Hello to all our wonderful, beloved, sweet, caring parents back in Chicago,

We were given the opportunity to be the second Leaders of the Day and had one of the best days so far!

On the 4th day, we woke up bright and early, like always, ready to “attack the day with passion” (Serik). We (Reid and Pierce) started the day with a 6 am wake-up, ready to ruin everybody else’s beauty sleep. After everybody had gathered themselves, we headed down to the breakfast area to eat a hearty meal consisting of pancakes, eggs, and las fruitas (MUY DELICIOSO)! After breakfast, we gathered our necessities and prepared for ANOTHER 30-minute walk to the school, where we met the lovely families we were going to spend the day with. Today was community day. We split into groups to spend our time with 4 very generous families. I (Reid) was blessed to spend time with Rosita and her family, and Pierce spent his day with the wonderful Doña Miriam. The other 2 groups. led by Felena and Mila, visited Doña Olga and Doña Carolina. After entering the school to tour the CAP work of previous GG delegations, we separated into our family groups and headed to our respective houses.

Pierce (and his group) were welcomed with open arms by the very friendly family of Doña Miriam and her lovely daughters. We all sat around a table and began getting to know each other until we found a deck of MEGA UNO and decided to play. Reid’s first impression of Doña Rosita’s family was lighthearted and energetic. Unfortunately, Reid had a hard time translating some of the Spanish but tried his very best with the help of his group members. After all, groups warmed up to their families, they were introduced to new games by the families. Groups were introduced to games like hot potato (with an actually HOT potato) or other unique games where members ATTEMPTED to waddle a coin, placed between their knees into a cup in front of them.  This was a warm introduction to the families’ culture as the groups learned Costa Rican games. After some time playing the games and having LOADS of fun, the groups began to help the families cook. Meals consisted of rice, beans, salad, and beef stew that everyone enjoyed to the FULLEST. All families felt a sense of connection… as if they were back home. Throughout the rest of the day, each of the 4 groups bonded and became closer still. Groups made tortillas from scratch with the help of their host families. The tortillas turned out GREAT and were all eaten very quickly. We also had warm cups of fresh coffee that we drank in very fancy tea cups!

Unfortunately, our time with the families was coming to a close and we began the dreaded process of goodbyes causing families and groups to shed a tear as the bonds created were so strong. After gathering ourselves, all groups reunited and sadly walked back to home base where everyone scattered and prepared for dinner. After dinner, we attended our nightly meeting where we were surprised with a watch party of The Lorax!

Being with the families opened our eyes to a culture and way of living different from our own. We learned the value of family and closeness from feeling the impact of an afternoon shared playing games and preparing food together. After such a long and exciting day, everybody was able to sleep soundly knowing they had made new meaningful connections with our Costa Rican host families. Being leaders of the day allowed us to step out of our comfort zone and take charge in introducing ourselves to unfamiliar cultures.

Big Love,
Reid and Pierce