Getting Ready

Ethan (11), Aaron (9) and I (ageless) are preparing for our 5-week adventure to Costa Rica.  We have researched, read books, emailed people we know, been to the doctor, and are beginning to pack.  We will be volunteering at a Permaculture Community (a place where everything in the environment works together to sustain the environment's original look, feel and elements).  I will do some teaching and farming.  The boys will collect coconuts, take care of animals and work the farm.  

The boys are also going to school some days, which is all in Spanish with a local boy, Gabriel.  There are 12 children at the school of varying ages.  And, approximately, 12 adults who live in the community year-round.  I don't know how many volunteers and locals will be there daily.

The boys favorite part is gathering the gadgets we may need in the rain forest and on the coast.  Knives seem to be their thrill of the moment.

So many decisions--immunizations, how to travel once there, what to pack in (packs or suitcase)... I was feeling excited and then the anxiousness set in.  This is the first time taking the boys out of the country.  We've traveled extensively through the states, and they are great travelers.

So I have wonderful friends who have hooked me up with some locals (called Ticos) in case we need some support.  I have to say I never worried this much when I have traveled alone.

Some of you may be wondering where in Costa Rica we are going.  Well it's a teeny town called Las Tumbas (between San Isidro and Dominical) and the farm is called Fuente Verde (Green Fountain or Spring).  They have a website if you want to check it out: http://fuenteverdecommunity.org/home

We will also be traveling to other places, Osa Mountain Village (just above the Osa Peninsula), Cascada Verde on Playa Uvita and where ever else we can get to.  I am looking for a place to hold yoga and meditation retreats in the future.  I'd love to go to Corcavdo National Park, Monteverde and Arsenal.  These are places I visited about 7 years ago when I went with Realms of Inquiry as a chaperone.

Some of you may be wondering about Cheney.  He is healing well and will hold down the fort and take care of Mitchy while we're gone.

I realize this is a long post and has no photos, but it's the beginning.

Te hablo luego.  I will talk to you later--probably after we arrive and if the internet is working.

J