Take a look at this beautiful bridge!!!
On the day of the inauguration, the entire town and many guests gathered at the bridge to celebrate.
Here is the crowd awaiting the ceremonies.
And here I am with my mom (who joined me from the US), my Costa Rican host mother, my host grandmother, and two other Peace Corps volunteers from nearby.
The president of the town council saying the first words. Two local TV stations, two radio stations, and a number of locals newspapers came to record the event! Check out this link.
My mom and I look on happily.
The director of welfare services (IMAS) for the province of Perez Zeledon addresses the crowd.
Next I'm up to speak!
I thank everyone sincerely for their incredibly hard work in building the bridge.
And I tell the remarkable story of the storm, my medical evacuation, and the hundreds of people from all over the United States and Costa Rica who came together to help rebuild the main bridge.
Many people look on to my Spanish-speaking news debut!
Next I am led to a little covered spot on the bridge.
I unveil it to find a wonderful honor.
A plaque thanking me and everyone who collaborated in the construction of the bridge in Herradura, August 2009.
Next we cut the ribbon and everyone heads back into the center of town for a celebratory feast!
All the townspeople waiting in the Salon Comunal.
My host cousins and neighbors.
A table of honor.
A night of dancing!
The next day we go on a hike across the bridge.
My three host uncles pose with me.
Now you can see it from the side!
And from above...
And from higher above.
What beautiful work they did!
And the provincial government donated cement to finish off the bridge entry and exit for cars.
Next my mom enjoyed some other sites in my beautiful town (hiking with my host dad).
And baking bread with a neighbor.
And here we are with my host family in their pulperia (general store).
What an incredible experience, and what an unbelievable success story of partnership, hard work, and generosity on the part of so many people in Costa Rica and the United States. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed to this amazing project!
