I guess I need to apologize for not posting more often. I was doing really well for a while, posting just about every day. But I have been so incredibly busy with this new volunteer program we are running. I’ve been shocked at the response. For almost a year I was spending lots of time, energy and money into trying to book people for retreats and workshops. It was becoming clear it was not a “hot market.” Pretty much bummed me out.

But as soon as I breathed word one about wanting volunteers to come to Costa Rica, my phone has been ringing off the hook! I’m really glad to be doing something worthwhile and fun.

It all started with my recognizing the effects of so many tourists in Costa Rica. We get almost 2 million per year. Though they bring a lot of money into the country, not everyone gets a piece of the pie. Not to mention the ecological and economic damages this presents. For instance, the influx of money equates to higher inflation. Higher inflation is not helping the gap between rich and poor. And salaries are not budging.

So I was wondering how I could do my small part to help out and came up with the idea of converting tourist “exploitation” to “contribution.” And what better way than to spend time learning about and experiencing another culture, while at the same time, making some sort of contribution?

The volunteers we already have here are working with the Bribri indigenous tribe, an elementary school on the Caribbean side and Lankester Botanical Gardens. So far, so good!

Now I’m off today to Dominical and Playa Uvita in the south pacific area of the country to scope out some new host families and volunteer opportunities. That means I won’t have any more posts until next week. Sorry! But rest assured, I’ll be back with pictures and stories. Be well!

Photos by Maisie Crow.