Tony Farrell Chaperone Blog Post
Each day in the “Ballena” group we discussed the intention of the activity on the bus home and provided context for the work. On our ride back from the school our students learned that, while school is free for Costa Ricans, most students in the rural areas we visited do not have access to school supplies, and the students need school supplies to attend. Our students reflected on the impact of sharing the kinds of supplies that they can readily get at Target. On the way back from Hacienda Baru, we encouraged them to reflect on the story of Dr. Jack Ewing, who came from a family of ranchers and hunters and studied agriculture at Colorado State. He bought land in Costa Rica, cut down the jungle, and raised cattle. Somewhere along the line he felt, each time he was trying to remove the body of a rare animal caught in his barbed wire, that perhaps there was another way he could make a living with the land. Thus was the beginning of one of the first eco-tourism spots in Central America. We encouraged the students to think about that voice they might be hearing to follow their calling, and not just the expectations that they carry. Finally, at the trip to the waterfall on horseback, we talked about the fears that some of the students carried about the day. I asked if any of them knew of the fears of the others, and for the most part, they did not. It was a great opportunity to reiterate that age-old wisdom that “everyone you meet is battling something you know nothing about. Be kind.” It’s been a great week.
See the full photo album here.
Convent & Stuart Hall Travel 