EMILY'S JOURNAL

Dear Carpe Diem 88 Inc.

I am currently in my final week in San Isidro, Costa Rica with the Volunteer Abroad organization. I left for San Jose, Costa Rica on June 4th and return to Manitoba August 13th. I lived in the VA housing in downtown San Jose for 6 weeks. The first 4 weeks I had Spanish lessons Monday to Friday in the mornings, and in the afternoons we would usually spend exploring San Jose. I then spent 2 weeks volunteering at a daycare for poor/single parents. The children were aged 6 months to about 14 years old. I decided to work with a group of 15 children aged about 8 to 14. The daycare has paid teachers, but they are always welcoming volunteers to help out. The teachers gave us freedom to teach the students English, play games, go to the park and much more. I had so much fun with the students because they helped me learn Spanish and they were also so appreciative to learn English and make new friends. On June 19th, I left for the rural city San Isidro, about 3 hours South of San Jose. I have been living here with a home stay family and volunteering at a local school, Tierra Prometida. The school is in a poverty stricken area and the school does not have many funds. The students have many social issues including poverty, single parents, parents with addiction and more. The school has about 180 students from ages 5 to 15. I assist the English teacher in the classroom and the Phys-Ed teacher on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I enjoy living with my home stay family very much, they are welcoming and I am learning about Costa Rican culture.

I wanted to share my experience with the Carpe Diem organization and once again say how thankful I am for your support of a donation for my volunteer experience.

I also have enclosed some photos of my experience.

Thanks again!

Emily Vitt