After years of brainstorming and gathering momentum, the decision was made to finally move forward with the CLSC in 2010. Following a number of conversations with the local government and then another community meeting in March, it was agreed upon to renovate the old “casa de cacao” structure in between the police station and the current “telesecundaria.” 
In addition, a newly built, timber frame structure would be built in front of that building to amplify the space needed to conduct the variety of functions that the CLSC will hopefully encompass. This meeting was considered to be a large success in that a number of community members actually came, asked questions and gave feedback. The overall energy was one of support, and given the community’s blessing, we took our design and moved forward.
Thanks to the filmmaking prowess of Brian “Sparky” O’Rourke and the motivating presence of Desa VanLaarhoven, hours of interviews and footage were condensed into a short video as part of our Mother’s Day fundraising campaign. The success of this campaign allowed us to start gathering materials on the ground in Mastatal, namely the teak timbers to be used for the addition. As these were stacked and stored for seasoning, Alex, Junior and Tyler set forth digging holes and laying the foundation amidst radio broadcasts of the World Cup. From there the first timbers for the deck were cut – the beginning of a long process that will ultimately culminate in the addition’s raising next year.
Meanwhile, our good friend and steadfast pillar of the Mastatal community, Juanico, was hired in September to begin the casa de cacao renovations, a largely cement-oriented project. He was the man who originally built the structure some 30 years ago, and is thus most apt to know it and change it. Upon our departure for the States he had already replaced the roof and knocked out four windows and a door. 
His goal is to largely finish the interior by the end of the year. While the techniques and materials do not necessarily fall under the “natural building” heading, we believe this renovation represents a balance between the common traditions and the old traditions, creating a space that will feel comfortable and inviting to its community. This structure already has a history, and there exists a sense of satisfaction in bringing this long neglected building back into vibrant use.
It will then be the timber frame and wattle-and-daub’s role to introduce alternative techniques, rather than overtake the current ones outright. We hope that the two structures combine in a way that mirrors the diversity of activities that will take place within their walls.
Goals for the new year are to bring the renovation to completion, inside and out, as well as raise the timber frame addition. The latter will involve a number of weeks of cutting timbers in the Salon before raising day, an event that strives to bring together as much of the community as possible to help achieve the task. From there, attaching the roof and beginning on the wall systems will encompass the next phase of construction, with the hope of making a push on the wattle and daub before the dry season runs out, so as to move forward with lime washing in the rainy season. There is also the question of a bathroom on site. Depending on who takes on some of these tasks, the construction phase of the CLSC could easily last the year, considering doors, windows, furniture, etc. If funding continues, these types of activities could make room for more local jobs, as well as new types of job training.
All in all, I am pleased with our progress so far. Beyond the physical construction, the depth of relationships being cultivated speaks both to the cross-cultural nature of our work and the shared passion for a more sustainable Mastatal. 
While education is already relatively strong in Costa Rica, we believe the CLSC will provide yet another outlet for both young and adult students alike to further their awareness and strengthen their community’s place in the world.
Thank you for all your support and keep an eye out for further updates in the New Year…
