WE MADE IT!!!!! Tico 16 succesfully made it to our COS (Close of Service Conference). I was happy to attend the conference with 13 of the original 16 Tico 16 members still remaining in Costa Rica after 2 years of service. It was great to be able to spend time during our last official Peace Corps training with everyone from Tico 16. I am really proud of all the work which we have done thus far and will continue to do up until the official end of our service on May 18.
During the 3 day Conference we reflected upon our service, created a presentation outlining our service to Peace Corps Costa Rica staff, learned about all of the papers we need to fill out before leaving, an spoke about future job opportunities and graduate school options. Out of all the training events I attended during my service I enjoyed this Conference the most. It helped me channel all of my feelings and experiences which I have had during my service to preparing myself to enter the US strong and ready for anything.
On our final night we organized a fancy dinner to commemorate our service and talk about all the memories which we had during training and at our sites. I am extremely grateful to have had the support of all my Tico 16 members throughout my service. As we all know, we are the only ones who truly understand what we have gone through here in Costa Rica and to have them by my side has been invaluable. I have made many friends within my Tico group aswell as outside of them, and every one of them I look forward to continuing the relationship on in the states. As well it has been very motivating to know that I not only have support within country but outside of the country. I am so thankful for my family and friends back at home supporting me in my service here in Costa Rica. At times it is difficult to fully describe my experience here, but I appreciate you all lending an open ear and having a genuine interest in the work I am doing down here. Also I am particularly grateful to everyone who has supported me financially in donating to my PCPP project to build a rural classroom.
While at the service I couldn´t believe how fast the time had flew. It seems like only yesterday I was blogging at the Holiday Inn in Washington D.C. talking about how I was nervous but very excited to begin this adventure of Peace Corps in Costa Rica. 2 years later I am writing this blog at the internet cafe a 90 minute hike from the rural jungle community which I live in. Walking to the internet today I really decided to take a step back and realize, WOW I am in Peace Corps. Living with 12 people in one house, going to the bathroom in a latrine, having farm animals around me, eating rice and beans, speaking spanish, being immersed in the culture is what Peace Corps is all about. Those experiences are why I signed up to be in Peace Corps. Before coming into Peace Corps I had this vision that it would be me living in this rural community helping them out with different projects immersed in Costa Rican Nature and Wildlife, and that is EXACTLY what I am doing right now. So I am proud to have lived in Costa Rica for 2 years so far, I am proud of everything I have accomplished so far and I hope that the work and experiences which I have had in the community will be remembered for many years from now.
As of right now, unfortunately, we are still below the amount of money neccesary to build the much needed classroom in my community. As I have said before I am so grateful for all of your donations towards this project thus far. Again I am opening an invitation for those who have not had the opportunity to donate to my project to please consider sending a donation. I believe that more so than any charity you can donate to all of the money you donate will DIRECTLY go towards the materials neccesary to construct the classroom. For example if you donate 1 penny then that is 1 Nail for the classroom, If you donate 15 dollars that is worth one bag of cement, if you donate 30 that is one large sheet of zinc for the roof, or 50 dollars that could go towards the construction of 2 blackboards in the classroom. As you see all the money directly goes towards the classroom. As well for those who have already donated I am graciously asking you to consider donating again, either the same amount or maybe half of what you have originally donated. As well those who have donated can maybe present the opportunity to another friend, family member, sibling, or parent who may be interested in Donating towards an Education Service Project Abroad.
As time is running out in the project, this will be my final request for donations. I hope that we will be able to meet our fundraising goal by Feb 15. I can assure you that the Children and Parents of my community will be extremely grateful for your support. As I have said before I will outline the steps of the project on this blog so you can see where your money is going to. I hope that come April/May I will be able to put a picture of a brand new classroom full of students on the front page of this blog. As well everyone who donates will recieve a special token of appreciation directly from the students of my community sent to your home provided you supply an address when filling out the online donation form.
Thank you so much for your support and help and I look forward to recieve your support in helping us make our donation goal .
Tuanis !
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