Allison Patrick's Story
After going on a pre-orientation service trip, I was considering going on a Winter ASB (Alternative Student Breaks) trip this December when my friend told me about the Nicaragua trip. He told me that every year over winter break, the Sheil Catholic Center sends a group of students on a service trip to Nicaragua. I was immediately interested in the trip, and once I got more information, it became something that I really wanted to do. The chance to go to Latin America for a service trip is extremely rare, and the work we will do there will have an impact on the people of the Cusmapa village AND the students on the trip.
I’m anticipating the trip to be life-changing, and I am excited about that prospect. I’m hoping to go to Nicaragua and come back with a new outlook on life, a new attitude, and a new mindset. I’m also hoping to meet great people that have a strong faith and share my values, people who I can form close friendships with. I have high expectations for an eye-opening, life-changing experience that I couldn’t get anywhere else.
Having never been abroad on a mission trip, I am looking forward to this new experience. Even though a week in the village won’t change the world, it will help the village and hopefully improve their circumstances. The people of Nicaragua live a much different lifestyle than us, and I’m excited to gain insight as I see the drastic differences between our lives and theirs and what I can do to impact their lives. More importantly, I’m excited for the people of Cusmapa to impact my life. I think the trip will result in a greater appreciation for my lifestyle and for all aspects of my life. The purpose of the trip is to help the Nicaraguan people, but it’s really a mutual gain because everyone benefits from it.
While the trip to Nicaragua is an amazing opportunity, it is also a large expense. But the chance to experience another culture and another life and to help improve the conditions for the village is worth the cost. That being said, please consider donating to help offset the cost; the donation will help make a difference in the lives of those living in Cusmapa.