Sandy Spring Friends School Costa Rica 2025
March 16, 2025
Something that really stood out to me today was the value of selflessness shared with us by Crisley, the farmer whose property we are staying on. While detailing the history of how his small cheese-making endeavor transformed into a well-known business, Crisley described to us the many challenges he faced to reach this point, among those the pandemic during which everything had shut down, fear spread, and people grew isolated. Strikingly, while Crisley was certainly deeply concerned for his family and the implications of his business shutting down, what was even more troubling to him was the impact this would have on the dozen-plus dairy farmers that counted on his business. Despite being on the verge of losing his family’s primary income source, Crisley was especially concerned for those hurt by his lack of business. This story showed a truly admirable down-to-earth realness. I was also happily impressed by the level of passion with which Crisley spoke to us. Even though it was probably his hundredth time giving the tour, it felt like he was telling it to us for the first time. Grateful for the experience we had today, I’m excited for what the future has in store.
By Rosario
March 17, 2025
During midday, we all ventured to El Invú- a community we are working with here in Costa Rica. Half of us helped build a sidewalk and the others helped paint a building. As I finished painting and cleaned up, I spotted an adorable little dog and happily introduced myself. The dog seemed to like me, but I caught him while he was on a bone-carrying mission, and he had to go on his merry way. Nonetheless, I followed him undeterred, and he eventually led me to a grassy area where a few of the locals had gathered. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and introduce myself. I started off by asking the dog’s name- which in turn led to a lengthy conversation (they THINK his name is Max…). I ended up sitting on the grass and petting and playing with the dog for many minutes while chatting with the community members and learning about them. While none of us commanded the others’ language, we were able to communicate without any issues. By the end of the conversation, we had all mutually decided to nickname the dog “Perrito”, and leave it at that. When I first walked up and introduced myself, I was full of nerves and I wasn’t sure I would be able to maintain a conversation in Spanish- yet, we were able to forge a bond and laugh together even without trading extensive words. I never would have had the confidence to start a conversation with the locals by myself, yet I decided to because of the dog. It ultimately led me to get to know the locals, learn more about myself, and make a new doggy friend. I enjoyed myself immensely, and I am ever grateful that I pushed myself and took the opportunity presented by Perrito to engage with the community and create memories that I know will last a lifetime.
By Janaan
March 18, 2025
After another day working with the community of El Invu, I reflected on how the group and I exceeded the expectations of others and ourselves. As our group continued to help, I noticed our team receiving praise from the community members for how much work we had done, the quality of it, and our attitude. I realized a preconceived notion that I believe both I and the community once had: a bunch of teenagers were likely going to loaf around. Yet, I was proven wrong. Every member of our team put their all into the work, and it showed.
The day prior, I had volunteered to help paint the Sunday school. However, on our second day of service that changed, as I volunteered to shift over to the concrete sidewalk-building team. Initially, I was a shoveler, a less taxing role among a series of pretty laborious roles. Later, I decided to switch roles, despite it meaning that I would be the only biological female on the wheelbarrow team. I took the leap, and as the day commenced, I found myself receiving both shock and praise for my performance.
In our efforts to keep spirits and productivity high under such grueling conditions, we created a mantra among the group, and it is one I will try to continue living by: uno más or one more. Despite the exhaustive work and heat, we continued to put in our all and if there was ever a lull, we encouraged each other by repeating: uno más. I believe this is a testament to taking things one step at a time, and it speaks to the work ethic of our group. With our workday devoted exclusively to a service project of hard physical labor, we found opportunities to push ourselves and strived for more than the bare minimum. In the end, we surprised ourselves, pleasantly shocked the grateful community, and discovered along our journey that we were living the uno más mantra together.
By Jiya T.
March 19, 2025
Thinking about our seven-hour road trip, I concluded the theme of today: generosity.
I noticed the enthusiasm, excitement, and adrenaline everyone had as we all prepared for our time at the beach. I appreciated our driver for constantly seeking out wildlife for our enjoyment and taking the time to stop and let us observe the biodiversity of this beautiful country. I valued seeing the scarlet macaw, sloth, and white-faced monkey in their natural habitats. As I looked out the window, the drive gave me moments to reflect on how this experience has grown my love, compassion, gratitude, and character, and I intend to savor every moment of laughter.
Seeing the sunset on the beach was one of the events I was looking most forward to, so when I heard that we could walk down to the Pacific, despite it not being in the itinerary, I found generosity in the change of plans that made my day better. I find love in photography; capturing memories and artistic values through the vision in my head. Bringing my camera to the beach let my creativity flow, and I smile thinking about it.
To end our day with dinner and a variety of delicious food, the service team graciously gave each of us colorful fruit drinks, which I feel concluded today’s theme strongly.
By Kellye M.
March 20, 2025
Today can be summed up in one word: waves.
It’s midmorning. We are chest high in the Pacific Ocean, surfboards at our side. Like clockwork, the waves roll in. Each wave a new opportunity to stand up and soar. Since learning of the itinerary, we have all looked forward to surfing this day, and we wouldn’t be disappointed. Some of us stood up on our first attempt, while others persevered to the end. No matter, wave after wave provided opportunity after opportunity to try and stand up and soar.
It’s late afternoon. A smaller group has returned to the beach. High tide is rolling in. The waves are bigger, stronger, and more frequent. All the more inviting to the child in us all. In lieu of surf boards we throw our bodies at the waves, crashing into them like we have nothing to lose. The salt water stings our eyes and the cresting waves knock us down tumbling into one another, but we can’t rest— the next wave is approaching. Another opportunity to stand up and soar.
It’s nighttime. The emotional waves grow larger. The trip that I had been anticipating for months is now less than 48 hours from being a memory. Each moment that passes inches me closer to returning home to my realities: senior year stressors, the end of high school, and the start of a new chapter. Despite these inevitabilities, I am thankful and at peace. This trip has been without a doubt one of the most positive experiences I’ve ever had. The people I’ve met and the moments we’ve shared together have marked me in special ways: my mind, my heart, and my soul. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that each wave has afforded me to stand up and soar.
By Diego Z.
March 21, 2025
“The next best thing to the enjoyment of a good time is the recollection of it” – James Lendall Basford.
After spending two glorious days in Uvita watching two glorious sunsets on the beach, it was time to move on to our last stop, Villas Aracari in the foothills outside the city of Alajuela.
Albeit long, ours was a relaxing bus ride. Some of us dozed off, others chatted, and a few simply took in the passing scenery. Along the way, I took note of how many of us were talking about the memories we made together and pining for one more day. Our first stop was in Dominical at a vibrant outdoor artisanal crafts fair, bursting with bright, bold colors and souvenirs proudly displaying Costa Rica’s mantra, “Pura Vida.” Afterward, our bus driver, Antonio, kindly pulled over so we could admire, from the safety of a bridge, the behemoth American Crocodiles sunbathing in the shallows of the Tárcoles River. The sun shimmered on their wet scales, creating a breathtaking scene. Shortly thereafter we stopped for lunch and I took my first bite of that Tico staple – black beans and rice, and a side of sweet plantains – savoring what had become familiar flavors. At that moment, I realized how deeply I would miss being immersed in Costa Rican culture.
Upon reaching our destination, a place similar to where we stayed our first night, was a villa overlooking the skylines of the adjacent cities of Alajuela and San José. While I dipped my feet in the pool, I watched the sunset upon the two cities and reflected on the reality that this was going to be our last night in Costa Rica. Melancholic, I looked around with binoculars as a means to truly take it all in. As I set them aside, I looked from side to side at my traveling companions, grateful for how close we had become this week.
As day turned to night, we watched those cities light up as we shared our last supper and I reflected on my gratitude for great teachers, like Eduardo and Leslie, and our Global Works Leader Matt. All three helped to shape me and my experience, and see things through a different perspective. I am also grateful for those who cooked for us, housed us, and worked alongside us. From the grueling work of laying sidewalks to unwinding in the hot tub, this trip gave us countless memories—stories we’ll be telling our kids 20 years from now. As we bid farewell to the beautiful country of Costa Rica, I have just one thing left to say: ¡Pura Vida!
- Ayush C
