Coconut juice and cement stairs

Hello again from Costa Rica Group E!

Everyone has settled into a nice routine here in Matambu and the service projects are coming along wonderfully. During the week we have broken up work days with trips to the river, a girls soccer game, grocery runs, visits to the neighboring, larger town of Hojancha, and taking time out to drink fresh coconut juice with our Costa Rican friends. This week, after hours of sweat, hard work, and sing along sessions, we finished work on the cement stairs and began painting our beautiful salon comunal.

Last weekend we took a trip to the quiet beach town, Playa Brasilito. We had perfect weather, gorgeous sunsets, and great waves to entertain us for hours, as well as a birthday dinner, and an afternoon of horseback riding. After two nights in Brasilito we visited Playa Flamingo for a picnic lunch on our way back to Matambu.

This week, with our group projects underway, students are beginning to work on their independent projects as well. Some are helping out in the local school while others are working on photography projects, laying ceramic tiles in the bathroom, and studying Costa Rican cooking!

We can´t believe how fast time is flying by here-- we only have a little more than a week left in our community. The community leadership is thrilled with the outcome of the stairs and everyone is getting geared up for the yearly Matambu Culture Festival which will take place this Saturday, August 1st. We are expecting visitors from all over Costa Rica, dance groups, tons of traditional food, a parade, and live music. We will also be taking a few days trips this weekend to relax after another week of hard work!

Hope all is well in EEUU, take care!

Un abrazo,
Rebecca, Nick, and the whole crew