Updates from June 24 & 25

domingo

Today, Ryan and I had a very relaxing day with our host family. We first went to a lush and beautiful national park, and saw many types of animals, including deer, birds, and butterflies. Seeing and hearing all the animals was very relaxing and peaceful.

When we returned home, members of our host family's extended family joined us. We played games and chatted. They are a close family and welcomed Ryan and me as part of their family. I am amazed at how kind and welcoming Costa Ricans are.

lunes

Today we went to a government funded rehabilitation center in San Jose.

We learned a lot about the history of the center and its commitment to caring for people with disabilities. The hospital doesn't have the fanciest equipment, but it makes do. We took a tour of the different units and saw a wing where those who have operations and need physical therapy stay. (This area brought back many memories for me.)

Costa Rica has the biggest gap between the rich and the poor in all of Central America. The disability rights activists' goal is to make the hospital accessible to all people, rich and poor. The main theme of the day was that the problems lie with society's inability to accommodate the needs of people.