trailblazer |ˈtr ā lˌbl ā z ə r| noun a person who makes a new track through wild country. • a pioneer; an innovator As we watched the white bus marked TURISMO roll away down our dusty dirt road last Monday morning, we couldn’t help but think how odd the word seemed. Technically the 12 boys and their three teachers from North Carolina, who had just spent four days visiting our community, were tourists. But could tourists make such a profound impact on so many people? After months of preparation that involved finding and coaching 12 host families, setting up work projects, finding tools, and organizing workshops with local families and schools, the North Carolina boys showed up on March 22 fresh from the city and ready for a rural experience. The experience they were about to have would not only change their outlook on Costa Rica, but would also leave a lasting impression on many members of our community. These eighth-grade students from Asheville, N.C., attend French Broad River A...