Charity's story

It’s just me and the rainforest; this thick entanglement of plants and life that hides within, the rich earthy scent of damp soil, the chatter of birds nearby and the call of the Quetzal in the distance. Everywhere I look is a miracle, a million shades of green in every shape and texture, bright flowers playing peek-a-boo, showing their faces when I least expect it, sometimes fifty feet up, tiny insects painted with the most intricate and majestic designs in unbelievable colors. This is the rainforest of Aula Global, where I have spent much of the past few months. This is the rainforest where I have been waiting most of my life to enter, something that I have cared about for so long. And now here I am, just a small part of the Global Classroom, one among many who have brought dream to reality. So many days I sit here, dampened by the misting sky, immersed in a different way of being, daydreaming of the future of this place; of trees crowding into the pastured land and making their dance back to life, animals coming out to play, like the Howler Monkies that rumble through the valley in the early morning light, and the Coatimundis who have already had their fun with this years group of student volunteers. Other days I push these thoughts from my mind and let my hands get their share of the work that it will take to make Aula Global succeed. There is so much to be done as I head off to the woods alone or with Global Classroom worker, Israel Mendez, or volunteer, Josie Beavers. In the past few months we have found clean water and strung tubing through the slippery hills of the forest to deliver it to our door, cleared a spot for an organic garden and planted Aguacatillo seeds which will feed the majestic Quetzals that have gracefully flown through my days here, and of course, we have readied the land for the building of the educational center, which will allow others to share in the magic of the rainforest.

Aside from my time on the land, I have learned to love the rest of what Monteverde and Santa Elena have to offer, including my temporary home. Living with Israel and his family has been a gift, a glimpse into a different way of life that isn’t really so different. It is a chance to listen to Israel’s passion for the rainforest, to watch him work; to take what his wife, Sari, has to offer, whether it is advice, a hand carrying a two by four, or a delicious fresh baked empenada. It is an opportunity to talk with his three incredible daughters who have helped make their house my home. I’ve also been able to become a part of something outside the house as I have taught in one of the small schools, gardened at the beautiful community art center, and participated in a community service trip to El Salvador (as part of the Costa Rican team). Volunteer opportunities abound here, from working in one of the many schools to guiding at the butterfly garden to working at our own Global Classroom property. Contact the Global Classroom to learn more about what you could do in this incredible place.

Charity Ritscher, May 2001