After two exciting, yet relaxing, days by the Arenal Volcano, we said goodbye to our friends once again and made our way back to Silencio with our group of 18 students. After a traditional lunch made by the local cocineras, we broke up into groups to go explore the town and quickly started bonding with the Ticos. Games of soccer and Capture the Flag broke out, along with dances and relay races after dinner.

On Friday the group met Don Luis and started their community service projects: painting the church, repairing sidewalks in town, and constructing a new sink for the school. So far the rain has held off and we’ve had very productive days! Everyone has also decided on their independent projects, which we look forward to seeing come to fruition.

— Middle School Costa Rica