Lauren's account of our rafting adventure

We just had another amazing, jam-packed day! We did get a chance to have one student write about her highlight so far - hopefully we will have many more student reflections tomorrow. For now, here is what Lauren had to say about the rafting trip:

     At 6 am Sunday morning all the students were out and about ready to embark on our white water rafting excursion. For many of us this would be our first time riding through the rapids and maneuvering the raft between all the rocks and vines. For many of us the fear of capsizing or falling was on our minds, not the wonderful wildlife we were to see. After the briefing of all the commands and position we were ready to take to the river. We started paddling realizing how lucky we were to actually get the opportunity for a jungle tour via rafting. Many birds sat atop rocks as if there were no humans disturbing their rest. At most two minutes into the ride and a very rare tiger heron came into view. The second round of rapids came and Jorge our guide yells "Get Down!" We all crouch down into position and feel the strong and powerful waves against our faces. If the raining water weren't enough now our whole bodies were soaked from head to toe. All of us laughing not caring how soaked we were because we were not so much focused on the rain than the wildlife around us. 

     We pull to the side and hop out of the raft and onto the side of the river with a surprise from the tour guides. They lead us to the top of the mini cliff and we get the chance to leap off. Not hesitating for a moment I start running up the hill ready to "take the leap". Third in line I patiently wait my turn and into the air I go. Trying to swim to the side as fast as I can I use all my strength and grab a paddle lifting myself back on shore. As if the ride wasn't fun enough fresh pineapple and watermelon is chopped up and ready to be consumed by all of the hungry children. The pineapple was so fresh and delicious I couldn't help but have at least 3 pieces. After the small break we were back on the raft and into the rapids. We started paddling opposite ways on each side getting to spin around in fun circles while going backwards and sideways through the next patch of water. Many groups had a lot of luck and got to view monkeys and toucans 10 feet away from their faces. Sadly as they say all good things must come to an end and the adventure came to a stop. This was an opportunity I will never forget and always reminisce about. Soon I'll even be able to say "remember that time we went white water rafting?" 

-Lauren S.

P.S. Hi Mom!