shining star

The most eager minds I’ve encountered are those of the Tico kids in Tamarindo. We’ve been teaching English and art classes for the past 2 weeks, at CEPIA, to open minded and enthusiastic 11-year olds. We have the kids participate in art projects such as writing their names and drawing five things that represent them around it and write those objects in English, and making a pop-up card with a note to someone they care about in Spanish and English. However, our all time favorite art project was the day Morgan ‘shone’ her light and love on these kids, literally.

We’re still not sure how it began, but a lil Tico girl grabbed glitter paint and began slathering it on Morgan’s arms, then legs, and eventually the impossibly fun matter was everywhere. It was such an unforgettable day, we ate up every moment with the kids who continue to smile despite their hardships, and find joy in everything. The kids continue to remember Morgan as the crazy gringa who let them sparkle her and turn her into their shining star.

They’ve picked up English so incredibly quickly! We’ve been repetitively gone over phrases such as “How are you?” “My name is…” “I am from Costa Rica” and basics such as colors, numbers, months, body parts, and random objects. One class we gave them the choice of Arts & Crafts, a game, or learning English, and to no surprise they chose English. They’re just sponges who soak up whatever we can give them; knowledge, time, love. On Friday, we have pieces of wood prepared for the kids to paint encouraging words like “esperanza” (hope) or, “drive carefully” to be nailed to trees along the roads. The kids are learning English, friendship, being conscience of the environment, and helping each other and their neighbors.

With them, a smile means instant friendship and an organic love that extends beyond language and combines cultures. Glitter always helps making the process a little more fun too.