Update: I have been close to tears and stunned looking at the names of those of you who have donated. Thank you all for making this trip possible for me! Every dollar donated from here on out will be going to the Fabretto Foundation! (12/8/14)
Hello!
I will be spending the first part of winter break with the Sheil Catholic Center on their annual service trip to Cusmapa, Nicaragua. Please, take some time to learn more about the Fabretto children's Foundation at https://www.fabretto.org/. The cost for this year's trip is $1,900 per person.
Normally, I would have shied away from an endeavor as daunting as this one. However, as a senior I find it is more important than ever that I take this journey. It is a special opportunity that I have seriously considered since I was a freshman.
My short time here in the Midwest has taught me a lot about how just a simple change of place can entirely shift one's perspective on life. We grow accustomed to a certain set of expectations and assumptions about ourselves and others. I'm hoping that this trip far beyond my zone of familiarity and comfort will allow me to grow in ways I can't even imagine, and when I return I know it will be my responsibility to share what I've learned about the people of Cusmapa, Nicaragua with all of you here at home!
Two winters ago I experienced my first service trip with a group of students in Joplin, MO.
This experience taught me a number of life lessons, both practical skills (like roofing) and social skills (like teambuilding). Similarly, I expect to learn more of these types of lessons in Nicaragua. Different societies have different means of expressing themselves that can be quite beautiful, which I would find enriching. For example, nuances in language, manners of speech, and all kinds of art reflect the different values of other cultures. I’m very curious about how mass might be celebrated differently in another country. I love learning history, wherever I go. I look forward to offering as much of my own positive energy and skills as I can to this community, if only for a short time. It's hard to know what to expect, but I'll be sure to share my experience with you when I return!
The money first goes to pay for our trip expenses. Any additional money will be given to Fabretto to support their programs in Nicaragua. Thank you for your generous support!