Tres Rios and SW Washington HS students making a court and memories
Our group first arrived at the community of Tres Rios late at night. Despite the hour, we were immediately welcomed by community members. Everyone from young children to teachers had waited up for us to get there. We were immediately greeted with warm smiles and friendly gestures, which was almost wonderfully unfamiliar. After eating dinner, we gathered around a fire and one by one, introduced ourselves with the assistance of translators. Due to a flight delay, two sections of the court had already been completed by the community prior to our arrival. So, after introductions, we set our goal for three sections a day. Our work began the next morning.
Day one was probably the hardest since we were getting used to the heat and strenuous labor. Our group was split into four parts, constantly rotating between four stations (one of which was break). With the help of extra hydration and pedialyte shots, we made it through alongside the encouraging community members of Tres Rios. Once we finished three sections, our group was led down to a field for a chance to cool off. Accompanied by the community, we played soccer, and ran through a makeshift slip n’ slide. The water was appreciated by everyone, as was the chance to rest. We ended the day with a meeting discussing what worked well about the building system and what needed improvement.
On day two, with our adjusted approach to court building, things went smoother. Our experience from the day before was also a contributing factor in how quickly we labored. The weather was nice and cloudless until we finished our work for the day. The clouds rolled in as we walked back to the field. Awaiting the rain, everyone gathered undercover. Both community members and students had fun getting competitive with bottle-flipping and rock-paper-scissors competitions. After the games were over, the rain began without a moment's hesitation. Some stayed under cover, and some ran joyfully into the rain. Dancing and playing alongside each other, we were wild, soaked, and worry-free.
Day three was our last day working on the court which we finished before 10:30 am. Finishing the court ahead of time gave all a sense of pride. Everyone had stretched themselves mentally and physically to make this court happen, and we had finally finished! With a clear schedule for the rest of the day, we followed the community down a steep and narrow path to the river. For the majority of the day, we swam, splashed, and explored. Whether relaxing on the grass or jumping off small rock formations into the water, everyone enjoyed the activity. Shortly after our river time concluded, we made our way to a cow farm within the community. While there, we fed the cows and learned what life was like for the farm owners.
With nothing left to make but memories, our fourth day was adventure-filled. Early in the morning after a brief breakfast, our group was driven to an area to fish. We spent a good amount of time there, each person getting the chance to try their luck with the bamboo fishing rods. After a significant amount of fish were caught, we got to savor the product of our hard work. Later along, those who were interested took part in a formidable waterfall hike. Most of the hike was done on a locals private property (who we were accompanied by). The entire thing comprised twelve waterfalls, each flowing steeply into the next. Being near the waterfall was magnificent, and reaching the top was a victory for those that made it.
Friday was our last full day in the community of Tres Rios, as well as the opening ceremony for the court. The day started with the opportunity to witness and accompany community members on a religious ceremony. We met up with community members, minutes away from the church, and made our way back towards it, walking. One local held up a large white cross and carried it as we walked back down towards the church. Along the way, we would stop in front of small teal crosses placed off to the sides of the road. Some words would be said in Spanish and then the cross would be picked up. During the walk from cross to cross the group would sing hymns. The ceremony ended when we finally made it to the church building for a short prayer and service. Right after, came the court ceremony. Three students from our group gave short speeches, in addition to locals.
The mood was bittersweet as we gathered on the new court and began to play games. Everyone knew that we’d have to say goodbye eventually. Into the evening, students and chaperones took pictures with community members, a way to remember this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Over our short trip, we had made unforgettable friendships and long lasting bonds both with the community and each other. People exchanged contact information and long hugs until the very end of the day.
Having said all our goodbyes the day before, our group departed from Tres Rios early Saturday morning. We were surprised with a trip to the beach on the way to our hostel where we got to swim and explore the city for an hour. The bus ride was long, and it was late at night when we arrived at the hostel. Sleepily, we gathered in the lobby to reflect on our time. Everyone answered different question prompts, but there was one repeated idea. Our group agreed that we wanted to return home with a different perspective. We wanted to implement their open-minded and friendly tendencies into our lives in the United States. The steadfast generosity and kindness of the community truly inspired us in more ways than one.
As the discussion concluded, we shared compliments with each other. Everyone in our group of around 30 students had something genuine and personal to share. Within a week we had all grown exceptionally closer to each other and ourselves. We learned how strong, capable, and passionate we can be. We learned how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. We learned how to trust.
There’s a regularly used saying, “if you don’t try you’ll never grow.” This saying has been reworded time and time again- used in a variety of contexts. During our trip to Tres Rios, my peers and I experienced firsthand the meaning behind that sentence. We were all stretched in some way, mentally or physically. This trip wasn’t just a step outside of our “normal,” it was a leap of faith… one that was entirely worth taking. ~Andilyn Halker, High School Student
“The community showed me what it is to be loved and supported unconditionally. I came on this trip not knowing anyone, but I am leaving with a family. Tres Ríos was unlike anywhere I’ve ever been.” Sydney Serlin, High School Student
“They made me feel so loved and welcomed with their kind hearts, hugs, and smiles. This makes me wanto to go home and make everyone feel the same way that I did by working on how I treat others and always making them feel loved. One single person can make an impact on your life, and for me, a whole community made an impact on my life.” Gianna D’emilio, High School Student
“I had no idea how simply ridiculously I was thinking. I have genuinely never met a more loving and accepting group of people. I realized I need to branch out to expand. I need to redefine my socializing. Not only do I feel more open and confident than ever, but I feel more full of love than I knew was possible.” Tommy Coffman, High School Student
“I feel like I’ve gained a more clear understanding of my goals and priorities in life. Through the trip I realized how little time I spend with my family and how much shame it is (...) and realized I how much time I’m missing out with them just because I don’t put more effort.” Alexandra Terpening, High School Student
“I could be myself on this trip with no judgement. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. Our group along with the community felt like one big family.” Mia Boyden, High School Student
“Firstly it’s reinforced that I’m becoming what I want to be. I want to be someone whose purpose is community, people, family, friends, and love, above all else. Being here has taught us how to be in the moment and be with the people around us (...) In a metaphysical sense I am going to be more grateful and hard working. Especially towards my goals.” Zach Baker, High School Student
“I was sleeping on a floor under a mosquito net for a canopy and was almost always covered in sweat and dirt but these were some of the most happiest moments of my life. It was because of the people from my own country and from this one. (...) Love doesnt care about our differences, how we are raised, or where we are born.” Sadie Fortenberry, High School Student
“I was given the chance to change lives. I never realized my life would be changing also. My eyes were opened to this new different culture and world. I have gotten more in tune with my body and discovered new qualities. I have learned to let go of my anxiety and insecurities. (...) I will live in the moment and be more truthful and have better connections.” Claire Wilkening, High School Student
“I’ve never been an outgoing person but when starting this trip I made so many beautiful friendships while I showered, sang, blood, sweat, tears. I’ve never been in a place where I felt so loved with no makeup, not trying to be someone else. I felt motivated for the first time in months. I didn’t stress about life at home. Carlos said; “you can’t focus all your energy on the past you have to keep moving forward, keep growing. I’m happy for you that you could do that!“ Jordan Moore, High School Student
“After having spent time in the community I can say that everything is done with good intentions and kindness. Everyone in the community was down to earth, patient, and eager to connect despite the language barrier/ history between our countries. (...) The community was nothing but genuine and caring towanrds everyone.” Andilyn Halker, High School Student
“My next favorite memory was the day I successfully helped load the mixer. I was worried I wouldnt be able to lift the buckets, but once I discovered I could, I felt so much more confidence in myself and my body. As someone who struggles with my body image, it was a demonstration of my own belief in my physical abilities and made me feel like a valuable part of the team.” Amalia Anton, High School Student
“My favorite was seeing how well our team transformed over the week as individuals. It was awesome watching people come out their shell, open up, grow as a person and support one another. Truly an amazing experience, one that I would highly encourage anyone to participate in the future.” Aaron Christian, Chaperone
“One thing that has changed me is just remembering how important it is to be grateful and thankful. (...) I found being present by focusing on my surroundings and the environment around me. Whether that is hearing the birds, tasting the humid air or seeing the greenery. And that is something I believe I personally need more in my life and hope to have in my future.” Evan Christian, High School Student
“Success can be defined in many ways. As an American I can get caught up in a definition of success that has a materialistic focus. For the community of Tres Rios, success can be defined in many ways, but the accumulation of stuff is not their focus.” Todd Gienapp, Chaperone
