Construction project in San Jose, Costa Rica

During the first week of May 2013, a group of nine of us from the University of Michigan volunteered through Maximo Nivel in San Jose, Costa Rica to help with construction improvements in un hogar de ancianos, a shelter for the elderly in Tejarcillos. I speak for the whole group when I say the trip was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. By the time the end of the week came, we wanted nothing else but to extend our stay in Costa Rica. In fact, as we were leaving Costa Rica, we were all ready planning our Maximo Nivel trip for next year.

This trip could not have been as incredible without the amazing work of the Maximo Nivel team. Maximo Nivel worked tirelessly to ensure that my group had a comfortable place to stay, a project that met our interests, an itinerary that included both work and play, and a clear budget for my group to plan around. Without the talent of Maximo Nivel employees, this trip would have never happened. In country, we felt completely safe with Maximo Nivel and our house mom. Maximo Nivel has its own private transportation through TransLeo Tours in Costa Rica, and the transportation was reliable and safe. Our house mom was delightful and made sure that we felt at home.

Overall, volunteering through Maximo Nivel was a life-altering experience. We gained more perspective on other culture, but we also grew closer as a group. I won't ever forget the community's pastora thanking us and telling us that God brought us to Tejarcillos to make a difference. This trip has touched and has helped us further appreciate the impact of taking time in our lives to reach out and work with others to make the world a better place.