This post features student writing.

¡Hola! Much has happened since we returned to Bonanza Norte from our excursions!

Maddy started and has almost finished her mural on the Bonanza Norte locker room. It’s a combination of the Costa Rican flag and a toucan, with the words ¨Costa Rica – Pura Vida.¨ Everyone is jealous of her incredible artistic ability.

We also had movie night last night! Our local neighbors lent us a TV and a DVD player so that we could enjoy some entertainment. Everyone fell asleep except for a select few kids.

Filip and Zach’s teaching project has gone swimmingly, and the local kids have been learning a fair amount of English, including the ABCs, counting to twenty, simple introductions, and how to talk about what they like to do.

Ned and Myles performed a gorgeous rendition of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” for the kids, with Myles singing and Ned on the guitar. Logan, Olivia, and Sofia have been playing games with the kids when they are on breaks from singing and learning — it’s safe to say that this is the kids’ favorite part. Dana has been choreographing dances to popular songs and then teaching them to young girls in the village, and they have all loved it.

Morgan and Emily have just started painting new trash cans for popular hangouts around the village to decrease littering throughout Bonanza. During the mornings, we have continued to finish our community projects around the village, including cementing, sanding, and painting the walls of the locker room, as well as putting in the locker room floor. We have also helped Carlos, our construction supervisor, build dugouts for the communal soccer team. Alex, Thomas, and Freddie have built new soccer goals and strung nets to them. The new goals are a huge hit, and the first game with them yesterday was a ton of fun.

Tonight we are going to have a critical discussion about privilege and what that means for us. Our time in Bonanza Norte ends Saturday, so we expect to make the most of the few days we have left. We dread the day we have to leave, and we cherish the days we have left here.

See you all in just over a week!

– Zach and Filip