Some Events aren’t planned

The plan was to go into the community to give the fence at the local field a fresh new look. We planned to wake up early, around 7:00 a.m., have breakfast, and prepare for the uphill trek. Before heading out, we gathered the “Big 5”: sunscreen, bug spray, a raincoat, water, and closed-toe shoes. We were excited to begin painting the fences and dressing rooms, but the project was postponed due to unexpected weather conditions.

In a tropical country like Costa Rica, the weather can change quickly. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon, and today brought rain throughout the entire day. Although the weather prevented us from completing the painting project, we remained positive, flexible, and ready to make the most of the day.

We remained positive and quickly began working on an alternative plan. Rob (GGL) generously offered to take us to the pulpería up the hill. Along the way, we saw firsthand the significant impact the rain had on the community. Runoff from the mountain filled the river below us, creating a powerful current that caught everyone’s attention. As we continued up the hill, we observed how the heavy rain flooded the streets and made it difficult for local residents to leave their homes. The experience gave us a greater appreciation for both the challenges and resilience of the community living in the mountains near Turrialba.

When we returned, our leaders had prepared a series of challenges that kept us connected to the theme of the day. They divided us into different teams to compete in a variety of fun activities for prizes. The challenges turned out to be even more enjoyable than we expected, and they brought a lot of energy and excitement to the group. After the activities, everyone’s mood noticeably lifted, and the rest of the day went much more smoothly. We relaxed afterward, enjoyed dinner, and prepared for our nightly meeting. As we write this, it is still pouring outside, but we are making the most of the experience. We all miss you and can’t wait to see you very soon!

-Diego, Manny, and Matthew. Lideres del Dia.