Observations and Challenges

Greetings! Charlie here again. I wanted to share some thoughts and observations about my experience here in Costa Rica.

I had no expectations when I came here. I knew I would be working with a team of people to help with research which will help farmers in the Tarrazu region not only improve their crops, but help them with sustainable solutions to coffee growing. What I did not know was how my life was going to change here.

Let me tell you the team of people I work with everyday are an incredible group. We started as strangers, and I can say we will leave as friends. Everyday we navigate some of the most challenging, hilly terrain and work hard. As we work, we share, we laugh, we talk. Most importantly we have a strong sense of teamwork.

The terrain has been difficult for me to navigate. I do not have great range of motion in my feet and legs. It is a challenge for me when I run on flat surfaces; however at 5,000-10,000 feet, and mostly on muddy soil, this has been one of the most physically demanding things I have ever done. I will never complain about marathon training after this.

My teammates have been nothing but supportive. When I have needed a hand up, they have given it to me. When I have fallen they have helped me back up, when I have needed someone to take equipment, so I can walk through a rough patch, they have been kind enough to do it for me.

Today, we visited a nearby national park. I have never done trail hiking, and I admit it scared me, especially since it was raining, making the footing even more difficult. We were making our way to the most amazing waterfalls I have ever seen. I am proud to tell you I made it, but I had the help of my team to get me there. When I got to the falls I was overcome with emotion. It was an experience I will never forget. Natalia saw my crying and asked me if I was happy. I was.

Other than the physical challenges. I have been challenged on how I see ecosystems, the environment and how I fit in. The farmers here are so eager not only to produce the best coffee they can, but they understand how important it is to do it in an environmentally safe way. Why is it they get it, and so many of us don´t! I can tell you I will be making some ¨green¨changes in my life when I get back.

As we drove through the mountains and the rain/cloud forests, I wondered how is it we can let such beauty vanish. Just as this team of previous strangers have come together, why can´t more people and work towards something better and preserve what we have?

I am profoundly thankful for Starbucks and Earthwatch for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to be here. I also thank my new friends: Kimball, Jason, Harmony, Debbie, Christine, Ingrid, Chris, Alexandra and Lewis for being such an amazing team. I have learned so much from them. Thanks to Natalia and Sebastian as well. They have been nothing but wonderful in answering all our questions, and making sure we are well taken care of in Costa Rica.

I am not sure if I will post anymore before we leave, but I wanted to get these thoughts out.

Thanks!

Charlie
Charlie is counting again.
The falls along the Savenge river.