Costa Rica offers beauty, growth, Spanish & hardwork for gorge group
Trees, Chocolate, Coffee, and Gratitude
By Lea Mathieu
A dozen teens and half as many adults from Hood River and The Dalles spent spring break in Costa Rica, working on a conservation project, learning about cacao and coffee production, coming face to face with wildlife, using their Spanish skills, and enjoying the beauty and hospitality of this Central American country.
International Forestry Day, March 21, found them planting mangrove trees in rocky soil on a canal near the Pacific coast. They learned the vital importance of the trees; complex root systems in preventing soil erosion and providing habitat for many animals. They also worked in the mangrove nursery and collected seed pods along the shore.
During their holy moment; a conversation that evening, participants listed the joy of hard labor, teamwork, the complexity of root systems, the miracle of seeds, connection to nature, and pride in their work in the nursery and planting.
On a tour of an organic cacao farm, they learned of child slavery practices in the production of chocolate in other countries and the importance of fair-trade recognition. A tour of a coffee estate opened their eyes to the complexity of producing a product many of us take for granted every morning.
The Gorge residents also swam in the warm end of the Pacific Ocean, a stark contrast to our own chilly beaches. They saw crocodiles, frogs, birds, sloths, monkeys, and more in their natural habitat, whether from the ground, on water, or through the air while ziplining.
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The trip was initiated by Katie Cook, the children and youth program coordinator of Riverside Community Church in Hood River; Lea Mathieu, minister of The Dalles United Church of Christ Congregational, was a co-leader. Both women are retired teachers who have led student groups on international trips in the past, and who agree that there is no better education than meaningful, engaged travel.
