Has it been 4 days already?

We left a razor-wired; traffic jammed San Jose where Nashville drivers have nothing on Costa Rican drivers. None of us could guess the vehicle speed limit in the city as I think the rules were fast is good and faster is better. Before moving on to our service portion of this trip, our trip moved onto Earth University near Pierto Limon Costa Rica on the Caribbean side to attend the Global Youth Leadership Institute Conference

As the bus continued to climb into the rainforest the words “Jurassic Park” came to many of our minds. There were several areas where it looked like the jungle was overtaking the road. Earth University’s entrance brought to my mind as a Disney hotel entrance with well-manicured lawns and banana trees lining the roadway and a guide posed at an open entrance, What a difference from San Jose! There are no razor-wire fences in sight and at first it appears this area is a safe envirorment, but even here there is a concern as we were told this county has the highest murder rate due to drug trafficking. So sad with so much beauty around but we had to keep in mind that we are not in Tennessee any more and be very aware of our surroundings due to people but also animals and insects.

The conference was amazing for personal growth, reflection, and meeting new colleagues that are also interested in Global leadership opportunities for and with our students. It was great to hear Leonardo Garnier, the Minister of Education from Costa Rica state that education is learning how to live together and how his department is following this statement.

Last night the conference held a celebration dinner with some very talented students from Earth University showing us their countries of Central and South America in song and dance. The Costa Rican group finished the evening with everyone up and dancing. What a way to finish an amazing day.

This afternoon we will be heading for the lowlands of the Rain forest in Saripiqua to begin our service portion. I believe we are now better prepared for our project and meeting the community. Today is the first day we have not had rain so it is also the first day we are experiencing the heavy humidity—I now appreciate the recommendation for packing drip dry light weight clothing.

Love to all my family, Jean