Though tired from waking up again at 5:50, the crew was energized as ever for the trip to Limon. The drive there was beautiful, as we passed through the biggest national park in
Costa Rica. Trees, rivers, and waterfalls were ubiquitous. During the three hour drive, the team slept, slept, and slept some more. In order to maximize the bonding experience, Matt’s dad and Ivy were on one bus, and the rest of the people banished to another. In Matt’s dad and Ivy’s bus, they had a great time with the cutest couple, who will be married for 48 years this August, Richard and Deanna Malek. They were extremely supportive of the books and the kids. Afterwards they told us that they would try to connect us with the superintendent of
Lennox, who is in their Rotary club, and help Youthinkwell to connect with the various schools in the community.
The other bus was filled with the rest of the “Youthinkers” and a past Rotary president and his wife, Wilson and Amanda. To help break the ice, each person went to the front of the bus and talked about themselves with a Bob Barker microphone. After we got acquainted with one another, we slept some more and listened to Wilson and his wife, who was from
Costa Rica, teach about the history of the country.
After 3 hours of bus ride, we were finally there! After opening the bus door, we instantly felt the humidity in the air. We stopped at the beach and Matt took some awesome pictures. For lunch, we ate at a beautiful restaurant overseeing the
Caribbean. The seafood was great! The seafood soup, fried rice, and shrimp were delicioso! It was also joined by a wonderful trio of traditional musicians from Limon. The style can only be described as “happy music” in the words of Ivy. Not kiddie musical type of happy music but rather just upbeat music from the djembe, bass, and guitar. It even got some people singing and dancing.
Everyone finished their food and went across the street to the gym. We didn’t go to work on our biceps and glutes, but to deliver some wheelchairs to some people. Why it was held at a gym I do not know. The kids went forward and handed the wheelchairs to four very sweet women. They made the foot rests more comfortable and then the recipients said a few kind words to us. We bade goodbye to them and got on yet another bus.
The next stop was the future homeless shelter. The project has not yet begun, but the funds had been secured for the refurnishing of the house. But the biggest question that concerned the youth board was the sustainability of such facility and the reincorporation of the homeless back into society. We talked to the nuns who will be in charge of the project but didn’t get a clear answer. Like all great projects, it is rough in the beginning, but with a clear vision and passion, all things are possible.
On our drive back, our observant driver spotted two sloths in the tree. According to our driver, sloths are very relaxed animal and do not have teeth. Therefore, they have to knaw on soft leaves, which causes them to be fatigued ( for some unknown odd reason).
The day ended with a great food and pleasant conversations with the Rotarians. We reluctantly retreated to their rooms after blogging and playing In Jennifer’s room.
until tomorrow…
Even with beautiful weather, the team is a little sad this morning because it was our last day in
Costa Rica. Breakfast was quiet and somewhat dismal. But we quickly cheered up, because we were going to visit the Nature Kids!
to be continued…
