Last week, QERC had the joy of welcoming a group of Costa Rican high school students to our living laboratory in the Talamanca Mountains, visiting alongside Faithful Servant Missions (FSM). In the cloud forest valley we call home, we shared time, stories, and learning with a simple purpose: to build community across cultures while practicing Christ-centered stewardship and Creation Care through life together and hands-on field learning.

To foster connection between the groups, we hiked local trails, learned about one another’s cultures and language, ate meals together, and ended the day around a campfire. These shared rhythms helped students move from being “visitors” to being companions—listening, asking questions, and discovering what it looks like to learn and serve side by side.

Our guests came from San Ramón, a warmer climate than we experience here in the valley. Even so, they were eager to join a QERC tradition: a quick swim in the freezing waters of the Savegre River. Braving the cold together became a memorable moment of shared courage and joy—and along the way, students also took in multiple waterfalls and the view from the lookout platform above the Savegre.

One highlight of the week was a guided bird tour with Raúl, our facilities manager, along the Quebrada trail in search of the resplendent quetzal. We were grateful to spot one of the largest males in the valley, and students lingered as it moved from tree to tree overhead. Raúl then helped them connect observation to understanding—discussing the purpose of the male plumage, foraging and nesting strategies, and practical ways to look for quetzals here in the valley with patience and care.

That evening, our community gathered around the campfire for worship in song in both English and Spanish—led in part by two musicians from the visiting group. We shared s’mores and stories after a devotional from Dr. Alison Hawanchak, who was preparing to begin her theology course with students the following week. The night continued with conversation, card games, and karaoke—simple moments that strengthened relationships and reminded us that faith formation and learning often grow best in community.

We were also grateful for a time of testimony and encouragement from Dr. CJ Hornback, one of our tropical medicine professors, who spoke about her path in medicine and the obstacles that shaped her along the way. Students responded by sharing their own dreams and daily challenges. Hannah Fry, a missions coordinator with FSM, also spoke with our students about missions, making a lasting impact on communities, and listening to God’s leading as we seek the betterment of the community through humble partnership.

Thank you to every student, leader, and team member who helped make this visit possible. We are grateful for this growing partnership and hope to repeat experiences like this in future semesters as we continue pursuing viable conservation through experiential learning with local and global communities.

If you would like to learn more about Faithful Servant Missions, go to: https://www.faithfulservantmissions.org/