Pam volunteered at the Manuel Antonio Community Cente, Costa Rica

I am beginning my second and last week teaching at the school/community center in El Cocal, Costa Rica. Colorado was beginning to slide into Winter as I left for Costa Rica, so the return to Summer is a bit of a shock. 

Last week in the community center I worked mostly with a group of little girls. They loved jumping rope, especially if two volunteers swing the rope. They worked on counting in English and Spanish. One of them, Angeli, looked exasperated when we did not swing the rope correctly and she missed. One of the volunteers said “lo siento”, and Angeli ran growling to her for a hug. 

Today I worked with some third grade boys, four of them. Boys at this age in a group are not my strong point. However we played a memory game with animal tiles. They did a great job of taking turns and making sure that I had a turn. I am looking forward to seeing what happens the rest of this week.

Outside of the volunteering opportunities in the schools, I have also been able to enjoy the awesome nature in the Quepos-Manuel Antonio area!  I have been to the Manuel Antonio National Park, zip lining in the rainforest, went on a catamaran boat, snorkeled, and walked to an amazing waterfall near the volunteer house.  Also, I have been able to view the marvels of nature from the house including torrential rainfalls, beautiful sunsets, and wildlife including monkeys and sloths.

Volunteering in Quepos has been an enriching experience that has truly expanded my horizons regarding service and the importance of community engagement to improve lives.  This is truly an adventure I will never forget!