Love Goes to Costa Rica Day Six
By Jaylah Quintanilla
This year, I returned to Costa Rica for the second time. This time, I came with my friends Valeria and Zahara. As this week goes on we have little moments in our room where we dance, play and sleep until it’s almost time to get on the bus.
Yesterday, we got to go to Centro Educativo San Marcos and from a mile away you could see all the bright colors and decorations for their Art Festival. We were welcomed by all the amazing staff and students. As we were waiting for the festival to start we were handed water and patti (also known as Jamaican Beef Patties). They were equally as fresh and delicious!
As the festival was starting, the teachers introduced themselves and the music teacher introduced us. A group of kids started to do traditional dances which was fun to watch. Little kids had “Pelo Loco Day” (Crazy Hair Day) and they presented their lovely, crazy, creative hair and did a mini fashion show. Some kids dressed up as a character. My favorite was a little girl dressed up as Snow White. A teacher talked to us about the history of Costa Rica and, when it was time to head to the worksite, the principal thanked us for being there.
We headed to the worksite to end our last day of work. We worked for awhile then had an AMAZING lunch. We then finished plastering the walls. As we were walking out, a man was walking down the street. He expressed his gratitude towards us for all the work we had been doing. One thing that stuck with me was when he said, “Even though it’s hard and long work, y’all still push through.” It meant a lot to hear someone acknowledge our work and take joy and pride in it.
Afterwards, we went to Limón Downtown to do some souvenir shopping. I got a shirt and a sticker. From there we went to Pops, an AMAZING ice cream place. One of my favorites! My choice is the Dulce de Leche with Coco. We got back to hotel exhausted but eager to eat dinner. It was chicken nuggets and fries.
We ended the day with compline and the question of the day was, “What keeps you going through life when things are hard?” My friends and family are my huge supporters and I’m glad to be here again.
Jaylah lives in Houston, TX with her mom and grandpa. Her favorite things are hanging out with friends and family, running and dancing.
Editor’s note: Today is Jaylah’s 15th birthday. Please send a special prayer of thanksgiving her way.
Pray for Mission to Costa Rica
Prayers are requested as Minister for Youth Marcia Quintanilla leads Cathedral youth on a mission to Costa Rica June 18-26. Follow their journey and learn more through daily updates while they are away at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/costaricablog
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