Student Voice:
So far in Costa Rica, we have seen so many things and experienced so much. We have also only been here for a few days. One of the things that has stuck with me the most was going on the hike through the rainforest and seeing all of the amazing animals and plants. Another thing that stuck with me so far was seeing spider monkeys. Even if it was from a distance, it was still very cool. Something I am hoping to feel after this trip is a sense of peace of mind, and to feel fulfilled in my actions here. I am also starting to realize that this is such a crazy and amazing opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. I really need to cherish these memories. I am so grateful for everything I have done and seen so far.
From Shawn Butler (Teacher):
“Sometimes dreams can come true.”
That was the answer that one of our guides gave to the question, “What do you wish more people knew about the Children’s Eternal Rainforest?” He came to Pocosol tonight to lead our group on a night hike through the paths we have walked during the day, but this time the hope was to see some creatures that linger in the dark. However, tonight we learned a valuable lesson; sometimes when plans change, something even better has the opportunity to unfold. Our night hike got cut short because the time between the thunder rumblings and the lightning strikes was just too close together. For safety reasons, we turned around and came back to shelter at the research station only 10 minutes after our hike had begun. So instead, we gathered on the terrace of the dining hall, facing a spectacular lightning show that illuminated the trees and hills. But the real magic was in the stories we heard from Hugo and Isaac, our local guides for the evening. Hugo grew up in this forest, back when it was farmland only 40 short years ago. And Isaac has been guiding here for over 25 years. They both know this place like the back of their hands. So, in the end, we didn’t see all the night crawlers we thought we might, but we got something far greater: a better understanding of why Hugo considers this rainforest the greatest example of a dream come true. If you are one of our parents reading this back in London, remember this blog post and ask about what they learned from Hugo and Isaac on the night of the lightning. If you are reading this from anywhere in the world, take time to learn about how the Children’s Eternal Rainforest came to be and the power of a dream, no matter your age. Tomorrow, we are going to help maintain trails in the forest that were first built almost 40 years ago by Hugo and a group of volunteers from Canada. Seems fitting.
