Even though I live in Costa Rica, it’s still very easy to “shield” myself from part of life. It’s easy to get caught up in my day-to-day life and to not interact with many people. So when I do things like take a long trip by bus, I really open myself up to some marvelous experiences. Yes, sometimes the experiences are waiting, getting lost, and other such inconveniences. But no matter what happens, I always learn more about other people and myself.

Last Sunday I went to Puerto Viejo (de Talamanca) by bus. I went there to meet with some organizations looking for volunteer help, as I own a company who brings volunteers to Costa Rica from around the world. Ironically (come on, nothing is a coincidence) I ended up sitting next to a member of the Cabeca tribe.

I’ve been living in Costa Rica for more than 2 years now and had never heard of this tribe. It was fascinating to listen to stories of how they live. This 18-year-old kid, Reiner, is the principal and only teacher in a mountain community for 25 students. The community is accessible only by a 3-hour hike. There is a second school further up the mountain, which is a 2-day hike.

They have no electricity or running water. Even more impressive is the fact that Reiner attends the University of Costa Rica in Turrialba. That means, of course, he has to walk 3 hours each way!

One of the reasons I was so happy to meet him is because I’ll somehow be able to hook up with him to visit their tribe. I’m hoping I’ll be able to send some volunteers to his community in the near future. I have dentists, teachers and many other skilled people who are looking to do some volunteering in Costa Rica.

Another thing I wanted to mention was that had I not learned Spanish, I’d have never been able to communicate with him. Reiner doesn’t speak any English, though he does speak Bri Bri, Cabeca and Spanish all fluently.

Not speaking Spanish in Costa Rica, one can get by. But they can’t reap the reward of the intimate conversations with such beautiful people.