Robyn. I signed up for A Fresh Chapter because it sounded exciting, like a trip of a lifetime. I wanted to get over my fear of reoccurrence. I found so much more in Costa Rica.  I found acceptance and compassion. These beautiful people “got” me, they had stories similar to mine. I’ve learned to look at people through different eyes.

My volunteer placement was in an elementary school.  I geared up for this by having my students in the United States write to my Costa Rican students.  I had the idea that these students were in need of volunteers.  It turns out I was the one who needed the experience.  These amazing happy students just wanted a friend.  The students are not spoiled and have very little, but they are full of joy.  I had them write letters to my students in Utah, they were so excited to write to their new friends.  I’ve learned that I need to slow down and be grounded in the moment, not to wish my life away.  I can be brave by living my life the best I know how.  That is all I can ask for myself.  For now, you will find me taking photos, writing in my journal and snuggling my children a little tighter.

Sonnetta. Who knew how much A Fresh Chapter would enrich my life when I first spied the ad on Facebook. I was so excited about going on a trip with this wonderful organization. I applied for the Peru program and was so disappointed when I was not accepted. Terri called me and she spoke about my future with this organization and how I could still help. I was so inspired by our conservation that I realized that it was not the ending, but a continuation. She encouraged me to apply for the Costa Rica program. Looking back I can see why I chosen to for this particular program. This trip has taught me so much about myself and how I relate to others.

In Costa Rica, I was placed in a school to assist the teachers. This was way out of my comfort zone. I usually find some other way to serve instead of being around children in a teaching capacity. I did not think that I had it in me to relate to children. The children of Costa Rica proved me wrong. They approach me without any bias or prejudice. All I felt from them was love and acceptance. They greeted me with hugs and smiles every morning. The time spent with them brought out a maternal side of me that I did not think that I would let anyone see – other than my nieces and nephews.  My fear nearly made me miss an opportunity for growth and joy. Zip-lining was another thing that I enjoyed but will probably not repeat in the foreseeable future. I am deadly afraid of heights but the chance to zip line here was too good of chance to pass up. I had so many people praying for me to do this and I felt that I had to do it. I needed to step out on faith and trust that God was going to catch me whatever happened. The first true line of the zip line was the scariest. My concentration was on praying and the finish line. I could not appreciate the view just yet. It was not until I had a view of the water that I could appreciate what a spectacular experience I was having. I could not believe that I was actually trusting that God was going to allow me to live through and enjoy this.  After losing my way through the many losses God was letting me know that it was okay for me to fly and live for the moment. To be able to be present and transformed for this amazing journey with people who understand the impact of cancer made this trip a true once in a lifetime experience.

Geena. The past two years were the most challenging I’ve ever faced. At 24 years old, I had just graduated college and was on my way to becoming a California Highway Patrol officer, when it felt like someone pulled the e-brake on my life while I was driving 80 mph. The past two years of doctor’s appointments and emergency room visits finally made sense when I was diagnosed with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor, Ewings Sarcoma. My initial surgery to remove an 8lb tumor playing Pac Man on my rib cage was successful – so successful that I thought I was cancer free. Then, less than two weeks after surgery, I found out I would spend the next year in the hospital, being blasted with chemotherapy. As of May 1, 2016, I am now cancer free – with PET scans every three months. Cancer has been a gift (a gift I would return, mind you), but still a gift. Cancer allowed me to see life in a way that many people only dream of.

I recently returned from an amazing trip with A Fresh Chapter where I had the opportunity to volunteer in Cartago, Costa Rica at a day center for disabled people ages 21-64. At first I was skeptical about volunteering abroad. What could I bring to assist at this facility? Would I be of any use?  But, my experience exceeded any expectations I had set! The participants didn’t speak a word of english and it didn’t stop them from having eyes full of joy. I couldn’t get over how eager the participants were to have me and the other volunteers around to join them for projects and games. Words can’t describe the impact of my experience with A Fresh Chapter in Costa Rica. I have learned values such as the importance of self acceptance, collectivity, and love and I am so grateful I had this opportunity.

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