Sarah MC and Natalie H - Blooooogers

Today was a day of miracles. We visited a school in Acosta to teach a song and dance from Evita. At first the language barrier created an awkward situation and the children (aged 12-18) were reluctant to participate. But, after some fun theatre games, many elaborate hand gestures, and much coaxing, they began to enjoy themselves. We found ourselves having productive non-verbal conversations and a really good time. By the end of our time with them they were dancing proudly, singing loudly and asking for demonstrations from us. As we found out later when we were tucking into a lovely meal in their school cafeteria, most of the students we had interacted with were in at-risk situations.

With tears in her eyes, their teacher explained how important this had been to them. As a teacher, she said, she wished she "had a magic wand to perform miracles," and that today we had done just that. Turns out a miracles is a sneaky thing, hiding in the foothills of Costa Rica; a group of children who are hungry to learn and we are among them.

--Natalie H and Sarah MC

Tatum Note: The program that some of the students did today (20 could fit on the Embassy bus, the rest went a museum and did some shopping and relaxing) was part of a relationship we've created with a group called SINEM. This is an early/school music education program that helps provide instruments and instruction to students throughout Costa Rica who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford or participate. Their work is simply amazing considering how little they receive in assistance and we are very proud to be a part of it. In addition to the Acosta workshop, Mr. Paul Pew worked with SINEM teachers on instructional and rehearsal methodology, they have provided the student musicians sitting in the pit for EVITA at the Auditorio Nacional, and have invited us to perform a shortened version of EVITA in Puntarenas on Thursday. If you are interesting in supporting SINEM or learning more about their program, please visit http://www.mcjdcr.go.cr/sinem/