Perspective

Julian Payne

Our last night in the rain forest was so powerful. It really put in perspective of why we worked so hard to build roads and trails, make new friends, but most importantly why we came to Costa Rica. We met with all the families of the village, shared some words of thanks, played games, and we gave them a financial donation to help them out. It was everything about that night that made me smile so hard. Everyone kept telling me that I had the biggest smile on my face that night, and it was because it really made me feel good that we got to share four of our days in Costa Rica with the people of Quebrada Arroyo. Our journey into the deep rain forest really put my life in slow motion and gave me a chance to reflect on my life and gave me an idea of what I want to bring back to Pittsburgh. I purchased many things in Costa Rica, but I’d much rather bring the sense of optimism that all Ticos have. No matter how little they have, they always have a smile and stick together.
When we leave pretty soon, I’m definitely going to miss that the most…but, I MIGHT just SLIGHTY miss the females a LITTLE more. Speaking of togetherness, we played soccer with some of the villagers. It was so fun!!! I think I found a new love…soccer! You really have to be in shape to play that game, I was soaked in my sweat, I was tired, dizzy, but it was totally worth it. In 20 or 30 years, I want to visit Costa Rica again with my kids, I want them to experience the feeling I had when I was 17 and hopefully it’ll change their lives as well. I’ll miss Costa Rica very much, but I have tons of memories and I wouldn’t have wanted share them with any other group of friends than our small City High family. See you in Pittsburgh soon!!