Time has gone by so fast. I am having so much fun in Costa Rica with my classmates. We started today with a great breakfast. We went zip lining after we were done eating breakfast. I was pretty scared at the beginning because I had never done zip lining before. But since my classmates and teachers encouraged me to do it, it was better for me to get started. We went on 13 lines and on a swing that is called the “Tarzan Swing”. The first time it was so scary for me to be on the tarzan swing, but it was pretty sweet. After that, we went to a place where we could see the process of ox carts. Because we had a down pour of rain all of a sudden, it was kind of hard to hear what the tour guide was saying. It was still cool to see the process of their work. After that, we went to the shop to buy suveniors. All the things that are in Costa Rica are so unique and hand made as well. After we were done eating dinner, we had a devotion time. A leader named Paolla shared her testimony with the girls. It was really special and I was so happy to hear her story. It really touched my heart. So far, I have realized that God has provided so many things for us. All the experiences that I have made with my classmates and teachers will be a treasure in my life. I can’t wait to spend more time here in Costa Rica for the next few days. GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!

SungJu “Sunny” Park

The past few days have been pretty sweet. All of our air traveling went off without a hitch and we arived in one piece. After getting a good nights rest from the previous days activities we woke up bright and early to go zip lining. When we arived to Ecoglide (ziplinging place) we were acqeaninted with our guides who quickly strapped us into our harnesses. After a very brief instructional speech we did a short practice line. When we were all finished there we pilled into a truck and headed up the mountain. Ziplining was a blast. Flying on the lines you could see miles around. By far the biggest adrenaline rush was the tarzan swing. After being strapped into the lines and jammed up aggainst the gate, the gate was released, you were told to sit and off you went. Describing this experience into words will not do it any justice. Later in the day we headed to a shop and a ox cart facotory. We were being given a tour of how the facotry origonated and functioned but due to the heavy rain we could barly hear our guide. After roaming the shop for a while we made our way to dinner and eventually to a small shop were we could get light snacks. These past few days have been awesome and I am sure there is more to come. Tomarrow we are heading out to our first work day which I am looking forward to. We are all doing well for the most part and having fun.

Adam Macbeth

Hello LCS, Costa Rica has been awesome so far. It is only two days in and I am having a blast with my classmates and miss all of you guys a lot. We had quite the experience sleeping in the airport and probably got an hour of sleep at the very most, but we had a blast doing it. The plane rides were quick and easy. The first day was a long one because when we got out of the airport in Costa Rica it was humid and we had not eaten or slept for a while so we were pretty miserable. We have two awesome tour guides named Dustin and Pow. They have been an absolute joy to have as tour guides. We have been in shops and got to go to a gorgeous waterfall today that was truly one of Gods finest inventions. We got yelled at for trying to go behind the waterfall and I was annoyed because I was already three quarters of the way there and it was a tough swim. The food has been really good and we have not had any stomach issues as of yet. Knock on wood. We got to go to hot springs this evening and had VIRGIN strawberry daqueries while we swam. The area was gorgeous and nobody got bit by a poisonious snake which there are plenty of here. God has been so great with getting all of the luggage here on time and with keeping everybody safe. We have ziplining planned for tomorrow which everybody is pumped for. We are looking forward to serving the local people here and also to get home and see you guys as well. No doubt we will have lots of stories to tell. Shout out to my favorite 6th graders who I hope are reading this!!!! Love all you guys and miss you,

Jared St. John

Hola de Costa Rica! That means “Hello from Costa Rica!” I would love to write this whole letter to you in Spanish but first of all I cannot speak that much spanish, and second, you would not enjoy this letter because you would not understand it! Anyways, I hope things are going well back in Miss Mickel’s class. I know you are all excited for summer but continue to do your homework and don’t drive Miss Mickel too crazy, alright?!? Here are a few of my favorite/crazy things that have happened on the trip so far. 1. Spent my first night in the airport. 2. Got to eat seaweed soup for the first time (It was pretty good!) 3. Bartered in spanish and bought myself a $20 costa rican hammock 4. Hiked down to and swam in a waterfall next to a volcano. 5. Soaked in a natural hot springs that had 6 different pools. Those are a few of the highlights for me so far. Its only day 2. Tomorrow the plan is to go ziplining through a jungle canopy with 13 different ziplines, the longest being a forth of a mile long. The weather here is beautiful and it rains randomly, but it makes everything an adventure. Its been a busy two days and everyone is having so much fun, and it helps us to sleep soundly at night. One more thing before I say Adios; everyone down here in Costa Rica uses a saying. They say “Pura Vida”! It means pure life! So everyone repeat it, “Pura Vida”! Its kind of positive encouragment to say to one another. Alright, Adios and Buenos Noches!

Love your class senior,
Kate Albers

After a lot of travelling, we were taken to an open air restaraunt where a traditional meal of chicken, slaw and some paste was served with corn chips. Everyone seemed to enjoy! I however had tossed my cookies just before eating and had to simply watch them finish their meals. I was the first casualty of not drinking enough water, so everyone now understands to stay well hydrated. I am glad it happened to me and am doing fine this morning as we get ready to go visit Mt. Arenal, waterfalls, and a catholic church and hot springs. More updates this evening.

Brett Markey

Too Much Energy!!!

Yeah, we also have a pool?! This I did no know…really!

Brett Markey

Some sight seeing after the quick lunch included driving around town, past the soccer stadium, and to a small market where we spent a little time shopping and browsing. Okay, so what is Kate going to do with a hammock?

Brett Markey

Waiting for the bus outside the SJO terminal

After clearing customs, we met up with our guide (Dustin Woida) and we boarded a very nice bus which sped us off to lunch. Sleep still avoids most of us as we chase the adrenelin rush.

Brett Markey

YES..We Are IN !!!

we made it…
This time Austin and I were anticipating a great landing. Well we came in hot, did a pretty nice bounce, and then brakes were applied very harshly. But we were down and all good.

Brett Markey