In today’s
adventure through the incredible Puerto Jimenez, we identified and expressed
our inner feelings and attributes. We saw how there is no one definition of a
leader and that a leader can be any one that believes they can change the
world.
In the morning we ate a magnificent
breakfast that consisted of a typical Costa Rican meal. We devoured a plate
full of beans, rice and toast. After that we gathered together with our local
leaders and did activities that helped us discover who we truly are. The leaders
opened our eyes to seeing how each one of us are different in our own ways and
that even though we are different we can still accomplish the path towards
becoming a leader. In only three days in being in Costa Rica my perspective of
life has already changed. I realize how lucky we are to be coming to a majestic
land like Costa Rica and how blessed we are to live in a place where we have
access to education, hospitals and plenty of career opportunities.
In the afternoon after our meal and activities
we walked down to the school where a group of guides were waiting with us to
take us through the jungles. In the jungle I saw sights that might only be seen
in a lifetime. It amazed me in how incredible the jungle was. While we were
walking we saw two men who were working hard at mining for gold. These two men
shoveled tons of gravel just to obtain a speck of gold. The one surprising
thing I saw in these two men is that they did not complain. Even though it was
raining and humid, they worked and there hard work is an aspect in life that
every leader and everyone should have. After going through the heart of the
jungle we took off our shirts and jumped in the cool, refreshing water.
Swimming with all my classmates was probably the highlight of the day. Even though
it was raining and we were not in the best conditions for swimming it was still
a blast. After the swim we started walking back and saw our homestay moms in
the rain with delicious meals that they prepared. I was very surprised they
came all the way out there in the rain. I felt very grateful for what they have
done. So maybe next time I shouldn’t complain if I have to take out the trash.
After the hike we went to the school
and went to work. We all worked together to move branches, chip away at old paint,
move cement and dig holes. It is cool to see the gradual improvement of the
school. I feel lucky to be able to go to a school like RHP that allows us to
excel not only academically but also morally. At night we all sat in the
dinning room and ate an amazing dinner.
The meal was exquisite and I am never disappointed with the food
prepared for us. In Costa Rica I don’t remember ever being hungry. The day was
amazing and I ended with a nice cold shower and eating a bag of beef jerky.
Dear mom and dad,
I am having so much fun here in
Costa Rica. Even though it is incredibly hot and humid I am having the time of
my life. All the locals are so generous and nice to us and they always greet us
with a smile. When I first got here I didn’t know if I would have fun because
of how sticky and sweaty I was even after showers sometimes but now I love
being here. We are being fed constantly and are always getting reminded to
drink water, reapply bug spray and to put on sunscreen. I wish you guys can
come here and experience this life for yourself; it is an adventure I will
never forget. Thank you so much for allowing me to come. Now I actually like
Spanish and I would want to take it next year so if I come back I can talk more
to the locals here. I love you and miss you.
Love,
Tyler
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