Hello Parents, Friends and Families~
First...ignore the poor writing...it's late and I'm tired!! So here's the update....
We are having a fabulous time here in Costa Rica! Your little ones (not so little) are having the times of their lives! They have all made friends and are getting along great! I am getting to know the students better each day and am so thankful I get to be a part of this experience with them!! We got up really early today and spent the day with a native tribe. We had to drive about an hour into the rain forest, then we had to get out and hike down to the river. Then we took canoes up the river for about 45 minutes deep into the rain forest. Then we hiked again for about 20 minutes until finally we got to the tribe's main village, right across the river from Panama! We even waived at some Panamanians! The BriBri Tribe didn't speak any English but we brought a translator with us. They speak BriBri which is it's own language. They were very nice and made us a meal. They made us squash, beans and fern (yes, fern...they eat the part that sticks out and curls up!!)! It tastes like green beans. We ate off banana leaves! Then after lunch we helped make fresh chocolate It actually was quite delicious with it's chocolate flavor... It's like no chocolate you've ever tasted!! So fresh and delicious!! They also showed us how they weave their grass huts. They are so tight they were waterproof, even when it poured rain!! But, that didn't keep us dry on our hike and boat ride back! Going down the river there was a torrential down pour and we looked like we had jumped in the river, but it was warm and we had fun anyway. It was quite an experience. Oh, and all the kids got to see Howler Monkeys!! We have some awesome pictures but infrastructure is not great here and it takes forever to upload the photos. We are doing the best we can! Know that we are all safe and having a great time! Your kids are in great hands!! :-)
The kids are trying to post when they can but we have one computer to share and I think I already mentioned the infrastructure issues, right?? ;-) Thanks for all your feedback to them! They love hearing from you!!We are having a fabulous time here in Costa Rica! Your little ones (not so little) are having the times of their lives! They have all made friends and are getting along great! I am getting to know the students better each day and am so thankful I get to be a part of this experience with them!! We got up really early today and spent the day with a native tribe. We had to drive about an hour into the rain forest, then we had to get out and hike down to the river. Then we took canoes up the river for about 45 minutes deep into the rain forest. Then we hiked again for about 20 minutes until finally we got to the tribe's main village, right across the river from Panama! We even waived at some Panamanians! The BriBri Tribe didn't speak any English but we brought a translator with us. They speak BriBri which is it's own language. They were very nice and made us a meal. They made us squash, beans and fern (yes, fern...they eat the part that sticks out and curls up!!)! It tastes like green beans. We ate off banana leaves! Then after lunch we helped make fresh chocolate It actually was quite delicious with it's chocolate flavor... It's like no chocolate you've ever tasted!! So fresh and delicious!! They also showed us how they weave their grass huts. They are so tight they were waterproof, even when it poured rain!! But, that didn't keep us dry on our hike and boat ride back! Going down the river there was a torrential down pour and we looked like we had jumped in the river, but it was warm and we had fun anyway. It was quite an experience. Oh, and all the kids got to see Howler Monkeys!! We have some awesome pictures but infrastructure is not great here and it takes forever to upload the photos. We are doing the best we can! Know that we are all safe and having a great time! Your kids are in great hands!! :-)
~Shoni J.
P.S. Yes, I agree ;-) We are having a fantastic time!! :-) Kirsten S.
Thank you Shoni and Kirsten for taking such good care of our kids and keeping us updated! Really wonderful to hear about everything!
ReplyDeleteJeena
Hi Shoni,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it's been a wonderful adventure so far, and still more fun to come! This trip is a priceless experience & education for the kids... thank you for giving them this opportunity!! I am so excited for everyone involved and love reading all of the updates : )
Un fuerte abrazo,
Jessica
Hi Shoni,
ReplyDeleteYou guys all look like you are having a great time, rain and all! Tropical rain is like no other! Thanks also for taking Eamon and Ellie on this trip. It will be a memory that will last a lifetime! The updates and photos are so nice to see, I almost feel like I am right there with them!
Dede
Sounds fun! The chocolate sounds yummy! Miss You!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ashley & Scott
Shoni,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking Stewart on this trip! I can not wait to hear of all of your experiences in the jungle! You are the best teacher and Aunt their could be! Keep having a blast and the memories will last forever with you both!
Shoni,
ReplyDeleteLove hearing of your CR experience with the kids. Seeing anything through "kids" eyes is always so awesome. Your description was perfect and so fun to see the pics. Terry and Jean