The Sonafluca community of Costa Rica enthusiastically welcomes student volunteers from Jesuit High School, Sacramento

After a 5 hour flight to Orlando and a 3 hour flight to Costa Rica, all 19 Jesuit boys and our 3 chaperones finally stepped out of the airport and into the bustling city of San Jose, Costa Rica. As we stepped outside, we were greeted by the cheers of fútbol fans in a truck sailing a large Argentinian flag. It was three hours before the Mundial – the World Cup final between Argentina and France – a match the world had waited four long years to see. While we said our last goodbyes to our friends and family on our phones before turning them in for our frightening 9 day screen detox, all we could think about was how excited we were to meet the community of Sonafluca, and how we were going to avoid missing the Copa Mundial.

To our surprise, our first experience in Costa Rica was watching the final in a local restaurant! We cheered alongside locals and experienced the first of a seemingly endless list of new juice drinks with our first taste of a “fresca.” We then began our drive through Costa Rica’s lush green hills toward Sonafluca.

The Sonafluca community welcomed us with enthusiastic applause, immediately establishing the warmth that would define our trip. An older group in the community then gave us a metaphorical invitation of cultural exchange by dancing to “Cotton eye’d Joe,” communicating to us that the people of Sonafluca were ready to engage in our culture, and that they invited us to engage in theirs. Although we arrived as visitors, their openness quickly made us feel like members of the community.

That hospitality continued throughout the week. At her farm, Felicidad spent hours introducing us to Costa Rican plants, fruits, and juices. She did not simply give us a tour; she invited us into her home and enthusiastically shared her culture with strangers. At Marlene and Greivin’s traditional property, we tasted homemade honey and made fresh sugarcane juice. As a symbol of the spirit of welcome that defines Sonafluca’s successful community, Marlene ended the evening saying that all of us should know that if we ever return to Sonafluca, we will “have a home waiting for us.” Our cooks showed the same generosity, teaching us to make chocolate from cacao seeds and prepare corn tortillas, while a local high school donated our lunches each day. Through food, hospitality, and time, the people of Sonafluca demonstrated that a close community depends on people being willing to open their lives to one another.

Our cultural exchange also extended beyond food. We played fútbol in the rain with local students, laughing together as we slipped, slid, and missed wide-open goals. Our shared love of sports and competition transcended any language barriers and brought us closer to the Sonafluca youth – and to one another. Later, fifteen of us stepped out of our comfort zones and into the flow state of “Pura vida” ( –“Pure Life” – a Costa Rican approach to “going with the flow” and moving through life with positivity) and got haircuts from a local 17 year old named Jonathon. We shared laughs and talked about our life in the U.S. and in Costa Rica. 

We experienced “Pura Vida” most powerfully while building the court. Alongside approximately 20 community members, we worked through humidity and rain, calling for more “arena” and “piedra” as the court slowly took shape. The work was exhausting, but doing it together changed us. A line of community members and Jesuit boys dancing to local music while waiting during another supply delay serves as a perfect image of this beautiful connection we had formed: even adversity had become an opportunity for joy and fellowship. In this moment we had learned to depend on one another, encourage one another, and recognize the power we have when we come together. Working toward a common purpose brought us closer to the people of Sonafluca and also turned us 19 classmates into a closer group of brothers.

As we return home, we carry with us a greatly extended cultural palette. But on a deeper level, we carry with us the Sonafluca community’s approach to life. Pura Vida serves as far more than just a symbol of persistence; it is the ancient Costa Rican lesson that adversity is no match for the power of a group of people that can open themselves up to one another and unite. The Sonafluca community's warm smiles and openness to connect with all of us taught us that community starts with simple acts of connection. We are all deeply grateful for the connections we made, and even more grateful to the Sonaflucans for empowering us to spread their beautiful Pura Vida perspective when we return home. The world is better when we see past our differences and work together. Thank you, Sonafluca.

~ Kaden Liebert, Jesuit High School, Sacramento, CA

Volunteer Quotes:

My favorite memories were on the farm with Señora Felicidad. She went above and beyond with showing us the nature of her beautiful country. The passion she had for the “pura vida” life was something I really admired. All the boys were being adventurous on this tour and many of us stepped out of our comfort zones (like eating termites).~ Sam Bowles

My favorite memories were laughing with my friends and experiencing a new culture in a way that wouldn’t be possible without Courts for Kids. I’m glad I can make these memories that I can take with me my whole life. ~ Henry Eschleman

My favorite memory from the trip was seeing the reaction of the community when the court was finished. Seeing the joy on everyone’s face is a moment I’ll never forget. It truly is rewarding seeing all the hard work we put in finally paying off.
~ Sean Zipser

My favorite memory from the tip is having conversations with the locals. Whether it was building the court, in the barber shop or playing games with the locals, it was so much fun and always brought laughter.~ Levi Browne

The most difficult part of going home is losing the “shared living” with my classmates. Being able to chat, banter and grow closer with friends for most of the days, without any screens, is a unique and beneficial experience that brings us together.
~ Lucas Phillips

The community of Sonafluca taught me the beauty of a strong community and support system. Throughout my week, I continued to notice the care each of the locals had for one another. The strong sense of community also created hospitality. Each local we met greeted us with a smile and seemed to genuinely care for us. I hope to establish this back home in Sacramento.
~ Micah Olmstead

This trip has made me realize that there is so much more to life than electronics and the online world. After this trip, I will no longer look at my phone so much and instead will take time to be with my dog, family and friends. ~ Jackson Hosmer

Community Quotes:

I was impressed by the volunteers’ attitude, their discipline and their joy in serving. The way the young people interacted with one another—their camaraderie, respect, friendship, and sense of fellowship—was exemplary. From day one this project has had a positive impact on the community. Not only because of how it’s being used and how it addresses the need for a space to play sports and engage in cultural and recreational activities, but also because it taught us the joy of serving others and that unity achieves great things. Seeing young people dedicate their vacations to helping people they don’t even know is an inspiring experience that leaves a deep impression. In addition, these projects encourage the community to come together, work as a team, and understand that when everyone works together toward a common goal, great things can be achieved.
~ Marianella Chaves Hernández

We made new friends, shared experiences, and had the opportunity to learn about another culture. We also strengthened values such as teamwork, respect, and solidarity. Not only do Courts for Kids projects leave behind a project of great value to the community, but they also foster cultural exchange, strengthen community efforts, and inspire people to come together for a common goal. The experience exceeds expectations and leaves a positive impact that lasts for many years. ~ Carlos Oviedo

We're so grateful for the project we worked on together. A huge hug—thank you so much, and a thousand blessings.
~ Jacqueline Rojas Benavides

I know this project will bring many positive things to our community and will be very beneficial. ~ Melanny Morales

What wonderful people they were, and how nice it was to have them here in the community—and especially the beautiful court space we created.~ Melanny Morales