Finding Our Voices — Roaming with Roth

Last Saturday, Adele and I shared an experience that we wish to pass on. An experience that neither of us would have missed. We have been taking Barre and Yoga classes at a meeting place called The Loft, a covered platform built right on Potrero Beach. In conversation with the other attendees of the class, we were informed that a small contingency were gong to walk in solidarity and support of the Women's March on Washington, Costa Rican style. Earlier in the day on Saturday, we watched and cheered as an estimated 1/2 million women and men spoke aloud about a vision for America different than the one being spouted by our president. (I have decided not to capitalize the office of 'president' as long as our current occupier is in office.) Then, we were delighted viewing the estimated 3 million participants world-wide who 'stood up and let their voices be heard'.

Our marchers a little while before taking off.

A countdown put our numbers at 97 by the end of our walk.

What started as a 'ragtag' group soon grew and by the appointed 4PM hour were a team of @60 people. So, we waited a few minutes as stragglers were still arriving. In the end, our resistance movement increased in number to about 100 women, men, parents, children and dogs. We met at the "Costa Rica Sailing School" - a local institution. They rent catamarans, sailboats, conduct guided tours and sunset cruises. They also have a bar/restaurant that has become a hub of activity and meeting place for local expats. These families are fantastic. Their children go to school at the "La Paz Community School South", an international baccalaureate (IB) program in which students (now numbering @300 students) adhere to a philosophy worthy of your time and attention:

"La Paz Community School students analyze, reflect upon, and continuously live the four Peace Practices. These practices are outlined on the uniform that they wear each day to school. The practices are the essence of a La Paz education and it is expected that upon graduation, all students internalize and understand the complex meaning behind each “practice.”

Develop the self into a peaceful, lifelong learner by improving physical and mental well being through critical thought and extension of comfortable limits.
Cultivate peace amongst family and community by disseminating and sharing love and compassion.
Create peace within the community by preserving the environment and respecting the delicate balance between local and foreign cultures.
Spread peace throughout the world by effectively communicating thoughts and ideas as well as actively listening to all perspectives."

THAT IS A MISSION STATEMENT!

Here are some of the participants we had the privilege of meeting and marching with.

All are multi-lingual. The signs read: BRIDGES, NOT WALLS! And, WE ARE PEACE

These kids are strong and confident...

It doesn't get clearer than that.

WE STAND TOGETHER : WE STAND TALL

Adele and I completed the one-hour walk, which stopped traffic and elicited honks and cheers from drivers and passerbys, feeling glad that we could participate in the "POSI-TEST" - a positive protest. We are demonstrating that there is another way. And, do we need women now more than ever before!

And we rewarded ourselves with a drink on the beach.