On May 19th, 2017 the intrepid students from Missouri State University landed in San Jose. As they began to disembark upon the Costa Rican soil, their hearts beating at a brisk pace. Although not ticas quite yet, they were well on their way. Inundated with excitement, anxiety, and a full heart they heard their first words of Spanish. After a short drive to Hotel Auténtico they relinquished the pressures of culture shock and succumbed to their heavy eye lids. The following day would be a day full of adventure, mystery, and new experiences.
Upon waking themselves, their taste buds too would soon be just as active. They tasted their first Costa Rican meal. A buffet provided by the hotel which offered a litany of various Costa Rican fruits among which included, watermelon, papaya, and pineapple. They would have their first opportunity to indulge in Costa Rican huevos and of-course Gallo Pinto. After sufficiently indulging and rehydrating with water and natural juices they embarked on their first adventure into the Costa Rican wilderness; La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
However as we know, an experience isn’t just about the destination but the journey as well. With the help of the magnificent guide Javier, they began their two hour ride to La Paz. Javier, full of knowledge, explains everything that they say see, from the ashy sides of the volcanoes to the fields engulfed with café plants. Every student anticipating the next fascinating fact was overjoyed as we stopped for our first taste of the fresh and sweet volcano-side strawberries.
As they arrived at La Paz Waterfall Gardens the excitement was clearly visible on every students face. The look of anticipation, mystery, and terror clung to their face as they were still unsure as to what they would encounter. Their first view spanned across a huge valley while the clouds leisurely closed in upon us. They first became acquainted with the beauty of the diversified wildlife by meeting their feathered friends. Every student then had the opportunity to take a first hand picture with a friendly Toucan that gladly greeted these new strangers with open wings. They then moved on to pay their friend the sleepy sloth a visit in which they were barley noticed by the lackadaisical mammal.
On the contrary, our wildly winged and colorful amigos, the butterfly, happily invited they into their sanctuary. There were a plethora of species and with each step a new butterfly greeted them. As Javier fulfilled every question with a thorough and informative answer they continued to learn more about Costa Rican wildlife.
They then moved on to their furry friends, the monkey, in Paso de Los Monos. Although they graced them with an excited face, the monkeys responded with a much less enthusiasm. Although they had witnessed their flying friends, earlier, still they hadn’t seen the most energetic of them all, the hummingbird. As they quickly zoomed by their faces in desperate search for the next bin of sugar water, they watched vigilantly as their presence seemed to be nonexistent to these quick racers of the sky.
They then moved on to their amphibian amigos concealed in the shadows of the gigantic leaves where they saw a variety of frogs including the poison dart frog. Although hidden, these Missourian explorers had the magic eye for finding these shy creatures. These audacious Missourians were then able to experience life as a Costa Rican before the modernization that we see today. They dined on cornbread pudding, fresh cheese, and agua dulce. They enjoyed la comida in rustic house that reminded them all how things have greatly changed over the decades.
They continued to the slithery snakes and lively lizards that were actively displaying their scales. As Javier gave them all a comprehensive review of each snake from the highly venomous Fur de Lance, to constructing boa. After the queasy feeling was expunged the felines were their next targets. From the aggressive smaller cats to the majestic puma and jaguar. They received a first hand experience as to how magnificent these animals can be. Although the puma seemed to react to their presence as if they were a fly on the wall, the jaguar was not as happy. As these predators paced back and forth the realization became apparent as to how dangerous these animales can be.
As they continued through this tropical paradise they soon recognized why it was called La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It wouldn’t exemplify the name without a plethora of cataracts. Their last stops were filled with a myriad of tremendous waterfalls that could effortlessly match the force of a 1000 buses. The students stood in awe as they witnessed the magnificent power they possessed. As the day winded down their brains were filled with knowledge, their senses overwhelmed, but their stomachs empty. They finally enjoyed an authentic Mexican experience at Las Mañanitas.
As the next day arrived they knew that it couldn’t be as eventful as the prior, however, a new challenge would be presented to the students, meeting their host families. Although every student had various information about their host families this would not compare to the anxiety and elation that accompanied them while waiting. As they waited like uneasy game contestants theirs eyes lit up with excitement, terror, and wonderment, as they were greeted with a welcoming kiss on the cheek and a hug from their host families. Each with unknown expectations and unknown realizations they became closer to being ticas as they set out on an unknown journey comparable to Columbus’s own expedition to the Americas. These were audacious students that said yes to life instead of turning their nose and living a mundane known journey.
Days filled with Spanish lessons soon followed. A whopping 20 hours per week for 3 weeks which is proportionate to a full semester. One aspect that is not comparable to a semester in the states is the opportunity these students had to teach English at La Escuela de San Francisco. After meeting the incredibly gifted staff of the school they made their way into the classroom of 5th graders and then later 6th graders who seemed to share this same excitement. With wide eyes and apt minds they introduced themselves and were assigned to the appropriate students. As the lessons were 80 minutes for each grade, therefore each “teacher” took advantage of this time by discussing different types of families and the relatives that inhabit those families. Although the children could understand some english the “teachers” had to use appropriate techniques to engage the learners, in order to create an inviting atmosphere. As we know pressure and lack of confidence can be the two features of language learning that plague us the most.
After spending a full morning with these little learners, the Missourians then returned to CPI Heredia to mirror those that they had just taught as they participated in their first Costa Rican cooking class. The meal of the day, Picadillo de vainicas y zanahorias. After adjusting their fashionable hair nets and washing their hands they began to prepare the very meal they would soon be tasting. While some sliced and diced the tomatoes and onions others peeled the potatoes and carrots. Each student had a specific role and each was completed with a happy heart and soul. They were then tasked to make the tortillas from scratch or prepare the salad.
They filled their stomachs and it was then time for class, however, they would have the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge with a lively listening game. As they intently listened to the music, they rapidly placed the lyrics in their correct order. With a competitive but well-intended spirit they ardently tried to be the first to accomplish the task. Although they had spent quality time teaching as well as learning from the children at La Escuela de San Francisco, they still hadn’t had their fill. It was time to return and fill their hearts and the children’s mind. The “teachers” strapped on their teaching boots and went to battle. They were given the opportunity to teach the same group of students and it seemed that the children became much more comfortable with their presence as they opened up to their enthusiastic instructions.
They returned to CPI for classes and discussion then rested their eyes knowing the next day would be a new experience indeed. The following day would include teaching of course as the Missourians are concentrated in early education, however, the environment, style, and senses would be challenged.As they headed to La Carpio they obtained basic knowledge about the area. A very impoverished area, populated by fleeing immigrants predominantly from Nicaragua. They would have time to work with the Humanitarian Foundation. An oxymoron would present itself as just before entering La Carpio the group would see an amusement park however, it hastily became apparent that this was not indicative of the area they would be entering. With stray dogs and a copious amount of trash littering the roads they stepped into a world unseen by most. After a brief orientation with the starter of the foundation, Gail, they were guided through La Carpio to spend time helping the children. In this moment the true La Carpio was presented.
The Missourians learned how the children outnumber the teachers 30 to 1 in classrooms. This was a huge shock and realization of how underfunded and understaffed it is. We then commenced to spend time with the kids and this is where the “teachers” shined. It seemed that the children could come and go as they pleased as many many appeared without the supervision of adults and left the same way. They connected with the various students who welcomed their kindness and help with open arms. Because the area is so underfunded the students did not have textbooks nor a curriculum. Tables and chairs were brought outside, basic books in which some that were ripped and unfinished. Crayons that were pre-used and broken, however, with these broken crayons the students created drawings that were worth more than gold. They drew portraits of themselves, flowers, their homes, and many others things. The most beautiful aspect of the trip to La Carpio was the connection that the that was forged between the children ad the “teachers”. The children were so appreciative, open, and receptive to the strangers that offered their help that day. One student ran to their home to retrieve a cookie for one of the “teachers”, in an impoverished area where food in general is a luxury. While some students asked for an extended hug and kind words others refused to break their grasp around the “teacher”s neck begging them to stay.
The Foundation then put on an authentic play describing the life of many of the Nicaraguans that have fled their country from poverty, war, and violence. They then find out that the story portrayed was one of the actresses herself. A very sobering moment as they were able to put a face on the sad story that prefaced. After a hearty lunch the students returned to a life more like their own, however not before reflecting on their experience and letting each moment soak in to their being.
This was a week full of surprises, new experiences, and learning. Things do not end here, however. As the gallant group from Missouri State University begins their two week stay in the clouds of Monteverde.