Things are off to a wonderful start for us in our host village of Silencio! Our group of 16 students arrived safe and sound on Tuesday. Upon arrival, students embarked on a scavenger hunt, which prompted them to explore sites and meet people who are pillars of importance in our temporary home. In the evening, community members arrived for a “Bienvenidos” or “Welcome” party, which was hosted in the salón (our living quarters for the week!) and complete with games and ice cream. Putney students mingled with new local friends, and when the fiesta ended we headed to bed with full bellies and big smiles.
On Wednesday, students met Don Luis, our maestro de obras, or foreman, and began work on a variety of service projects. We divided into teams to conquer tasks such as digging trenches and painting the inside of a community meeting house.
Thursday, students spent the afternoon baking with Doña Amelia, a beloved community member well-known for pioneering female entrepreneurship and fighting for improved public health programs in Silencio. Doña Amelia is a deep well of wisdom, and we are grateful for the privilege of learning from her!
On Friday, half of our group went to work in Parcelas de Monsignor Morera, a relatively new pueblo close to Tilarán (an emerging urban center located southwest of Silencio), while those remaining in the village continued to chip away at projects here.
Our time in Silencio is flying by, and we know that more exciting adventures in service learning and cultural exchange await us in the days to come!
— Middle School Costa Rica
