Why Costa Rica?

Shown here: the view from our hotel window in San Jose, Costa Rica.

If you are a part of the Facebook community and happen to be my friend, you know that Wes and I -along with 9 other NPU students, professors, alumni and friends - were fortunate enough to say "yes" to the annual International SBNM Experience. 

"The purpose of the International experience is to help participants gain a better understanding of the business and nonprofit management practices, economics, and politics of Costa Rica, and to learn more about Costa Rica's rich history and culture."

Three very full days of meetings/visits took place.  We were to have had four full days of business, but our flight delay in Chicago led us to miss our connection in San Jose (insert 🙁☹️🙁☹️🙁 here. Including visits to the US Embassy, Florida Bebidas/Nutrivida and GS1.)

Our first visit was to HB Fuller, maker of adhesives. The world certainly needs adhesives!!

Our second visit was to Irex de Costa Rica. Because of the presentation given by the man in the white coat, I am now way into Irex detergents; the paste dish detergent made its way home in my luggage!  The star product, in my opinion, is the TERROR line of room deodorizers and cleaner.  Yes, you can actually buy a cleaning product named TERROR!!! But, sadly, I had to leave my sample product in the hotel room as it would create a problem with its flammability on an airplane ride back home. Again...🙁☹️🙁☹️😕.

Visit #3 was my favorite:  Habitat para la Humanidad - Habitat for Humanity. Three dynamic women were our presenters and they work so hard/care so much that we all left inspired by the differences they are making in the lives of others.

Following this was visit #4 to Financiera Desyfin. The rooftop deck following this financial lending company presentation was breath-taking. Here I nearly lost it with some confusion as to a Spanish/English translation and a hearty cough (almost) covered my fit of painful giggling. Again, I apologize to my spouse and group!!

Recognize these California surfers?  They founded the company of our fifth visit, DHL, a shipping giant.

Our 6th and final visit was to FOS - Federacion de Organizaciones Sociales. This is a nonprofit 

with exceptional connections to various areas of services for the people of Costa Rica and beyond!

Many in our group felt this was a top visit as well.

Speaking of our group of travelers and learners, this group meshed well and I loved our times together in the sessions as well as out and about in this gorgeous Central American country. 

You can read about those adventures in upcoming blogs... This is just your orientation into the whys of

taking this memorable trip.