A new day brings a new location! As we headed up into the mountain, it was truly eye-opening. What stood out to me was all the different communities we passed through and their resilience and diversity. Some areas felt untouched and deeply rooted in Costa Rican traditions, while others reflect the growing influence of tourism and foreign investment. I saw a lot of farms with a lot of different animals. Seeing the conditions that some of the animals were put in honestly made me a bit sad.

Since arriving on Saturday, my perception of Costa Rica has unbelievably expanded. I knew I was going to like it here, but I never expected to love a small place like this so quickly. Everyone is so welcoming and gives off this simple but hard-working lifestyle. This is a country that leads with kindness. From our awesome Don Jose, to the Uber drivers, to the guides, and last but not least, our amazing mama ticas and their families. In just 3 days, I have never felt so welcomed as I have here in Costa Rica. I have heard so many amazing stories from the citizens on how they built this simple life here. There’s an unshakable spirit for sure. Pura Vida isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life, even for those who’ve faced hardship or started with nothing. It almost pushes me to want to be better for myself. I came expecting natural beauty…and yes, the landscapes are stunning, but what’s really impacted me is the resilience and generosity of the people who are kindly making this experience possible.

Our conversation with Ricardo added such a meaningful layer to the trip. Hearing how Quakers from Alabama settled in Monteverde in the 1950s, bringing dairy farming and helping establish the Cloud Forest Reserve, was inspiring. Foreigners have had a significant impact on regions like Monteverde. Economically, they’ve helped create jobs and infrastructure through eco-tourism and conservation projects. Culturally, they’ve brought ideas about sustainability, education, and cooperative living that have shaped the identity of the region. Their peaceful, community-centered values fit beautifully with Costa Rica’s identity. They didn’t come to change Costa Rica, but to live in harmony with it. Their legacy is a reminder that lasting impact often starts with simple values and quiet courage.