This is the third year in a row that we have celebrated Costa Rica`s independence day with the Cabecar people as they gain their independence from dangerous river crossings through the construction of new bridges.
The Duchi bridge is the fourth bridge we have been able to complete together with the Engineering and Maintenance Department of Hospital Clinica Biblica, and with the support of many individuals and institutions. This is the only bridge spanning the dangerous Chirripo river, which each year claims lives of those daring to cross its swollen waters during rainy season. Thanks to this bridge, approximately 3500 people now have safe access to healthcare, education, and commerce. Per the request of the community, this 75 meter-long bridge was built to be able to sustain the weight of pack animals and even all-terrain vehicles.
The week we built the bridge was a week of extremes: extremely exhausting as the workday started at 6 am (5:30 am for the cooks) ending anywhere from 6-8 pm, and extremely rewarding as we worked alongside the Cabécar people for their community. Alekcey worked hard with the bridge building team, while Judith and Iris (our friend and neighbor) kept everyone well-fed.
Almost every day, one or more of the girls from the Art Mentorship Program would come and help out in the kitchen and with the worker´s laundry. There was a constant flow of visitors, old friends and new, providing us with tremendous opportunities to broaden and deepen our friendships amongst the Cabécar people. Every day the people came bearing gifts given out of the gratitude of their hearts, ranging from pork meat, beans and other produce, to a hand-woven bag and hammock. It´s possible we left with more food than what we came with!
Because it was Costa Rica´s independence week (190 years of independence from Spain), the nearby school and highschool included us in all their celebratory activities, including the evening parade of "faroles" (home-made lanterns) on Sept. 14th to the bridge site.
All in all, it was an incredible week, and we thank you again for your support and prayers.
We´ll sign off with a Cabécar phrase that was put on the plaques adorning both sides of the bridge, for every person crossing the bridge to see:
Säkeklä te bas wapeble
(May the Lord go with you)
