Post Number Five: 6/28/12

Post Number Five
6/28/12

   Well, we're back! Back - as in our air-conditioned, bug-free, houses back. The last ten days have been incredible. It was hard at first, being away from home, in a different country, with so many new things being thrown my way, but ended up being a totally fantastic learning experience.
  I am really going to miss it all - the friends I made, the wonderful mentors, the outstanding views, the kids from the schools, and even the sweat and grime from the service work. This trip is truly a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience and has changed MY life for the better forever!


 - Monica Jeanne Lefton

Post Number Four: 6/24/12

Post Number Four
6/24/12

   This weekend has been filled to the brim with different sites and excursions of the natural beauties of Costa Rica! We did all of our adventuring at Gauchupeline, an excursion agency and center.
   On Saturday we hiked around the base of a volcano, visiting different mud holes and hot springs, all smelling like sulfur. The hike allowed us the see many amazing sorts of animals, insects, and plants, all thriving in Costa Rica!
   On Sunday we had a full day, with every last minute planned. We began with healing hot springs and optional mud masks (that do wonders for the skin, if I do say so myself). Then we continued on to zip-lining, and an added bonus of rock climbing and repelling down a canyon upside-down! After a catered lunch, we rode horses and tubed down white water rapids on the Rio Colorado river. Quite a couple of days!
  Coming up we will have another day of service and then goodbye parties for the children at the schools and for all of us in GLA!


 - Monica Jeanne Lefton

Post Number Three: 6/22/12

Post Number Three
6/22/12

   At this point in time, we have completed two days of community service in the mornings and other activities in the afternoons. I have helped out at the trail-blazzing site and at the waterhole site (not yet at the school painting sites).

   Trail-blazzing consisted of log collection, sign painting, beach clean up, and beautiful views of the ocean and mountains near Panama. We helped to begin the creation of a nearby trail for tourists and lovers of nature. The waterhole was actually us digging holes for a front gate to a nearby school. We participated schoolyard games with the local kids and preformed tough, manual labor by digging two 80 centimeter holes.
   The work has been hard but really fun. Because everyone is here to experience a new culture and help shape both the futures of ourselves and others, the experiences are that much more enjoyable.


 - Monica Jeanne Lefton

Post Number Two: 6/19/12

Post Number Two
6/19/12

   We've been here for a day and a half (a full day today and a half day yesterday) and the natural beauty continues to amaze me. Not only is our beachside hotel painted in bright colors and filled with wildlife (from wasps to stray dogs to lizards), but the hike through a vibrant forest to a nearby beach this morning, was breathtaking! Although 44 people on a newly blazed trail can be stuffy, the view was well worth the climb.
   Once we returned, we broke into groups and did lots of bonding and name games. Later in the night we discussed the "who's" and "what's" of leadership. This trip isn't just about community service and beautiful sites, but also about becoming a better leader and learning how to positively influence and advance the world around us. It feels great to get to experience and participate in all this!


 - Monica Jeanne Lefton

Post Number One: 6/16/12

Post Number One
6/16/12

    Hi, my name is Monica Lefton and I am preparing to attend the Costa Rica Beachside Service Adventure Trip through Global Leadership Adventures from June 18 to 27. I've been out of the country before, and even to South America (Bolivia 2004), but never alone, so I'm nervous to say the least. I got a fortune the other day, with my takeout - that read "A vacation to sunny shores is soon in store for you." Great timing right?! I am still nervous but things are really looking up and the excitement is building.
   I've begun packing with the help of my cat, Bo. I know I don't need very much, but being indecisive and a pack-rat is making the process difficult. Thankfully, I think I've been successful in filling a book bag and carry-on rolling suitcase with all I need for this 10 day grand adventure!


 - Monica Jeanne Lefton