SU CASA: Costa Rica/Nicaragua Completes Another Successful Trip

This past January, 18 SU students, four faculty/staff and two community members participated in the Susquehanna University Central American Service Adventure (SU CASA) in Costa Rica and Nicaragua for two weeks. They experienced the local culture firsthand and studied images of Jesus in Latin America at various locations. As a part of their service work, they helped run a free medical clinic, taught vacation Bible school to local children, and participated in construction projects to improve the community.

Sophomore Caitlin Newman writes about her experiences and spiritual growth on the trip:

The most amazing experience I had on the SU CASA trip was our visit of a few waterfalls in Costa Rica, about an hour outside of San Jose. We drove into the park, and then had to hike/walk towards the waterfalls. They became more magnificent as we got closer and closer. Eventually, we were right next to them and stripped down to our bathing suits. We walked and swam up to the waterfalls and were able to walk right through! The waterfall was pretty big, and when you walked through, there was a lot of pressure on your shoulders. The best image was swimming close to the waterfall and looking up, and seeing all of the green around you. The place was so beautiful- I was just in awe of the beauty that God creates.

Many times I was witness to beautiful things in nature that reminded me of God’s presence. On the Isla de Ometepe, while I was fighting the waves and having fun, I looked up and there was just a patch of rainbow at the foot of the volcano near us. The sun had just set behind the volcano and the light was caught in just the right way.

The sunsets also reminded me almost daily of the very real presence of God in these places- so tranquil and awesome at the same time. I never became very down and depressed about the situations we encountered because there was usually a very visual essence of God at the end of the day.

The Chaplain's Office is planning another trip for next year from December 29 to January 12. More information about applying will be available in the future. The trip is open to students of all majors, and Spanish abilities are suggested but not required. For more information, contact Sara Luley, Student Assistant to the Chaplain.

To view a video about SU CASA, click HERE