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.

An Unforgettable Journey

Patrick, 17

Transitioning from San Jose city life into an adventure in the rain forest in Yorkin has been one of the most difficult and challenging tasks that the group has experienced. This was when the teachers said that we would start getting frustrated with people and people would start showing their true colors; and they were right.

I personally have never been in the rainforest, so everything that I encountered was a first for me. The local people called the Bri Bri were so nice and welcoming to us. They cooked us 3 meals a day and provided us with snacks. I really liked and appreciated what they did for us. They were so patient, family-orientated, and respectful of each other and that's something that I really admire about them. From an economic point of view, we Americans have more than them but I think that they are truly happier than we are because they appreciate everything that they have and use all of their resources to their full potential.

As I previously mentioned, their were a lot of things in the rain forest that agitated people. The main thing was the bugs everywhere. It seems like it didn't matter how much bug spray or sun block we put on, there were still bugs everywhere. Also, people were frustrated at a lack of people's participation when it was time to dig down and work hard. From carrying huge and heavy bags of sand to carrying wooden "cookies," the work that we did in the rain forest was hard, tiring and made people want to give up, but I honestly believe that, as a whole, we did a fantastic job in the short amount of time given.

I think looking back at the whole rainforest experience, I am definitely going to appreciate the smaller things in life and not take anything for granted. I think the Bri Bri people showed me that and that's what I'm going to take out of it the most.

Things that I really enjoyed in the rainforest were all time we got to spend with each other and the endless laughs that we experienced. Also, I learned how to play a neat card game called President that I think was really cool. All the time I spent with my other group members let me get to know them as people, which I thought was really important. Also, although I dont speak Spanish particularly well, I think that playing soccer with the kids was really cool. Also (I know I use this word a lot) helping out in the kitchen was something really interesting because I enjoy cooking. Even though I got a lot of mosquito bites, I honestly think that sleeping under the mosquito net was really cool too (and I dont know why!!!!)

My first time at the beach wasn't what I expected, mainly due to the weather, the beach wasn't what I thought. I envisioned palm trees, sunny skies and clear water. The forecast was kind of rainy when we went, but I still had fun. The sand was something that I am going to have to get used to because it was kind of painful. The second day at the beach had more of an my idea of the beach because it was sunny out.

Throughout the trip, I experienced many ups and downs, but I think that I gained a deeper understanding of who exactly I am as a person. Everyone who goes on this journey experiences it from their own perspective. I definitely want to study Spanish beyond high school now because of this experience. I hope to one day come back to this place with new ideas, thoughts and memories.

A Whole New Experience

Alyssa, 17

We have finally returned back to San Jose for our last night in Costa Rica. Although I am glad to return home to my family, kitty, and friends, I will definitely miss a few parts of Costa Rican culture; especially the friends we made earlier on with the high school students at Liceo Vargas Calvo.

The rainforest was a completely different experience than San Jose. I think I was preparing for the worst, so the experience was not so bad in the end. I really enjoyed being able to experience another way of life. It began with a one hour canoe ride. Being able to see all of the scenery on the way to the Bribri community was really cool, although I was worried about how far we were from modern civilization.

When we first arrived in Yorkin, I wasn't sure what to expect. I saw a few buildings with roofs that looked like huts. There were chickens roaming around. It took about a day to get used to the feel of the community. I was really worried about the food, and some of it was left untouched. But, I did try a lot of things. I loved this bread that tasted like a donut when you dipped it in sugar. I was facinated by the way that they cooked, and was happy when Patrick and I got to help out in the kitchen on the last night for dinner. It was hard work helping to cook for our entire group plus the families of the women that were cooking. We had to peel, cut, and cook carrots, shape dough, serve, and do the dishes. But the greatest thing was being a real part of their community.

I think we put in a lot of hard work in Yorkin. We built paths, carried sand, planted trees, and more. All of which was mostly in the rain! Costa Rica is currently entering its wet season and it has rained a lot so far. It definitely made the work harder, especiallly carrying the sand since wet sand is heavier, but we got through it. We made a lot of progress in the projects they are trying to complete, and helping them felt very good. While I was working, I enjoyed being able to look at the different kinds of plants and animals (including bugs!) that there were in the rainforest. It's a completely different ecosystem than the city.

However, the thing we looked forward to most after working was swimming! There was a great swimming spot in the river, minus the rocks. We went there two out of the three work days. The first day it wasn't very deep and the rocks were easy to see and overcome. The second day we couldn't swim because of all the rain, so the water was too high. The third day we swam the river was definitely higher than the first day, but it was still fun. I liked how you could relax by sitting in between a few rocks. It was also cool to see the small natural waterfalls caused by the rocks.

I tried my best to speak Spanish well enough to communicate with some of the people living there. There were two little girls that I was talking to and they were so sweet. It was sad to have to leave everyone that we met in the community. We felt a sense of belonging there, and we also realized how important family is.

Although it was sad to leave the rainforest, we got to relax at the beach. I loved being able to be in the Carribean side of Costa Rica. The culture is so different and laid back. The hotel we stayed in was really nice, it was like our own little house. It was unfortunate we only got to stay there for one night. The beach was a lot of fun, and I can now say I swam in the Carribean! I also loved going to Puerto Viejo to shop. The jewelery was beautiful.

Well, we're off to the airport tomorrow. I'm sad to have to leave Costa Rica so soon, and I wish we could have had a few more days in Puerto Viejo and San Jose. I am looking forward to seeing everyone back home again, including Katie!!! I hope she isn't mad at me when I get back. I'm hoping we have a quick and safe flight home, and that I can come home, relax, and eat some real American food!

It really does rain a lot in the rainforest

Samantha, 18

I´m a city girl. If I have taken anything from this experience, that is it!

We spent a few days in Yorkin as you have most likely read in other people´s posts. We built paths and planted trees to lower the environmental impact of flying here. I thought that was pretty cool, especially because I had not even thought of all the fuel we used! The people in Yorkin were really friendly and, even though I knew no Spanish, I was able to communicate with a little girl named Pheve. I was drawn to her when I thought that her name was Phoebe--as in the best character of all time on prime-time television played by Lisa Kudrow in the hit series Friends.

She was really young, maybe five or six so she knew no English and I wasn´t sure what to do. I felt like I was not being social enough with the people there since I did not want to play soccer so I wanted to make an effort to communicate with her. I have a younger cousin, Kayla, who is around that age and I thought about how when I am with her she loves to take funny pictures together so I thought I would give it a try!

I took a picture of myself making a face and then pointed to her and she made the same face. Then she would make up a face and I would copy her. This went on for almost an hour and by the time we were done she had gone from being quiet and shy to all smiles and giggles. I thought that it was really cool that even though they don´t have technology there and we didn´t speak the same language that she was still basically the same as a young girl in the U.S. We all love having our pictures taken!

The beach was nice yesterday and today, but suprisingly I don´t think that was my favorite part of the trip. I liked the Rastafarian feel of the area we shopped in which makes me want to travel to Jamaica really bad, but honestly I think San Jose is my favorite area. I just like the honking of horns when I´m trying to sleep better than the annoying howler monkeys screaming all night or the constant fear that a cockroach is going to crawl into your bed.

Everyone is getting anxious to go home and I´d be lying if I said I wasn´t one of them. I snuck on Facebook and I miss everyone so much. I actually miss Pittsburgh. Even though that means taking off the flip flops and pulling out my hoody from my closet.

To the rain forest, the sea, and the city

Nathan, 18

Since leaving for Yorkin the trip has been an eye opener. Being in Yorkin has changed my perspectives on many things. For the three days of being in the rain forest not having any form of technology to use really affected me. Knowing that I can have fun without using these gadgets, means that I can go out and do more that I want to do, when I want to do it. The Bribri's helped me realize this. We spent most of our time at the main lodge, and working. The work was challenging mentally because I wasn't ready for it to rain while we were working.

At the main lodge we would play cards or hangout with our new friends that live in the Yorkin community. Everyday, after we were done working, our new friends were always waiting for us to do something (mainly wanting to play soccer). We only played soccer twice because it rained so much. When I get back to the states I think I'll be doing more physical activity because I'm still young, and I can do all of that sitting around when I'm older.

After Yorkin, we went to the beach in Puerto Viejas. The beach was relaxing, and it helped me come to my senses about what I miss, and what I'm so grateful for. While being in Costa Rica, my eyes have been opened wide, and I know I'm going to take back a lot of stuff. A couple of the main things are that I'm going to be more open-minded to everything around me, and I'm going to try new things that are thrown at me. Now that I've seen how much volunteer work really affects people, I know that I will want to help less fortunate people in Pittsburgh, and around the world. The final main thing that I will be taking back with me is that I loved having this experience, and I loved sharing it with everyone I traveled with. Knowing that there were people I didn't really talk to before we left, I talked to them here tells me I have built many friendships. The friends I had before this trip started have only become stronger, and I know that these friendships will last a lifetime. I think this is one of the most valuable things I will be taking back with me.

I cannot wait to arrive in Pittsburgh late tomorrow night. Even though I love it here, I miss a lot of things about home. What I cannot wait to do when I get home is see Amanda, and my family. They have supported me through the whole trip, and I know that they are excited to see me come back and hear all of the stories that I have to tell about this amazing trip. My dogs also helped me through this trip because they always brightened my day. I could see there faces in all of the dogs that we encountered while working in La Carpio, and Yorkin, and that always put a smile on my face.

As time wears down, I am going to enjoy my last few hours here in Costa Rica, and enjoy it with all the memories that I have made while being here. We have a few more activities planned while in San Jose, and I'll finally be able to get souvenirs for a few people. I love you all, and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow night.

Service Work in Yorkin

Overcoming struggles in the rain forest

Cherie, 17

The trip into the forest was an interesting one. I really didn't know what to expect when heading to our stay with the Bribri tribe, so I was a little worried. As is obvious from my previous blogs, adapting to the food here has been a struggle, but for the majority of our adventure there I dealt with the food they gave us. It really didn't turn out to be that bad in the end, but it still bothered me at times.

However, the biggest thing I learned during our stay there was how to deal with another of my biggest struggles: how easily I lose my patience with people and become frustrated. On the last day of work, I was just about fed up with everyone and everything. I gave up and sat out by the cabin. After some frustation was passed and a little arguing was done, I got back to work. I realized that being frustrated and reaching my breaking point causes others to do the same, which really isn't good for the group. I got back to work after that and tried to keep a positive attitude about the whole thing, which I think helped me and the people around me.

The same thing happened at dinner last night. I pretty much had a major breakdown at the restaurant and really was ready to home. After a talk with Ms. Arenth and Ms. Thomas, I was able to calm down though. I realized that sharing my feelings aloud sparked others to do the same, which really just caused a table full of madness. We went shopping and I was able to remember what I had learned from our stay in the rain forest.

Despite those few struggles I had a difficult time overcoming, the past couple of days were really amazing. The beach was really fun and playing card games for hours before and after dinner in the rain forest was a really cool way to just chill out and get to know people. The van ride coming back to San Jose was really fun too! We may have aggravated Mr. Oliver a lot, but it was all in good fun. I think it was a really good way to get closer to people who I've never really talked to before this trip. I'm really sad our time is coming to an end, but I think it's best. Can't wait to come back and visit!

Thank Goodness

Ashlee, 17

Today we finally got back to San Jose and I am so happy. We went to Yorkin and did some work which was very challenging. We made trails and planted trees all around the rain forest. I never did hard labor like that before and that was one of my challenges.

My other challenge was sleeping with huge bugs at night. I hate bugs! One night we just got into our rooms and I turned around and saw this huge roach on the wall and I started crying, saying that I couldn't do this. In the long run I overcame all of my challenges and I am very proud of myself.

Into the wild!!!

Siena, 17

On friday we went into Yorkin to live with a small community of people called the Bribri. They are an indigenous tribe who live in the rainforest in a totally eco-friendly way. Spending nights with large loud bugs and little to no lighting was certainly a change for us city-dwellers. I found their way of life to be very interesting and inspiring.

Although these people may seem to live in harsh conditions, they are actually some of the happiest and caring people I have met. They value their family and friends along with their natural environment. I really loved how they took times out of their laborious days to enjoy the precious small joys. The best experience I had there happened every night right after dinner. A group of us would gather in the lounge area where a younger man would play guitar and sing songs to us in Spanish before we went to bed. It was lovely.

The Beach!

Danielle, 17

For four days we were in the rain forest. It was really interesting to see what the rain forest is like. At first I thought it was going to be like camping, which it was in a way, but at the same time it was completely different. After being in the rain forest for four days I was ready to get out of there, which is really odd for me because I love camping.

When it was finally the last day there I was extremely excited! I couldn't wait to go to the beach! Once we arrived at the hotel we all got ready really fast to go to the beach. While we were walking to the beach I was so excited I was walking extremely fast. Once we were actually there, the sight of the beach took my breath away. It was so beautiful there I never wanted to leave! I have never seen water as blue as the Carribean Sea. Then when I went into the sea the water felt so good after a long four days in the rain forest.