Last Day and So Many Emotions!!

Today was our last full day together, and what a day it was!

First of all, let me introduce myself. I’m Dani, one of the Program Coordinators, and I’m writing today’s blog so that our student leaders can fully enjoy their last night together. We’re spending it at a beautiful hotel in San José, and they deserve every minute of it.

Since Ana, Amari, and Ethan didn’t get the chance to fully shine on their original Leadership Day due to the weather forcing us to cancel our activities, we invited them to take on the role again today. They accepted without hesitation and did an amazing job leading the group. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the trip.

Our day began at 7:00 a.m. under heavy rain. Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, it didn’t stop us from making the most of our final day together.

We enjoyed one last breakfast at the base house, and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast: gallo pinto (rice and beans), eggs, sausages, cheese, and sweet plantains.

After breakfast, we spent nearly three hours in our final seminar. It was one of the most meaningful moments of the entire trip. There was laughter, tears, hugs, and lots of celebration as the students reflected on everything they had experienced over the past ten days. They talked about the challenges they overcame, the lessons they learned, and, most importantly, the incredible friendships they built. Watching them realize how much they had grown and how close they had become was truly special.

After lunch, we said goodbye to our base house and began our journey to San José. Before arriving, we made one final stop at a souvenir shop so everyone could pick up something to bring a little piece of Costa Rica home with them.

Once we arrived at the hotel, the students had some time to relax and enjoy the pool before getting ready for our farewell dinner.

Dinner was wonderful, but what stood out the most wasn’t the food,it was the endless number of pictures everyone took. Every corner became the perfect backdrop for “just one more photo.” It was clear that no one was quite ready for this experience to come to an end.

During our final Nightly Meeting, there was so much Big Love shared among the group. Students thanked one another, reflected on their journey, and expressed just how much these ten days had meant to them. It was a beautiful reminder that the connections made here will continue long after everyone returns home.

As I finish writing this, they’re spending their last evening together, enjoying some free time and making plans for how they’ll stay in touch once they return home.

What started as a group of strangers has become a community. We hope they leave Costa Rica not only with souvenirs in their backpacks, but also with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation for our environment, and the confidence to keep exploring the world.

See you tomorrow for one last goodbye.