Pura Vida is the national slogan in Costa Rica, decorating everything from postcards to T-shirts, and translating literally as "pure life." However, the figurative meaning is something a little more elusive.

A group of San Lorenzo Valley youth had the opportunity to find their own definition of pura vida in 2006 as they traveled from the United States to Costa Rica as part of a mission team from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ben Lomond.

Heather Bishop, 16; Audra Camper, 12; Celestine "Cele" Glover, 15; Andrew Olson, 11; Mary Smith, 12; and Sebastian Tumbale, 13, traveled with trip coordinators Ken and Charise Olson to complete a community service project in the barrio of Los Lagos, Costa Rica. Los Lagos is located in the city of Heredia,adjacent to the Costa Rican capital of San Jose.

"We wanted to offer a way to serve that required action, and we wanted to broaden the idea of 'community' when we talk about community service," Charise Olson said when asked why this trip was scheduled.

"It was also a way to give people an international experience outside of the typical tourist stuff," she continued.

The team of eight coordinated with CEDCAS (El Centro de Educaciŏn, Capacitaciŏn, y de Atenciŏn en Salud) in Los Lagos, a whole person health care clinic which has been providing medical care as well as social service programs throughout Costa Rica for the past 20 years.

CEDCAS founder and coordinator, Lillian Solt, was able to choose a project that fit the size and work experience of the team.

"I became acquainted with Lillian and CEDCAS six years ago when I went to Costa Rica as part of a team like this," Olson said. "I never thought that six years later I would take a team of my own.

"We worked to refurbish the lot for a Senior Citizen Day Center. The men and women attending day care programs provided by the government had no funds or ability to maintain the center. The grass was knee high and the drainage problems were causing the building to flood during the daily rain," Olson
explained.

"The ladies were so happy to see us there, and see our work. I will never forget their faces when we were finished. It felt magical," said Audra Camper, a SLV Middle School student.

"Pulling the weeds was hard," said Cele Glover, an incoming SLV High School freshman.

The team worked two full days, including one afternoon in the rain to pull weeds, pick up trash, clear and restore the drains, as well as plant flowers and fruit trees.

"We finished a project we weren't sure was possible in three days, in just under two. The whole team did an amazing job," Olson said.

"What will stay in my mind is the work we did, and the way the group threw their energy into it," said fellow team member Heather Bishop. She enjoyed staying at the clinic because she is interested in pursuing a nursing career after her graduation from SLV High School.

In addition to the physical work serving the community of Los Lagos, the team also collected donations of clothing, school supplies, toys, and non-perishable food to share with needy families in Costa Rica.

"Some team members even left their own clothes and shoes behind, so they could give more. It was an amazing thing to witness such generosity," Olson said.

The trip wasn't all work, as team members also had a day at the beach, visiting Isla de Tortuga (Turtle Island}, and a half-day trip to see Volcan Poas-- one of three active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The group also spent a day in the capital city of San Jose, visiting markets and historic buildings.

When asked about his experience, Sebastian Tumbale said, "The best part of it was actually getting to go on the trip, because I've never been out of California that much. The hardest part was seeing how some of the people had to live-- in shacks made of tin and whatever they could find around."

Mary Smith added, "My best experience was being in a Spanish-speaking culture, and seeing a place so different that really isn't that far from where we live. I also liked getting to know everyone on the trip, because I really didn't know anyone that well before we left."

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church sponsored the trip, but group members came from the community as well as the church itself. "Because we were determined to do a community project in Costa Rica, I wanted our trip to be open to the community as well--not just our church members," Olson explained.

The group fund-raised for over a year to help cover expenses. The balance of the trip's expense was covered by each team member's family.

"We're already fund-raising for next year's trip," Olson noted.

For more information about the trip planned for 2007, please contact Charise Olson at (831)336-5994