- Program
- Heart of the Jungle, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- 2021
- Hometown
- Weston, Massachusetts
In this first-person reflection, Cora Nicolaisen of Weston, Massachusetts, looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Heart of the Jungle program in Costa Rica in summer 2021.
Cora describes building ramps and painting at a community center in Uvita, painting and gardening at a library in Puerto Jiménez, and why the welcome from local residents became the most meaningful part of her trip.
My whole life I have grown up in or just outside of Boston.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel the world with my family. Although I have been to many different places, I have never experienced the culture like I did on this trip.
Heart of the Jungle Service: Building Ramps in Uvita
I remember the first community center that we went to, which was in Uvita.
The center was used to teach local children to speak English, and was also used as a local market. It gave the community members a chance to sell goods that they might have grown in the backyard.
The community center helped many people during COVID-19.
We built ramps so the handicapped could also take advantage of this experience. We also helped paint the walls.
Although it was amazing to see how we improved the center, we did not get to interact with the community as much as the second place in Puerto Jimenez.
Painting a Community Library in Puerto Jiménez
We were also working on an improvement plan, but this time it was for a library. This area was a place for children to play and read books and for the community to come together.
Sadly, we learned that during COVID-19 many people were struggling and took it upon themselves to steal things (like t-shirts) from the library. Selling these t-shirts was one of the ways that this library made money to support themselves.
Our job was to paint the outside/inside, work on the gardens and build a wall. Although all we did was paint on walls it was amazing to see how grateful the locals were and how welcoming they were.
I have never been in a community, in which I was not from, that was so welcoming to others.
They brought us into their life and culture. By far this was the most important aspect of the trip to me.
What Cora Took Home From Costa Rica
Through this trip we also participated in amazing activities. We went snorkeling, surfing, repelling off waterfalls and much more.
Although all these experiences were awesome, my favorite part was helping out the different communities. You could see how the people that were part of these communities were so grateful for what we did.
In conclusion, throughout my experience I learned to be grateful for what I have and how much I could help people through what I thought was something small.
All photos provided by Cora.
Cora describes how the trip taught her to be grateful and to value small contributions. Her memories concern the 2021 Heart of the Jungle session, which is no longer offered.
For a service program offered now in Costa Rica, see Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service. It runs 8 days for students ages 14–18 in La Fortuna and includes 16 service hours.
See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and service projects.
