Today we started off the day by going to visit the school as a large group. We were all looking forward to this because we had such a great time with the kids when we went as groups. As we walked up to the school, all of the kids waved to us. It was such a special moment because they all seemed to be genuinely excited to see us return. Once we all were gathered around, half of us went and helped in the greenhouse area while the rest hung out with the kids. Because my Spanish skills are terrible, I decided that my service was best to be used for helping with the greenhouse. Once we got to that area, we were asked to make a second set of stairs leading down a hill. Our group of four grabbed the shovels and hoes and began working on this. Unlike the other set of stairs we had made at the school, this hill was a shorter and wider area. Once we dug out all the steps and packed all the clay down, we all felt that we could do more, so we gathered rocks and a piece of bamboo and lined the stairs. At the end, we were all extremely proud of the work we had done. Then, we decided that the stairs made on the Monday also needed to be lined with rocks to help prevent erosion. We set off to gather rocks from the ditches surrounding the road in front of the school and lined the whole path. After a few more small projects, all of us rejoined the others and took a group picture with the kids. It was amazing to see how much energy was with the group. In the short amount of time, so many were able to form connections with different kids.
Once we left the school, we hiked back up to the Center, ate lunch, and drove to La Fortuna to shop. Shopping, for me, was not that exciting because it was just for souvenirs and I was tired. We have been so active the past few days that I just wanted to take a nap. Once we were done shopping, we arrived back at to the Center only to be greeted by students from the Arenal school (this is a different school than the one we have been working with). These ten students, ranging in age from second to sixth grade, performed dances for us. It was precious. When they finished, we had the opportunity to teach them the Aggie War Hymn. Who doesn’t want to saw varsity’s horns off? After the War Hymn, we taught all the kids how to dance to Copperhead Road and then how to two step. It was such a blast to be able to dance with the kids. Even though some of us couldn’t communicate, we were still able to laugh and dance together. We then got the chance to eat dinner with the kids and play ping pong and foosball with them. This was one of my favorite parts because even the nonverbal communication was perfect.
Looking back, this trip has been such a positive impact. I have seen myself and others grow even in the short few days. I cannot imagine a more perfect way to spend my freshman year spring break. Even though I am sleep deprived and constantly covered in dirt, I have been genuinely happy about everything we have done. I have learned to love the little things and live in the moment. We don’t know what is to come in our life, but we might as well make the best of what is happening now. We were asked why we were on this trip, and I can’t wait to look back and list all of my reasons.
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