By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Costa Rica is considered a tropical paradise — but a group of 11 Habitat for Humanity volunteers from Brewton, Flomaton and Andalusia has seen another side of the country.
Alecia Glaize, director of Escambia County Habitat for Humanity, said the trip was the fulfillment of a dream.
Glaize said the realization of her dream came after she applied to become a global village team leader with the national Habitat organization
Glaize said the trip was rewarding  but did have its challenges.
The group helped construct a complete house from start to finish during the weeklong trip and help build another five homes.
Work in the tropical heat was intense, Glaize said. But, it was a learning experience for every member of the team.
Glaize said there are so many things that Americans take for granted that the people of Costa Rica may never know.
The 11-member team consisted of Glaize, Terrence and Becki Breckenridge, Anne Byrne, Maggie Crutchfield and Durwood Mantle, all of Brewton; Faye Peebles and Raymond Lambeth of Flomaton; Dale Pancake Jr. and John Roberts of Andalusia; and Jill Mead of Greensboro.