From language barriers to cultural differences, there’s a certain intimidation factor that many people may have to overcome in order to step out of their comfort zone and take on the unknown by lending a helping hand in a different country.
For eighteen-year-old Statesboro native Gracie Cork, this has never been an issue.
In 2022, Gracie, alongside a handful of other kids (or “builders”) from all over the country, went on her first trip to Belize. In Belize, she helped build schoolhouses for communities in need.
This summer brings both Gracie and her dad, David Cork, to San Jose, Costa Rica. They are accompanied by 20 other children from various places around the United States, as well as two parent builders and trip leaders. Over the course of sixteen days, the pair helped add onto one of the Costa Rican schoolhouses by building a classroom for students with special needs.
"This has been one of my life’s greatest experiences." Gracie said, "To be able to get to know the people and culture of this part of the world has been incredible. They are most kind and humble people I have ever met. My life has been made better through this opportunity to serve."
They are not the only group that will make the trip down to San Jose. Over the course of the summer, six groups just like Gracie’s will continue to work on finishing the classroom. Gracie and her father have helped by working on the foundation for the building and beginning to lay the blocks for the walls.
Despite being in the country for service purposes, they did not missed out on the beautiful waterfalls and ocean views that Costa Rica offers. After spending about sixty hours working construction, builders are allowed weekends to take in the local attractions. While in Costa Rica, Gracie and David were able to partake in surf lessons, rafting and catamaran trips, snorkeling, and crocodile tours.
“This trip has been incredible, and we have learned so much about this amazing culture and their people. They are truly so humble and welcoming,” David Cork said.
A representative from the organization had this to say about Gracie.
"If we could all be Gracies, this world would be a much better place. A few nights ago we had a young lady up sick through the night. We pulled a mattress out into the hall so the bathroom would be more convenient. Sweet Gracie grabbed her pillow and blanket and slept next to her on the cold hard floor all night. ... Also, due to car sickness, Gracie sits in the front every bus ride. She gets on the bus every day and says 'Buenos Dias' to the bus driver. Carlos (bus driver) first started responding with 'ok,' and that was it. Slowly he started responding more. This morning we were all in for a shock when he said the first thing to her, 'Hola mi amiga, cómo estás?' This was such an amazing lesson to each of us about small and simple acts of kindness. This story sums up all of Gracie and her character."
The trip, organized by HumanitarianXP, focuses on sustainable building and respecting local economies and cultures. They have a mission to be “responsible humanitarians.”
For more information on the trip, check out @hxp.costaricapuravida on Instagram.
