Grecia Community Agencies

This afternoon myself and 3 other student's took a walk around Grecia and visited an Alcoholico Anonimo (AA) meeting and El Cruz Rojo (The Red Cross). The AA meeting was in English and it was quite normalizing to hear the same stories re: abuse and it's affects that I hear daily at home. There were 3 American men now living in CR (Costa Rica) and a native Tico. They were quite open in sharing the negative consequences of their actions although many have been clean and sober for years. They also shared various coping skills they use to overcome the daily urges to use. Many referred to their relationship with Christ, the Serenity prayer (see pic 4) and the fellowship of the AA meetings. Each of us were invited to share and to come back again because "we like newcomers." I just may take them up on their offer!

Our next stop was the Red Cross where we learned that this entity operates a lot different than in the US. It is an independent agency and receives on 15% of its funds from the government In addition to helping in a crisis, they also assist the local hospital with ambulance transportation, respond to emergencies like traffic accidents and accidents in the home. they also hold many educational meetings/service announcements for Influenza, HIV, Common Cold avoidances and Sex Education. Furthermore, Grecia's Cruz Rojo has 5 paid employees and 50 volunteers. Funds are raised via a multitude of fundraising opportunities and through in-kind donations like the ambulance below. The director (Last on left) was quite proud to share the generous contributions of the good old USA! Keep supporting the Red Cross for your funds reach people all across the globe!

It just finished it's daily downpour of rain so tis time to leave the coffee shop with the FREE wireless that will be my home everyday for a spell..oh yes, i finished my tarea (homework!) time to go play :)

Pura Vida and Blessings!