Joanna Camille

Camilledancer@yahoo.com

When first introduced to the idea of building a sustainable lifestyle in Costa Rica, my mind jumped on the idea. My daughter Emily and her partner Joshua seeded the idea along with a handful of their closest friends and relatives. My son Tad became immediately involved. The wheels continued to turn. There has been another big draw to my acceptance of this idea... my grandaughter, Kaileah. I come from a big Portuguese family who settled in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1903. The concept of family life was embedded naturally from the beginning of my life. Survival was the key example set to having a happy and healthy family.

Now as the world spins more and more out of control, it is imperative that we be the change necessary to survive. There is clearly a collective mindset that exists on this planet which comprehends the urgency of the situation. Those not blinded by the so called 'powers that be' in world governments, are among that mindset. If we are to survive, the time to act is now. This is what brings me to Costa Rica. It may not be a cure-all for all global problems, but it sets the stage for change in an environment where we are able to make a difference.

The natives of Costa Rica are hard working, attuned people. They live their lives based on survival for their families. They live off the land and know every plant that lends itself to such a life. They live for and with nature. Our mission is to work with them to better the planet while we better ourselves for our children and grandchildren. We are all in this together.

As a professional belly dancer, I have contributed more than 35 years of my life to teaching, performing, sponsoring others and sharing the love of dance. As the wheels turn, my thoughts move inward. Thus my passion for the greener things in life has been emerging, allowing my hobby of gardening to move its way up in my life's list of priorities. I have always dabbled in the healing aspects of plant life, and now I would like to pursue it and hopefully, put it into play by bettering the lives of the community.

I have spent the last 2.5 months in Costa Rica and am just beginning to grasp the concept of gardening in the tropics. Having lived all of my life, thus far, equally in the Northeast and Northwest of the United States, I am now ready for a new experience. I am ready to begin again.

Those involed in the farm are people I vizualize a future worth investing in. When I first arrived I was unsure of how I could contribute to the well being of the community. Now I know there is a lot I can do from gardening, child care and preparing meals to teaching dance. Once I am able to speak the native tongue, I believe the list of attibutes will grow.

When I return to Costa Rica, I will bring with me a clearer understanding of the things necessary for the ever-evolving well being of the Tribe and Mother Earth.

Now all I need is for the final members of my family to join us. We need you, your talents and ideas Celisse, Dan and Kavi!!

Pura Vida Costa Rica! Until we meet again.