We have been in Costa Rica for a week now. What a packed time this has been! For the students, this has been a week of major adjustment. Ten of them are working in the schools, one in the medical clinic and one with the Hacienda. As I have traveled around to see all of the students, most of them great me with smiles and somewhat stunned looks on their faces. Each student is working through her own challenges this week: the heat, the language, a different culture, different working conditions, bugs, unpredictable schedules, etc. They are doing great even though they are being pushed beyond some limits they thought they had. Those of you invested in this program in any way should be proud.

I knew we had a great group of students as we all got to know each other this past semester. However, there is nothing that will allow you to get to know someone like traveling and toiling together in a different country. It has been a joy to work with these Berry students this first week, and I expect nothing but the same for the six weeks ahead. As Yanith Ruiz, the executive director of the Fundación put it, "Berry es un nido de talento" ("Berry is a nest of talent"). I couldn't agree more.

We are happy to be winding down this first difficult week of surprises and new experiences. In some aspects, living here in Costa Rica will be much easier for the students as each week passes, but the work is never easy. A joy, yes. Easy, who would want that?

I will be uploading photos from the week very soon!