Settling in

18 January The students are interacting enthusiastically with their host families, and appreciate the acceptance and patience their families extend to them.

• the group picture
• Dan Dick and his host mother, Hannia Hernàndez
• Students in Escazu: Carrie Stoltzfus and Karissa Loewen with their mothers, Sandra Camacho and Marta Mora, respectively

The Valle OrosÕ

The first trip outside the city took the group to the agriculturally rich OrosÕ Valley. A road circles the valley and crosses the CachÕ dam which generates hydroelectric power for surrounding cities. The Valley is home of the historic church ruins at Ujarràs constructed from limestone between 1681 and 1693. After the ruins, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch at a mirador overlooking the valley.

• Laura Kauffman, Kelly Sauder, & Bethany Ropp at Ujarràs
• Ujarràs
• below: view of the OrosÕ valley