Within all of the biodiversity, Escuela San Rafael (San Rafael School) sat in                                                                rural, northern Costa Rica. This grade school had a few classrooms, one                                                                            playground, and children dressed in uniforms. It was here that Indian Trail                                                                          students embarked on a service project, providing help with the garden, classes                                                            and cleaning. Going to this school was Corey Hobbs’ (12) favorite part of the                                                                    entire trip as it impacted him “grately.”

                                                                  “I like cultural stuff, so it was kind of nice to see different cultures,” Hobbs                                                                    said.

                                                                  The cultural differences appeared in numerous ways, from food to                                                                                language. Though some of the Indian Trail students spoke Spanish, a majority of them did not.

      “Despite that barrier, the kids were drawing together, playing games, laughing, and having fun,” Analise Biddle said.

      On the playground, students could be found playing catch with the kids and pushing them on the swings. As the school day came towards the end, the service group sat with the kids in their classrooms. 

       “It was so nice to see our students interacting with these kids. They showed so much care and compassion, and it was really amazing to experience,” Biddle said. “I was really proud of our students that day.”

      Activities and interactions with the kids had an impact other than service to the school. For the high school student Aiden Zazula (9), this experience had a mental impact.

      “It made me feel grateful that I get to go to this type of school,” Aiden Zazula said.

Biddle shared feelings of gratitude as well.

      “I realized how privileged we are here. We have really nice grocery stores, our schools are well-built, and we live in nice homes,” Biddle said. “Sometimes I forget how lucky I am.”

      The end of the trip was not the end of this group’s relationship. They brought the mado from their experience back with them, Biddle and Michelle Zazula yelling “Pura Vida” at the students of the trip they pass in the hallways of the school.

      “‘Pura Vida’ really captures the spirit of Costa Rica — positivity, gratitude, and joy in the little things,” Michelle Zazula said.