I asked my seventy-five year old mom on the second day of being here what the secret was to a happy long-life… 
Program Volunteer Costa Rica
Project: Volunteer in a Childrens Home/Orphanage in Costa Rica
Two weeks is a short time to be here in San Ramon. What surprises me is how much life I have experienced in less than nine days already. It was enough time to see that the orphanage where I worked is a family.
The tias and children take care of each other, and the kids actually love to help with chores!
I don't have to know Spanish to show each child that I care for them.
I was immediately struck by how loving the kids are with me. One child Jose runs to give me the chair that isn't broken and he sit in it instead when we draw together. Another girl Maria wiped the mud off my sunglasses with her shirt without hesitation when they fell, and she put her lip gloss on me at the same time.
It can be so simple to please them. I don't have to know Spanish to show each child that I care for them and love them, though I do wish that I knew more of the language. Fortunately the kids are very forgiving.
It does take time to adjust, but I am sharing this experience after one week at the orphanage and I feel comfortable there and know how to play with and love these kids.
I asked my seventy-five year old mom on the second day of being here what the secret was to a happy long-life and she told me: "it is to understand and accept that life is about change. How well you handle change determines how happy you are".
Jennifer Huntley
