I spent two weeks in a Spanish School in San Jose at the outset. This was a very worthwhile experience for me as my spoken Spanish needed to be improved. There was a really great spirit in that school and the standards of teaching were superb.
On my arrival here in San Ramon, I stayed in Dona Nidia’s house. I met her son for the first time on Sunday evening. On the following Tuesday I was shocked and saddened to learn that he had died suddenly. To facilitate the grieving process I was transferred to another family nearby. While the Ama de Casa was accommodating, I didn’t feel at home in the house. After two weeks. I transferred back to Dona Nidia’s house, where I remained for the duration of my stay. She is kind, caring and really welcoming.
I worked in Bajo Tejares four days a week. I loved playing with the children (particularly on the swings) and helping them with their reading. At an early stage, I saw the need to help Jenny and Kimberly, staff members, with their English. We had individual lessons each day, which was a source of great fulfillment for me. Catherine is willing to continue with the teaching process after my departure. I sincerely hope that this initiative can be continued well into the future. It is vitally important to empower the teachers, so that they in turn can empower the children.
I taught two adult groups for five weeks in the University. This to, was a very enriching experience for me, as I got to know the “pupils” individually. I regard this adult project as being one of the great initiatives of uVolunteer. I hope it will continue to flourish well into the future.
I have met many nice people here over the past number of weeks – both volunteers and people from the community. Each person that I met has in some way contributed to my personal growth and development.
While I was here, I travelled quite a lot at the weekend. I visited many of the key tourist locations, such as Monteverde and la Fortuna. Together with that I took the opportunity to visit Panama City and Guatemala. My wife will arrive tomorrow, so we will spend one week travelling within Costa Rica. Incidentally, my daughter is getting married on Saturday March 26th, in Ireland! She and her new husband will spend their honeymoon in Costa Rica. So when my wife and I leave, they will take our place here in this country.
Finally, I would like to thank the uVolunteer office staff for their valuable work. If I may be permitted, I would like to thank Ligia in particular for all she has done. Despite all the pressure, she always keeps a gentle smile on her face. Thanks, my friend! To you, Nat, I would simply say: “Keep up the good work. The country needs visionaries like you. “
“Muchas gracias por todo. Nos vemos otra vez, posible in Thailand.”
Le gach dea-mhéan.