Some things that were new included a different coffee
plantation. At this one we were able to plant coffee, which I enjoyed very
much. They told us that they would keep our plants together and if we returned
in three years we could drink our coffee. J.
Something else I found intriguing was that they said they offered homestays. I
am on the hunt for my next international travel to include work experience- which
brings me to my next fantastic addition. This time we visited a private school,
and a young man gave us the tour in English. At this school I planted about 30
or more trees that were simply seeds that had sprouted, and 2 trees that were
about a foot and a half to 2 feet tall already. I would say that this was one
of the highlights of my trip. At this school (which I wrote down the
information for) they have opportunity for volunteer work for extended periods
of time. How amazing would that be!?
Perhaps later the topic of “La Carpio” will receive a blog
entry of its own. For now though, I must place it here. La Carpio is a place I would
very much like to return to in the future. Through a connection between the
University for Peace and The Foundation in La Carpio (which is headed by an
amazing angelic woman by the name of Gale) we were able to hear the history of
the neighborhood, it’s people, and receive a tour. La Carpio is a piece of land
about one square mile in size that is divided into 9 sectors. Due to drugs,
crime, and danger in general people are not usually permitted to move freely
between the different sectors. Gale is the exception. Walking with Gale made me
want to cry. It was powerful. The people passing by not only had respect for
her, but they had love. She knew everyone, and had a magical way with the
children. They hugged her and she asked them about their days. She knew their families,
their lives. She had support for them, and respected their feelings. I could
see through her actions and her words how much she cared for them. While normally
this would have been a very dangerous experience (35,000 people living in this
square mile), with Gale- it was safe. For the most part, these families are
Nicaraguans, though their children are now Costa Rican. Gale told me to watch
for people’s reactions when I explained that I had spent a day in La Carpio,
and I have been. Eyes open briefly in disbelief and then return to normal.
Within the first two sentences of conversation I am told how dangerous it is. This
is a moment where I long deeply for increased Spanish vocabulary. In the Spanish
world I lack the ability to have profound conversation. I feel for the people
in La Carpio. It is amazing how kind the people that we met were/are. Willing
to share their lives with us, willing to invite us into their homes and
introduce us to their families- including a new born baby. They have hard
lives- yet the smile, and it is pure. I met an artist that had lost the use of
his legs and a great deal of his upper body when he was a child. In august his
work will appear in a large exhibit. He regret to us was that his work was
unfinished otherwise he would have like to share it with us.
The children in La Carpio appeared to be happy. Though both
they and their parents had ripped clothing, and many of the children had caps
on their teeth…. They were warm. They have homes. They laughed and smiled and
played. I noted that they played in the same water that the dishes were done
in, but they are unaware of the fact that children elsewhere would not be permitted
to do this. Though they were very observant that we were Gringos (a term for
North Americans), the youth of La Carpio do not entirely feel the pain from the
difference in quality of life. If they have never known it, how could they? I
don’t mean the material items. Those are things that the delinquents are able
to steal.. and sell. I mean things such as the feeling of accomplishment after
obtaining advanced education… These people are getting by. Often people are
satisfied if they have the knowledge that is necessary to get by. Outside of La
Carpio however? I am unsure. I know that in my life I desire more… always more.
I had a brief discussion about the politics in Costa Rica and how it relates to
La Carpio. There is currently a new wave of youth in the neighborhood that will
be able to vote in the coming election. Stupidly, I asked what was being done
to help prepare this youth for informed decision making. Hah- If only the
resources were available. I was answered with the fact that this was not
possible because there were more basic/ more important things that must be
taught first. Unfortunately this group of youth will go on being easily
influenced because critical thinking and informed questioning is currently unattainable.
. . and I was assured that they will vote. This is one thing that the people of
Costa Rica do DO.
In the coming weeks I will be taking a class on Latin
American Politics. It is my hope to advance these thoughts and gain a deeper
understanding of the situations in in Costa Rica and Central America. If this
happens- I will surely revisit the topic.
Anyway---- While in La Carpio we also picked up trash, and built
bunk beds for a family that lives there. I was with the small group that went
to the house for final construction and this in itself was an experience. I
have some photos and when I have time I will share them. It was an amazing experience
to see their life. To kick the soccer ball lying in what could be interpreted as
a yard. Though this yard contained no grass- only gravel and broken glass. While
the construction was taking place, the children’s’ mom left and returned with a
two liter of Coke which she proceeded to pour into cups for us to drink.
IMAGINE… a family appearing to have nothing -and certainly they surely lack
money, going out of their way to spend money in order to be a good host… It was
unnecessary…. Or was it? Certainly we did not need to drink Coke. Though in a
world where one party wants to help another without an heir of superiority-
without a lowering of one’s self to the others level but rather to help as
equals in the human family… this act of love is completely necessary, and it
was appreciated.
Wow- the concept I
just brought up is very complicated and I hope that you all understand my point
of view. If not we can certainly discuss it later because it is very important
and I would not want to be misunderstood. It is a concept I have discussed in
detail with a friend from UMASS.
Finally- when the bed was completed, the kids jumped and
laughed and smiled. My life became just a smidge brighter. This was an
experience I will not forget. If only I could show it through my eyes.
Alas, I have typed a novel… but I feel now I can continue
with my more recent experiences. Phew!
