Signing Off...

Hola from San Jose Costa Rica!  It is our last night in this slice of paradise and it is the chaperone's turn to post the blog. 
Sadly, our journey to Costa Rica is coming to an end as we said good bye to Morgan's lodge on the Osa peninsula this morning and made the 7 hour bus trip back to San Jose. As with every other challenge placed in front of the group this week, our students were packed and on the bus by our scheduled departure time of 5:00 am. Some were still half asleep and most slept on the first leg of the trip back up the coast to Hacienda Baru where we enjoyed a late breakfast at the same location that we began the first night/morning of our journey.
We made it back to San Jose around 1:00 pm and checked into the Best Western and reacquainted ourselves to an unlimited supply of hot water and cool temperatures. Everyone got cleaned up and had a quick bite of lunch at Subway before we all packed into vans for a short ride to a football (soccer for us Americans) game at the Costa Rica national stadium. It was a big match between two of the big rivals here in Costa Rica, and the electric atmosphere of a professional football match in Latin America was a unique experience for all of us. Everyone had a great time. 
We had a casual dinner back at the hotel and everyone is turning in early as we spend our last night in Costa Rica before we catch a 5:00am bus to the airport to begin our trip home. 
As chaperones for the trip, most of us did not know many of the students who made the trip to Costa Rica.  It was a pleasure for all of us to learn a bit more about these adventurers over the last 10 days. Each one of them have faced every challenge along the way with a high degree of self confidence and a can-do spirit that is rare in people many years their senior. They are a special group of kids/young adults who have a clever wit and just the right amount of "sass" that brought many smiles to our faces and instills confidence in our future generation. Parents - thanks for sharing your 8th grade class with us the last 10 days. It was a real pleasure having the opportunity to get to know such a fine group of young men and women. 
We'll be seeing you in less than 24 hours. 
Signing off from Costa Rica, your 2015 SMS Costa Rica chaperones,
Alison, Brent, Evie, Jeff, Matt C., Matt H.,  and Trey

Last Day Pics

Last Day in Costa Rica

Como estas Cincinnati? 

Today was a relaxing day involving the talent show, a beach hike, the cool pool, and leaning how to open coconuts.  We walked along the rocks on the beach and enjoyed a quick dip in the ocean.  On the hike we learned how to crack open coconuts with only a sharp stick.  We drank coconut water and also learned how to make coconut shavings.  We all jumped in the cool pool as soon as we arrived back at the lodge.  We hung out for a while today and enjoyed cheeseburgers in paradise with frieda for lunch.  The hot spots while hanging out were the hammocks, the beach, cabins, and any quiet place where we could rehearse for the talent show.  About an hour later, we gathered hermit crabs together to decorate and race.  The crab of Grace Dayton, AKA Sally, won multiple race championships and also best decorated.  After a good celebration, Aunt Randy was generous enough to accept the request of cookies for a afternoon snack.  Thank you Randy :)  

The talent show was very thrilling to say the least.  From magic tricks, dances, stories, songs, and finger boarding.  We have pretty much covered all talents.  

A long and exhilarating stay at Morgan's Lodge is about to end.  We are sad to leave but excited to see our family and friends back in Ohio.

We will see you soon!  Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Kiernan, Alexandra, and Hope

Pura Vida!

Community Service Photos

Service Day

Buenos Dias Cincinnati, from warm, sunny Costa Rica!  Today can only be described as crazy.  We woke up to a beautiful sunrise after a night of rain.  For breakfast, Jackie made delicious scrambled eggs, toast and a gorgeous plate of fresh fruit.  Briefly after, we left for the library to learn about a local environmental organization (ASCONA).  After that, we visited a local school and gave them our donations that we previously collected.  WE inadvertently started a volleyball game and had lots of fun.  we hopped back on the bus and started towards a school in the mountains.  After a little while driving our bus driver Marvin couldn't get to the top of the hill.  We decided to ditch the bus and walk to our destination a little bit down the road.  With the help of some local Costa Ricans we were able to get to the school with ease.  Once we arrived at the school  we started painting.  By the the time we finished the painting it started to rain.  WE quickly walked to where we had lunch and enjoyed beans and rice on a gigantic banana leaf.  When we finish our lunch we looked through an artistic gift shop and found many cute little items.  After that, we headed back to the bus.  The walk to the bus was a short 20 minutes.  The air conditioning in the bus was the best thing we could hope for.  When we arrived at the lodge, Jackie set out a delicious plate of chips and various sauces.  The dinner, as usual, was delicious.  The rest of the night was peaceful.  Adios amigos and please comment because we read them every night and we love hearing form you!

Your Bloggers,

Cameron, Quinn, and Doodie

Snorkeling on the Gulfo Dulce