Written by Laura
This week has been filled with fun activities as well as beneficial lessons. We had a change of scenery with our 2 day excursion in Quepos, and couldn’t contain our excitement when we walked into our Airbnb, which contained two pools and a hot tub! After swimming for a while in the pool we learned that there had been a power outage due to a car crash nearby. Though it was a shock to the group- these types of things are quite common in Costa Rica. Although some plans were thrown off track, we kept ourselves busy with playing cards, as well as celebrating a special birthday in our group with cake!
Eventually, the power turned back on and we were back to business. The next day we had a conversation together after breakfast about vulnerability, and how we can make our bond as a team even stronger. We had the opportunity to reflect within ourselves and share general thoughts as well as things that we could do to make the most of our time in Costa Rica. Soon after we made ourselves lunch and were off to the beach! At the beach we swam amongst the strong waves, sat out in the sun, played volleyball, and overall had an awesome time. When we arrived back at the Airbnb we enjoyed cooking and eating mac n cheese as well as cheeseburgers.The next day, it was time to leave Quepos and go back to our homestays in Brujo. On the way there it began to rain, meaning the small rivers we needed to cross were filled with water (another common situation in Costa Rica during the rainy season). We needed to wait but had a good time doing so since we had music and snacks. Eventually the rivers were safe enough to cross and we arrived back in Brujo.The next day we went back to working on our service project. Hands were busy with carrying buckets of cement and hammering bricks. Right now, our water tank is coming together and looking really good! It makes me happy to know that our hard work has been paying off. In the afternoon we continued with friendship camp where we continued with activities such as volleyball, friendship bracelets, soccer, and more. Afterwards we discussed ways in which we can switch up some of the facilitated activities to create more variety.
In the evening we all had the opportunity to spend time with our host families. That night my host family and I all went to our neighbors house to eat dinner and celebrate a birthday. We watched the World Cup (Argentina vs. Switzerland) and ate a delicious cake. My roommates and I (Annie & Stephanie) were given a house tour by Cassidy and Kavita who were staying with our neighbors. After chatting for a while and watching La Copa Mundial, it was time for us to go.Today was very exciting- we got to milk cows! At first the it felt strange since none of us had done it before, but we learned to appreciate how this process in Cost Rica was much more ethical than anywhere else in the world. Afterwards Pablo and JB taught us the long process of making fresh cheese, which allowed us to really think about the love and care these people put into their daily tasks. Later, after spending more time with our host families, we lead friendship camp with a new activity- musical chairs! Kids and adults alike had an amazing time. Ultimately, this week proved that working together as a team can make this trip the best experience ever. Adios for now. -Laura 
