When researching ‘things to do’ in the La Fortuna area, I found a tour experience that I thought we’d all enjoy: Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Centre, a safe haven & rehab centre for animals who have been injured + rescued or confiscated from citizens by the government (it’s illegal to have wild animals as pets and the Costa Rican government is vigilant in enforcing this law). The opportunity we booked included a tour of the facility, visiting its current residents, and the chance to volunteer… we LOVED IT! Shout out to our guide Carlos who was super knoweldgeable and infectiously enthusiastic!
iPhone shot by me.
iPhone shot by me.
iPhone shot by Carlos.
They enforce pretty strict rules at the Proyecto, in order to protect the animals (and guests’ fingers too!), but Carlos was kind enough to take a shot of the Toucan for me from a closer vantage. 🙏🏼
While there, we learned that Proyecto Asis offers more robust volunteer opportunities and my mind immediately started to spin: what if…?!
After a very full two days that included: white water rafting on the Tenorio, swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall, the afternoon at Proyecto Asis and the almost 11 hours of driving, we arrived back in Samara and asked the kids - with the caveat that we didn’t know if it would even be possible - if they’d like to do a homestay/volunteer program at Proyecto. They both said yes and I immediately reached out to Adriana, the Volunteer Programs Coordinator… the wheels were set in motion!
We enrolled them in a four day program that included volunteering at Proyecto each day from 8 to 4 with a local homestay for eating and sleeping…their host: the remarkable Doña Esther.
When we first delivered the kids to Proyecto, early on their first day, Adriana offered to get them settled into their work for the day before generously offering for D+I to meet Doña Esther - her farm being only a short drive away. It was a quick visit, with her daughter, Kely (who also worked at Proyecto), translating for us… they showed us where the kids would sleep, told us about her family, farm + business, and we got to meet her rescued dogs.❤️ Meeting Doña Esther was definitely one of THE moments of our trip when I thought ‘damn, I wish I spoke better Spanish!’
As we drove away I said to D, “SHE is someone I should ask to photograph!”
On her front porch, with one of her rescues, where - I like to imagine - she, with family + friends have spent plenty of time together and a place where she can see + quietly acknowledge all her hard work.
Doña Esther is a formidable business woman… she grows veggies, herbs, and fruit for local sale + international export, while also farming chicken and quail. Her family is often around for meals, which she lovingly prepares and serves… I suspect there aren’t many - if ANY - minutes of her day that aren’t allocated to one chore or another.
Doña Esther only speaks Spanish and - as my Spanish is a lot more Sportuguese, (heavy on the Portuguese😉) - I texted the kids to ask them to explain my project and ask if she’d be willing to participate. Unfortunately, the internet was down and they never received my note…
And so it was that, upon our arrival to pick the kids up on the last morning of their homestay, Doña Esther was unaware of my invitation…despite that, she very graciously accepted my request of a portrait, spent a quick minute washing her hands and tidying her hair, and we then spent a little time making portraits in her front yard (literally 5 minutes - she’s BUSY!💪).
I loved her porch…so many interesting details, including the thicker + uneven window-glass, which provided beautiful reflections. Seeing her let her guard down a little - which was way outside her expectation for the morning - and be photographed was definitely a highlight of GGEM for me. 💎
Doña Esther with her Guaria Morada, the stunning purple orchid which moonlights as the national flower. What a great smile! She actually grows MANY different orchids on her property, such care and effort evident on seemingly every inch of the land. 🦋
The kids’ experience was beyond what we could have hoped for… they spent their days with the wonderful grounds crew helping to paint enclosures, make enrichment activities, clean cages, and feed the animals (which both agreed was the highlight 🐒). When ‘work’ was done they were driven back to Doña Esther’s house where they were treated to extraordinary meals, time to play with the cats and dogs, and practice their Spanish, all under the watchful eye of Doña Esther. #gratitude
Final hugs goodbye, on the patio of her home…on land that’s been in her family for generations. ❤️
Being warmly invited into another’s home, sharing meals with her family, having her pack rather extraordinary lunches for them to eat at work (seriously setting the bar too high, Doña! 😂), and witnessing all she puts into her day to earn a living while also being a hands-on mom and grandma… well, can you imagine a more enriching homestay for these teenagers?!🙏🏼❤️
Deep thanks to all involved in making our kids' experience so rich, with special thanks to Doña Esther. ✨
Muchisimas gracias a todos los involucrados en hacer que la experiencia de nuestros hijos sea tan rica, y un agradecimiento especial a Doña Esther. 🙏🏼
xo Lori