I'm back!

I'm resting and recuperating today from a wonderful and amazing trip.

This picture shows our group. The 3 gentlemen on the right side of the picture are Oscar, José Ángel, and Eduardo, Costa Rican disability activists and our hosts.

I'm posting my journal entries from earlier in the trip. I'll have more to say and pictures to post later. Thanks for all the good wishes!

sábado, 30 de junio

This was our last full day with our host families. In the morning our host mother, Marinella, took us to see a large church in their neighborhood. At 1 pm, we all joined the rest of the MIUSA group along with their host families , for an afternoon fiesta filled with food, socializing, singing, and dancing. Each host family was recognized and thanked by the each of us and also by the group. My host family, Toty (dad), Marinella (mom), and Marypaz (7 year old daughter), gave a short speech saying how he enjoyed having Ryan and me stay with them.

In the late afternoon, Minor, our taxi driver, picked Ryan and me up and we followed Toti, Marinella, and Maripas to Toti's sister and brother-in-law's house in the town of Tivas. We joined a family gathering of about 50 people, singing karaoke, dining, and having fun. It was very special.

The warmth and graciousness of my host family is incredible. Most of the people we have encountered here in Costa Rica possess this same warmth.

miércoles, 4 de julio

I've just returned from a relaxing e days at Carara National Park. We did lots of swimming and hiking and saw all sorts of wildlife. We went on a nicely accessible paved trail. We also went on a trail through the jungle and saw white-faced monkeys, McCaws, toads, iguanas lizards, and insects. There were a few rocky spots along the trail, but with teamwork, we got through them.

We also did some swimming at 2 beaches at the park. I floated in the water and found it warm, refreshing, and relaxing.

Carara is a beautiful national park, and they are looking to become more accessible. They asked for our suggestions. I appreciate this attitude and hope more people with disabilities will come to Carara.

This trip has gone by so fast. I can't believe it's coming to an end. I've met some wonderful people here and made what I hope will be lasting friendships.