Day 9: Ana

 

Today we learned how to use a bow and arrow, which was quite exciting. As well, learning how to weave leaves together with tree fiber was really interesting and made me appreciate the craftsmanship and transferring of knowledge required to know all these techniques.

 

Most memorable to me, however, was our competition about which of two teams could create a better map of our host community, with the winner determined by the Bribi community. Competitive as we are, we were very narrowed in on what the mysterious and vague prize the profes promised us would be, and how we could win it. But, my perspective shifted when I got home and Kenneth, my host father, told me about how wonderful the map of the opposite team was. I listened semi-awkwardly while he praised it, until he began describing how much it meant for him and the community that we had created an incredible map (supposedly even better than they themselves could have made it!) and he thanked me for my contribution.

 

This was just one example that reminded me of my sense of clarity here. When I went to sleep, I knew exactly why I was doing what I would do tomorrow. Even if I’m hot, sweaty, or itchy, I know whatever work we will do is worth it to help the families that have so graciously showed and taught us their skills and rich culture.

 

This was shown at it’s greatest when that night, for dinner, my family taught me how to make Wacha, which is a ceremonial dish served on a banana leaf during special occasions, like a funeral or birth. I was entranced while Kenneth taught me about the plants used in Wacha, who could serve the dish, and what other ceremonial beverages they used. Overall, each day expands our brain a little bit more in ways I feel are rarely explored, and I am incredibly grateful.