*The photo above shows two  women working hard making tortillas to sell at a small stand in La Carpio*

It was extremely eye-opening to visit La Carpio. Upon meeting Gail Nystrom at the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation we learned more about the Nicaraguan immigrants living in La Carpio, and how the Cycle of Poverty relates to their daily struggles. The decay and unsanitary conditions that existed in La Carpio was shocking. The streets and river were filled with trash, and the town was located right next to the garbage dump. Many garbage trucks traveled through the town each day to reach the dump, creating a dusty, garbage filled environment as well as noise pollution for the people of La Carpio. Many children were seen playing on the streets, while the women sold food and goods out of small stands in front of their houses. Some med were seen on the streets, but many were not present. One state-run health clinic is located in La Carpio, but with limited operating hours. Through all of the poverty, it amazed me how optimistic and hopeful the women and children were that I met. These women had hopes and dreams for a better future. They were also extremely open to our presence in their town, and our willingness to learn more about the way they lived. I think that the women and children learned from us through the projects and activities that we presented to them, but mostly I feel that we learned so much from them. I learned what its like to struggle and to overcome unimaginable losses, but above all else I learned about perseverance and HOPE.