Ester has been welcoming Proyecto ASIS volunteers into her home in El Futuro — a quiet, beautiful village just outside La Fortuna, Costa Rica — since 2015. A passionate farmer, a proud cilantro grower, and a self-declared bingo enthusiast, Ester shares her home with her grandson Lucas, with her daughter Kely living just 50 meters away. We sat down with her to learn what a decade of open doors has meant to her and her family.
English
My name is Ester. I’ve been helping Proyecto ASIS by hosting volunteers since 2015, and it’s a pleasure to welcome whoever comes my way. I live here in El Futuro — it’s a very beautiful, peaceful place. I assure you, you’re going to love it. Living with me at home are Lucas, my grandson, and yours truly. And just 50 meters away lives my daughter Kely. It will be my pleasure to have you.
I have a little farm and I love working in agriculture. Our most dedicated crop is cilantro — I sell it right here in the community and we also supply the national market.
I love it — my favorite hobby is bingo, and cooking… well, maybe I’m not the best cook, but I love seeing people happy with what I make. I always try my best.
Adriana (interviewer): And in bingo, what’s the best part?
Ester: Winning a prize! Don’t even doubt it!
Español
Mi nombre es Ester. Le ayudo a Proyecto ASIS recibiendo voluntarios desde el 2015, y es un gusto recibir a quien me llegue. Yo vivo aquí en El Futuro, es un lugar muy bonito y tranquilo. Les aseguro que van a disfrutar. En mi casa vive Lucas, mi nieto, y esta servidora. Y a 50 metros de mi casa está mi hija Kely. Para mí será un gusto atenderles.
Tengo una pequeña granjita y me gusta trabajar la agricultura. El producto más trabajado es el culantro, que yo lo vendo aquí en el lugar donde resido y también lo vendemos al mercado nacional.
Me encanta — mi hobbie preferido es el bingo, y la cocinada… pues tal vez no soy tan buena, pero me gusta que las personas queden contentas con lo que cocino. Procuro hacerlo bien.
Adriana (entrevistadora): ¿Y en el bingo, la mejor parte?
Ester: ¡Ganarse un premio! ¡Ni lo dude!
Interested in staying with a local family during your volunteer experience? Learn more about our homestay program and what to expect during your stay in La Fortuna.
📖 Also meet Carmen, another one of our beloved homestay hosts → Meet Carmen
📖 And Rosy & Laura, hosting volunteers with heart since 2009 → Meet Rosy & Laura