The long-awaited weekend that the girls from all the Talita clubs had been dreaming of finally arrived. For some, their trip to camp started at 4:30 in the morning, but that didn’t dampen their enthusiasm and excitement for the long-awaited event.

By 9 a.m., the place began to fill with the laughter of 75 girls, exploring their camp, meeting new friends, and hugging those they had already shared the previous year with. After sharing a small snack, the program began, which would fill two full days with lots of learning and fun.

The theme of the camp was to take a trip, so they lined up to go through “immigration” and receive their passports. On their journey, they received a stamp at each station: how to set up a tent, learn some basic techniques for treating wounds, identify forest animals that are sometimes not so friendly, and learn about some plants that can be used to prepare medicinal drinks. They also learned how to pack a suitcase with limited space and still pack everything they need for a trip, as well as the importance of a compass and how to make a simple but functional one. During all this learning, we couldn’t miss out on the pool, the ideal place to cool off, play, and strengthen bonds of friendship. So much fun and learning packed into two days! And here in one paragraph. 

Talita Cumi has been operating in Costa Rica for five years now. Thanks to Crossroads, we have held camps for the past three years with the 10 clubs located in different areas of the country. This year we had the privilege of having Barb Bolik (creator of the Talita Cumi program) and Adalia Gutiérrez (IM Director for Latin America and the Caribbean) who led two of the stations.

I want to share with you the testimony of two girls and a mentor about their experience at this year’s camp.

“This year was unforgettable. I learned many things that I can apply in my daily life, in my relationship with God, and with what is happening around me. I had wholesome fun and met many new girls. The only thing I don’t like is saying goodbye to each of these wonderful people I got to know.” (Girl from Los Cocos Club)

“I learned a lot from each of the stations. It was really nice to share with girls from other clubs and reconnect with friends I had met last year, which allowed me to socialize and share more. It was great to learn how to heal wounds and make tea with medicinal plants.” (Girl from Venado Club)

“It was a very special experience. What struck me most was seeing the girls’ happiness, their smiling faces lit up by the campfire, and the love with which every detail was prepared for them. It was undoubtedly a very valuable experience, and for me as a mentor, it was a great privilege to be part of it. I am completely grateful to the coordinating team and the sisters at Crossroads who were involved in such a great organization.” (Mentor from the Limón Club)

On Sunday afternoon, under the bright sun, we said goodbye to these 75 girls and their mentors as they returned home. It was very exciting to see their hands sticking out the bus windows to wave goodbye to us. Goodbye, see you next year!

God has been good to us, giving us the privilege of serving Him through these Talita Cumi clubs, which continue to grow, and this year, with boys’ clubs as well. But that story will be for the next letter.

For now, may the God of life continue to keep our lives and hearts in Christ Jesus.

With love,

Ruth Vindas