Twelve people are chosen to take an adventure to a far away land.

With a single suitcase in hand, they venture to a whole new world for the experience of a lifetime. They know challenges await them, language barriers, accessibility issues and the occasional ice cold shower.

No, these people aren't the newest castaways on the latest desert island television show. Through the DeWitt Wallace Youth Travel Enrichment Fund, these people became the newest Mobility International USA (MIUSA) delegates. The group of 12, including myself, joined Mobility International USA staff for the Costa Rica Intercultural Exchange for 18 days of sharing, sightseeing and pura vida (pure life).

Sharing information and experiences became a main focus of the trip. The MIUSA delegates offered practical advice on issues such as how to increase enforcement of disability laws and how to change societal attitudes about people with disabilities. In return, the Costa Ricans shared a wealth of experience with us. Each group demonstrated the passion they possess in their struggle for disability rights. At Marcos Araya's wheelchair workshop, our eyes opened as we heard of a woman who lay in bed for 14 years without access to a wheelchair. We listened intently to the experience of a University of Costa Rica student whose own teacher shunned him from class because of his disability. When we visited CONSEJO hospital, our hearts ached at the story of a girl who couldn't see whose own brothers didn't accept her. Then we heard the cry of these groups who said these problems had to stop. Their desire to improve life for those with disabilities roused our group and inspired us to work harder in our own lives.

Touring the beautiful landscape of the country became another priority on our trip. Our second day in Costa Rica brought a trip to majestic Volcan Poas. Photographs can't do this site justice. You have to actually take the path up the mountain, feel the cool, dampness of the air, smell the tropical greenery and breathe in the whole atmosphere. Our four-day trip to Limon on the Caribbean coast contrasted with our city experiences in San Jose. The rustic landscape came with a beautiful bus trip through the mountains, by banana plantations and the amazing coastline. And a little afternoon shower never stopped this MIUSA group, even from swimming in the warm ocean surf. A trip on an aerial tram suspended 100 feet over the ground amidst the canopy of the rain forest became another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From the beginning of the trip our group adopted a typical Costa Rican phrase "pura vida." This philosophy echoed throughout our time there with the unending generosity and love displayed by our Costa Ricans hosts. ANURE, a group of disability advocates, organized several activities for us including a sports day with a wheelchair basketball demonstration. Other groups included students at the National School for Deaf and Blind Children and the University of Costa Rica who welcomed us openly, and those at CENARE who gave us new educational and cultural insight. Of course, we can't forget the wonderful host families who put up with our spanglish, provided transportation, meals, beds and the love of a true family. Our group found the Costa Ricans ideas on life refreshing, and the group quickly adapted to this way of life.