With charcoal clouds hunching over the mountains and the morning breeze vanishing into stillness, the air has become so dense, I could almost breaststroke through it. My cargo shorts slide across my thighs like white glue on a Kindergarten construction paper masterpiece, and I tip my dripping-with-condensation water bottle into the air and catch drips of moisture as they tumble from my chin to my chest.

After five weeks of life amidst the clouds in Peru, my body is still adjusting to the steam room conditions here in Quepos, Costa Rica. Even the violent afternoon downpours only serve to thicken the air. So, what’s the trade off? Beautiful vistas, the distant sound of the surf, and no need for a jacket or a sweater (ever).

This week, I started my final placement and have the pleasure of volunteering with GVI here in an oceanside town on the West Coast of Costa Rica. While most of the volunteers spend their days in the tiny community of el Cocal alternating between working in the community centre, attached to the faded walls of a small church, or teaching english to the children of the tiny local school; I have the opportunity to split my time between two schools on either side of a tiny strip of water. The community on the Quepos side of the water has more resources than el Cocal, but doesn’t have anyone to keep the library open every day. Who knew I would come to Costa Rica to become a part-time librarian? It’s the perfect place to build connections with kids of all ages and practice my Spanish by reading to them, or have them practice their English by reading to me.

Over the past five months, I have been lucky enough to meet people from all over the world and form lasting connections. Although it always takes me a few days to settle in, I love to witness the beauty of  pure life in action. Every day, I see that in countries around the world, we are more alike than we are different. This week, the schools on either side of the water both had festivals to celebrate Art Week. Here are just a few shots from the school where I had the morning off from my librarian duties. What kid doesn’t love the chance to dress up and perform or to watch the action unfold as they sit cross legged on the floor?

As I sit on my perch overlooking the valley and the mountains beyond, I can’t believe this Adventure of Hope is winding down to its conclusion and I will return to Vancouver on June 27th. As we approach the mid-year point, I can’t help but think about how your support has helped my 2012 Resolution Schemsolution come true. The beauty of the connections I have made with people on five different continents continues to floor me. If you joined me and chose a word for 2012, I hope each day is bringing you closer to what you envisioned for this year.

Here are a few more shots from Quepos (including the little patio where I am sipping my coffee and writing in the early Sunday heat).