Author: Various
Placement: Placement 0111
Period:
Various
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"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all of your thoughts break their bonds: your mind expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."
Patanjali
"Half of my ten days in Costa Rica was spent at Rancho Mastatal. It was my experiences there that left the deepest impression on me.
Each day we made our way on trails through the unspoiled tropical forest to clean rushing waterfalls and swimming holes. There is one waterfall in particular, about a ten-minute hike from the main house, that radiates a sense of magic that you can only find in your dreams, or in paradise. One can travel for an entire day along these trails, stop anywhere and find a rich and complex mix of tropical life.
After swimming by the waterfall
one day, I was looking for a place to sit next to the river under the cool tree
canopy. I found a large fallen tree log about a meter in diameter rotting next
to the trail. As I moved closer, I noticed a highway of ants making their way
over the log, making it less inviting for sitting. I became transfixed by the
two way flow of ants in a very ordered line, making its way over the log and in
an arbitrary spot the line formed a 'T', where some would go right, some would
go left. So there were essentially three main branches of this "highway", and it
traveled in both directions. As more of us got closer, we noticed that at this
branch point, and every foot or so along the track of ants was a larger ant
standing beside the line on its hind legs. My wife told me these special ants
were "guard ants". It looked more like nature's traffic cop.
We followed the lines of ants as
they spread out for many meters into the forest floor, and back to the log.
Peering in the two-foot hole at end of the rotten log with a flashlight, we
found the colony teeming with tens of thousands of ants. I'd never seen anything
quite like it.
Two self-admitted Goofy Brits
The people we met in the village were friendly, and showed reverence for what I consider to be the two main Costa Rican cultural phenomena- soccer and Jesus. While I did not attend mass in the local "iglesia", there was a Sunday afternoon soccer game. In spite of my near-zero Spanish skills, I could recognize a welcome invitation to join in the game, which was really fun.
There is a feel to the ranch of slowing down time. From the moment I came through the main gate and walked to the house, I felt that I could be there for many days without counting them or the hours in between. There were no phones, clocks, or computers to
remind me of the treadmill of the first world. Food and conversation were the main focus around the house. Many used the front porch for reading, writing, yoga practice, or laying in the hammock. There is a chess set, but I never got bored enough to use it.
I fell in love with Rancho Mastatal, and I hope to be lucky enough to come back again sometime soon".
Michael Schiesser
It's amazing how your life can change just from taking a certain turn in the road. In this case, I couldn't be happier where I ended up. I can't say enough how much I'm grateful to you for taking me into your home and making me a part of the operation here. It's not often you find such a familiar atmosphere, but it surely exists out here in Mastatal. I'll never forget my times here, and wish they could continue longer. But, not to fear, for I'll be back baking bread in no time.
That is all I'll say for now, 'cause we'll soon meet again. Thank you so much for everything, and keep up the good lifestyle here at RM.
Many blessings - Hasta la próxima…
Tyler
Volunteer, CT
Words can hardly describe here. It is a complete experience, that effortlessly turns from a house to a home. I'm always amazed thinking about the persistence, drive and patience it takes to see a project as grand and ambitious as this through. And to keep it running seems impossible. Your passion for your cause makes me want to learn more and do more. You've made your house into a center for learning AND action. Wow! Everyone here is so friendly and open, willing to learn and teach. Thank you so much for making this possible. I hope I can continue to do my part. God bless.
Laura
High school student, Seattle
As this is written on my last night, you'll understand if I try to use easy to spell words. Thank you. In all that can mean…for a place, for people, you are doing important work here, and you know this, yet you are still humble. You've created a space that is infinitely generous. I feel really very lucky to have been here and met you and gotten to know you a little bit, maybe, but feels more meaningful than that. My time here, as I said has felt like the gift of another life. This time has at once reminded me of past travel and all the magic that entails, of future possibilities and of the importance of being here now. What a lovely place to be.
What lovely
humans (and cat) to have encountered and gained from their ways. And on and on
and on.
Thank you. And till next time. With Deep Admiration,
Helena
New
York, NY
There are far
too many people to thank for my wonderful experience this summer, but I will try
to mention a few: Thanks first to Dario for his patience, kindness, and help
with the chopsaw; thanks to the Brothers (Tyler and Gollo) for the McC Brothers,
the constant jokes, and an era at the project; to Billy for sharing some of his
expertise and his philosophy; to Hector, mi maestro, and Pablo for keeping the
site lively; to Lily for the conversation and her beautiful outlook on life; to
Chepo for his help in the jungle; to Junior, Marcos, Gravin and Jesús for the
fútbol tips and to Junior again for great dancing; to Annia for the swimming,
dancing, and general fun; to Shay for being my instructor and my partner; to
Erin, mi amor!, for her love of chocolate cake Chikys, and dancing; to Justin
for the musical entertainment. And of course, to Timo and Robin for making it
all possible. I'll miss you all.
Intern, Duke University, NC
I am not sorry I surprised you! Thank you for all you have done and the good company I have shared. You have a special place here important for many reasons, but none more important than as a meeting place of like-minded people. I may or may not be back, but RM will always visit me at least every once in a while. You are both very good at balance, one of the most difficult and challenging things about life. If you ever need anything, especially if it requires me to come here to take care of it, just let me know.
Passing through crowded people
Watching from my office window
Waiting for the right person
To walk in.
Through an imaginary wall
That seems stronger than brick,
But only takes a smile to open.
My confidence moves like a rollercoaster
Collapsing into an oceanic abyss
Only to surface and rise
At misopportune moments
Jeff
Volunteer, NY
I don't think I can truly articulate how fully I appreciate everything you've done for my classmates and me. Our lives will be forever changed. I know that at least I, and probably many others, will from now on put a little more thought into what we have.
Sara
High school student, Seattle, WA
There are many reasons to return and I feel I have unfinished business here. Special places, special people. Thank you for making this all happen. Best of wishes - and I'll be back. This doesn't feel like goodbye.
Best Wishes,
Carol Volk
Graduate
Student, University of Washington, WA
I've been there and I've done that yet here I am being here and doing that again! Must be something very special! - God I love this place and what is a place without people? Tim, Robin, Justin, Billy, Shay, Jeff, Angela, Meghan, and all the Ticos and Peter and Leo. Thank you all for who you are and what you be. You haven't seen the last of me!
Ira
Volunteer,
WA
"Smack dab in the middle of no where, but well worth the trip. I found it beautiful and peaceful. There were three waterfalls set in lush tropical forests that were easy to hike to. It was spiritually enlivening to be away from the rest of the world and experience the rainforest."
Steve Johnson
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