ride was one of the most exciting things we did on the trip. It gave me a lot of time to think and feel the freshness of nature. I believe it was one of the best things we did because it was one of the first times that I was able to be alone in a way. By the time of us going to Yorkin, I felt I needed some time to think alone and canoeing to Yorkin made me feel great.

As we did our service work in Yorkin, I definitely thought it was much more challenging than what we did in La Carpio. It was challenging because not only did we have to deal with the work but with knowing that we were in the middle of the forest and other minor things. As for me, one of my challenges is being in places in nature. By this I mean going camping, taking a walk to the park or being anywhere that is outside of the city, makes me feel depressed. However, in Yorkin, I thought I overcame that challenge because I did not feel any awkwardness in me. I tried to interact with some of the students more to keep my mind off thinking too much. We played cards about every day which helped even more and it became a routine.

Otherwise, after all, I felt really proud of myself because I knew I worked hard. We all worked hard and made the Stribrawpa community feel proud of us too by seeing us doing challenging work in the hot sun. Some time in the future I would actually like to go back to this community and see how much it has grown and how their projects are improving.

Thoroughly Impressed

Mr. Moreland, Science Teacher

Thinking back on the experience in both San Jose and Yorkin, I was thoroughly impressed by our students. When asked, they stepped up and worked hard, both in La Carpio and in the rainforest. If I asked for a few students to volunteer, there was always a group of students who would lend a hand. The work was back breaking, especially in Yorkin; however, our students met the challenge, working hard up to our last day in the rainforest.

During our interview with the Bri Bri community, I had many questions to ask our interviewee. However, I let the students decide upon which questions to ask, instead of interrupting and asking my questions. At the end of the interview, all of the deep questions I wanted to ask were asked by the students. The students had similar questions and curiosities about the Yorkin people to me, and they were not afraid to ask them. I don't think they would have done this at the beginning of the trip.

I believe that the experiences and the lessons they have learned about life, family, and the environment will stay with these students for a very long time.

MM

Although We've Come To The End of The Road.

Larry, 17

Well, there were a lot of things in this past couple of days I really enjoyed. We did a lot and it spanned from the rain forest to a high school to a volcano...to the beach. Not many kids can say they've covered so much land in such little time and had SO much fun! It's kind of sad that it's all coming to an end and I really wish that it wasn't ending. I've had the opportunity to learn more Spanish and learn a lot about myself. But the activity that meant the most to me would have to be our 4 day stay in Yorkin. What I really enjoyed about it was the fact that the people there were so welcoming. I was able to hold conversations with the kids and bond with them. I would have to say that my spanish has improved significantly. That was really enjoyable, as well as being able to talk to the high school students at Liceo Vargas of course. I have a lot to write and am running on a little bit of sleep so I split some of the things up below.

Food Late-Update!

I'm not sure if anyone has told you this but on one of our last days in San Jose before we went to the rainforest we had an underground operation called Project Pepe. Pepe was one of the high school students that we met. Since we were all stuck in the hotel together we weren't able to get [junk] food. This was where Pepe came in. With my awesome Spanish skills and Ashlee as well as Cherie we mustered up funds to bring [junk] food to us. We had to sneak it past Oliver, Arenth, Thomas and Moreland!!

Liceo Vargas High School

It was pretty awesome being able to talk to kids from another country and who all speak a different language. A lot of people found themselves struggling to communicate, but I didn't have that problem which was pretty cool. I've improved my Spanish dramatically. I managed to make some pretty awesome friends as well.

Yorkin

The experience was once in a life. We took a boat up to Stibrawpa and we stayed in the rain forest for a couple days and helped make paths. I was able to go with one of the lead builders for their new project of many houses as well as other things and I learned a lot.

I'm always being interrupted....so I'll let Cherie use the computer and finish later.

A handful of new experiences

Melina, 17

Over the past few days, I've learned a lot about appreciating the little things in life. Traveling to Yorkin was a really mind blowing adventure that made me realize just how good I have it. I'm not the type that's used to sleeping in a bed covered with a bug net every night, or that likes big beetles flying at my face during a group meeting, showering while being able to look right out into the rain forest, etc. Going to Yorkin taught me a lot about the way a whole other culture works around day to day issues and still remains happy and welcoming at the end of the day. But thankfully, I was able to manage my way through those few days, through the heat, hard work, food, and other unfamiliar challenges.

After overcoming the fear that the canoe was going to tip quite a few times, we made it back on the road again. We headed for Puerto Viejo, and I must say that being there was probably one of my favorite parts about the whole trip. It was much more lively, had pretty beaches with such warm/clear water, amazing hotel rooms, and a fun night life experience. Working hard in La Carpio and Yorkin really paid off. Being able to have a day or two of fun was much needed after all this time and I really enjoyed it.

Overall this trip has taught me a lot about myself, others, different cultures and ways of living and so much more. I don't regret coming at all and hope to experience more life changing expeditions at some point throughout life. Although I can't wait to reach Pittsburgh again and see my family, it's going to be sad having to leave Costa Rica and all the memories that will remain.

Yorkin: Joys and Struggles

Kiera, 16

The first day when I arrived in Yorkin I really wasn't surprised with what I saw. Our little cabins weren't that bad, even though there was no closing side to the roof, they gave us nets, so that we could protect ourselves from insects. I mentioned in my other blog that I love nature, and trust me, Yorkin is beautiful. I just struggle with bugs, I feel as though they are pointless and annoying. Throughout my time there, I was paranoid about being bit or hurt by bugs--especially when they told us about the scorpions. After I saw a scorpion in the roof of our dining lodge, I was even more paranoid.

I also struggled with the food; not only in Yorkin, but in Costa Rica in general. I struggled in Yorkin more because it was not like they had options, unlike the other restaurants and places we went where I would try to get something that I'm more comfortable eating. In Yorkin, we had to eat what we were given, or we just wouldn't eat. So I had a really difficult time trying the foods because I had never had them before. The only two things I loved were the bananas and the pineapples. They were extra juicy.

But enough about my struggles, I enjoyed so many things in Yorkin. I loved swimming in the river against the currents because I had never been in a river before, especially something like that. I also really loved the people there. They were such great people to be around. Even when some of us were mad, they just brightened up our days.

This guy, I forgot his name, but he was so sweet. He sang for us, whenever we went back to sit with him. They all were adorable, with their cute little smiles.

Also, Sam and I made a new friend, her name is Fevi (Fee-Vee). She was so adorable. She and Sam were having a photoshoot, and I joined them. She loved making cool faces for the photos, she was just so adorable. That's my new Bribri friend.

One other thing I loved about being in Yorkin was that the Bribri were happy to share their culture. We interviewed one person and asked her questions about the culture. Another lady taught us some of the Bribri language ("mia mia" means "thank you"). And we also were told some stories that have been passed down through their culture. Overall, I loved Yorkin, because it really showed me how different a culture can be.

Looking Back

LaShai, 17

Tonight is our last night in Costa Rica. Although I miss my family and everyone else at home, I'm really sad to be leaving. Being here we've gotten the chance to meet a lot of new people, and even though we've only known them for a couple of days it's really hard to say goodbye. I truthfully don't know whom I will miss most in Costa Rica because they all feel like family. I hope that when I return here in the near future that I can reconnect with the friends I have made here.

I think being here has made me appreciate so many of the little things. People here are so appreciative of things they do have and don't mind what they don't have. I hope that I can take that state of mind back home with me.

Wrapping it up....

Daontay, 18

Tonight is the last night in San Jose. I thought I would be much sadder to leave, but I'm not. It's not that I didn't love the country and its people, it's that I get to take all that I've learned and apply it to my own life in my own country. I wouldn't say that this trip was life changing, but it was a great experience that allowed me to see the world from a fresh pair of eyes. I will return home with a sense of connectivity and an awareness of the importance of language and communication. Costa Rica will always have a special place in my heart.

Wet Sand, Dry Sand, The Beach & Bracelets

Courtney, 17

The night before we left for Yorkin was one of the worst, but the next day actually ended up being one of the best days of my life. I was sad about having to leave the new friends I had just made and the comfort of the city to go to a place where I had no idea what was to be expected. But once I arrived in the community of the Bribri, I knew I was in the exact place that would develop me as a person and basically form the foundation of who I am to become and encourage the changes and transitions I will face.

The bus ride was a long one, and the canoe ride was as well, but it was well worth every hour spent sitting in one place. Of course the living conditions changed dramatically--we slept with nets covering us and showered with cold water. But in the end each day spent in Yorkin was a privilege. We either started the day with clearing an area for a walking path, hiking wet sand up trails, laying "cookies" (sections of large trunks of fallen trees cut by chain saw converted to form steps in a path) or planting seeds for the tree nursery. Each day was a great realization for me. I've never felt more comfortable in a place that was the complete opposite of where I have been raised.

In the end I found that I felt guilty for not being grateful for all that I have back in the states. I wished that I cherished life in the states as the Bribri do in Yorkin. It was a completely odd feeling yet, I felt rewarded because no one else in the group had that feeling and I knew that my definition of life is defined by the minor things like just living and breathing happily with the comfort of others and family members. I admire all the Bribri because of their courage to take on life for what it is, and not opt for the easy was out as many people do in the states.

Leaving Yorkin has to be the worst part of this trip for me, mainly because I felt so at home. I felt as if I belonged there and would have done anything to stay, but since the time was up, and I had to move on I reluctantly packed up, said my goodbyes and headed to this beautiful spot near the beach. my experience at the beach only heightened my feelings of disapproval toward the easy way out of life. I honestly would have preffered being in Yorkin still assiting them with what needed to be done and bonding with the people.

Ater buying a few bracelets, and some "stromberrry" juice...we packed up for the last time and are now in San Jose awaiting out final departure. I plan on crying...but I also plan on coming back as soon as possible.

First step, learn Spanish...Second step...figure out what I want to do in life and make sure it can be done in Costa Rica.