Getting to Know ABST Mexico: Jackie Pfeil

Hola Nuestro Amigos y Familia,

Before we commence the school year this coming Monday, we'd like to introduce the final puzzle piece to our group, Miss. JACKIE PFEIL!

Jackie is our other co-leader who is returning to Latin America after having a wonderful experience with the ABST to Guatemala last year.

Don't stop reading and you'll learn much more about Jackie!

Q: Why Mexico? 

A:  I have been to several Spanish speaking countries in the past few years and when I heard that Gannon would be traveling to Mexico I knew I wanted to be part of this trip. I love the culture and language; I did not want to miss the opportunity to experience the rich Mayan culture. 

Q: What is one thing you'd like to learn more about before venturing to Merida? 

A: I want to know how Merida differs from the rest of Mexico, we have preconceived notion as to what Mexico looks like, but because Merida is in the Yucatan and has more of a native culture, I think it will be different than what I expect it to be.  

Q: Words to live by? 

A: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss 

Q: If there were ten more hours in the day,  what would you do?

A: Would like to learn to play an instrument, I have tried in the past but never have the time to practice. 

Q:  If you were stranded on a desert island with only one object, what object would you bring? 

A: A book on how to survive an island. 

Q: Something you find interesting about yourself: 

A: I am a very crafty person; I love to make crafts and projects like that. My personal favorites are making bracelets from string and I also like to crochet. 

Q: What is one of your personal attributes that you feel will contribute to the positive growth/outcome of the trip? 

A: My attitude/ flexibility: I am very laid back and calm on trips and I am always willing to fill in wherever I am needed. 

Q: What is your dream job? 

A:  I would love to be a physical therapist for a professional sports team or maybe for the US Olympic team. A Hollywood actress wouldn’t be so bad either.  

Q: What is one thing that you believe Wegman's should definitely include in their buffet? 

A: I have never been to Wegman's. 

Q: What inspires you? 

A: Learning new things and adventure. 

Getting to Know ABST Mexico: Natalie Pertz

Bienvenido!

It is the weekend before spring semester begins and with two more members of the group remaining to be introduced, we'd like to introduce you to one of our co-leaders Miss. NATALIE PERTZ. 

Natalie is a senior Theatre and Communication Arts major. 

Keep reading to get to know a bit more about Natalie...

Q: Why Mexico? 

A: I've always felt that Mexico was so close but also very ambiguous for me. In high school I took four years of spanish and was almost fluent- I'm challenging myself to try to get back to that point and learn firsthand what it is to embrace a cultural identity. 

Q: What is one thing you'd like to learn more about before venturing to Merida? 

A: The politics and whether or not the rich religious culture responds to it. 

Q: Words to live by? 

A: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"-Eleanor Roosevelt 

Q: If there were ten more hours in the day,  what would you do?

A: Practice yoga more frequently and eventually become an instructor as well as read a lot more.

Q:  If you were stranded on a desert island with only one object, what object would you bring? 

A journal. 

Q: Something you find interesting about yourself: 

A: My connection with my family- we are larger than life and I love it. 

Q: What is one of your personal attributes that you feel will contribute to the positive growth/outcome of the trip? 

A: My optimism- the glass is definitely half full. 

Q: What is your dream job? 

A:  Doing what I love, utilizing theatre for social change. 

Q: What is one thing that you believe Wegman's should definitely include in their buffet? 

A: Butternut squash ravioli. 

Q: What inspires you? 

A: Passion, hard work, and selflessness. 

Getting to Know ABST Mexico: Janet Armbruster

Hola familia y amigos~ 

As we continue a lovely holiday break, we'd like to introduce you to our main faculty accompanier, Ms. JANET ARMBRUSTER! Janet is the only member of the group who has previously ventured to Merida and we're excited and grateful for all the insight she provides. 

Scroll down to learn a thing or two about Janet! 

Q: Why Mexico? 

A:  This will be a return trip to Merida for me.  I fell in love with the people there many years ago, and have been looking forward to returning ever since.

Q: What is one thing you'd like to learn more about before venturing to Mexico? 

A:  I really hope to brush up on my Spanish! 

Q: What do you consider words to live by?

A: "Love is the answer"-John Lennon

Q: If there were ten more hours in a day, what would you do?

A: play with my grandson more, read more books, learn Italian, take long walks, go for more bike rides… I can think of a million things! 

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island with only one object, what would you want that object to be? 

A: computer!  I’m too nosy.  I’d need to know what was going on in the world.

 

Q: What is something you find interesting about yourself? 

A: My love of music - all kinds of music, from classical to rap.

Q: What is one of your personal attributes that you feel will contribute to the positive growth/outcome of the trip?

A: My ability to “go with the flow” – I’m up for any adventure!

Q: What is your dream job? 

A:  Going with a group of students on a mission trip to the Yucatan.  Really, I can’t think of anything that could be better!

Q: What food item do you believe Wegman's should always include in their buffet? 

A: My mother's spaghetti 

Q: What inspires you? 

A: People who care. 

Getting to Know ABST Mexico: Lexie Mastro

Bienvenidos~ 

A week before we begin the spring semester, we still have a handful of key players in our group to introduce, such as...

Miss. LEXIE MASTRO! 

Lexie is fun loving senior Physician Assistant major with an English minor. 

Keep reading to learn a little bit more about Lexie! 

Q: Why Mexico? 

A:  I am intrigued by the idea that a 3rd world country borders not only my own country, but a first world. To be so close, yet so distant is something I would like to dive into more. I also speak some spanish and enjoy the colorful culture.  

Q: What is one thing you'd like to learn more about before venturing to Mexico? 

A:  The socioeconomic  division in classes. I also want to learn about what kind of a healthcare system they have there.

Q: What do you consider words to live by?

A: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." --Ghandi 

Q: If there were ten more hours in a day, what would you do?

A: ...Probably study with that extra time before exams. 

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island with only one object, what would you want that object to be? 

A: A flint stick. 

Q: What is something you find interesting about yourself? 

A: I think it is interesting that I write creatively about medicine. 

Q: What is one of your personal attributes that you feel will contribute to the positive growth/outcome of the trip?

A: My flexibility and joke making skills in rough situations. Everyone needs a good laugh every once in a while--and traveling can be stressful, so I am about to make it my mission to have this be enjoyable :) 

Q: What is your dream job? 

A:  I am not sure what my dream job is yet. I want to go into clinical practice and be a P.A., however,  I think getting into public policy reform for healthcare would also be very impactful.

Q: What food item do you believe Wegman's should always include in their buffet? 

A: Grandma Phyllis' homemade meatballs.

Q: What inspires you? 

A: Putting words into action. 

Getting to Know ABST Mexico: Randy Clapp

Querida familia y amigos-

Hoping everyone is well and that the holidays and snow are agreeing with you! 

For our next group member spotlight we'd like to introduce your to our only freshman boy, Mr. RANDY CLAPP. 

Randy is a Biology major with a passion for healthcare and a good read! 

Keep scrolling to learn more about Randy! 

Q: Why Mexico? 

A:  I was excited to see what healthcare is like in other countries and in the opening presentation about mexico it said that we would be working with underprivileged youth at a clinic

Q: What is one thing you'd like to learn more about before venturing to Mexico? 

A: The politics and ways to improve the living conditions of individuals in the country. 

Q: What do you consider words to live by?

A: By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Benjamin Franklin

Q: If there were ten more hours in a day, what would you do?

A:  Get in better shape and read more. 

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island with only one object, what would you want that object to be? 

A: A good book. 

Q: What is something you find interesting about yourself? 

A: I don't like cake. 

Q: What is one of your personal attributes that you feel will contribute to the positive growth/outcome of the trip?

A: My work ethic. 

Q: What is your dream job? 

A:  A Senator or Political official who can make a difference. 

Q: What food item do you believe Wegman's should always include in their buffet? 

A: Ham. 

Q: What inspires you? 

A: My family. 

Getting to Know ABST Mexico: Madeline Boucher

Welcoming 2014 - we'd like to introduce Miss. MADELINE BOUCHER! Maddie is an adventurous communication arts major and we're happy to have her as the only junior of the group. 

Q: Why Mexico? 

A: I’ve always wanted to go to another country (besides Canada, I’ve been there), especially for a service trip.  Mexico is one of those countries that I have never studied in all the years but I have always wanted to learn more about it.  I figured that I would jump at the opportunity to venture south of the boarder in the “spirit of service!”   

Q: What is one thing you'd like to learn more about before venturing to Mexico? 

A:  Day by day culture.  I love learning about how others live that’s much different than me.      

Q: What do you consider words to live by?

A: "I don’t need easy, I just need possible"-Soul Surfer  

“Exactly who we are is just enough”-Carrie Underwood 

Q: If there were ten more hours in a day, what would you do?

A:  Take our boat on Lake Erie to Canada with my family. 

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island with only one object, what would you want that object to be? 

A: An igniter so I could survive. 

Q: What is something you find interesting about yourself? 

A: I rarely watch TV or movies.  If I need to catch up on episodes on a show, I watch it Netflix or somewhere online.  

Q: What is one of your personal attributes that you feel will contribute to the positive growth/outcome of the trip?

A: My adventurous self. 

Q: What is your dream job? 

A:  A dream job is something that has never really crossed my mind.  But if I wanted to go extraordinary would have to say that it would probably be a manager to a platinum recording artist.   

Q: What food item do you believe Wegman's should always include in their buffet? 

A: Apple pie. 

Q: What inspires you? 

A: Others having confidence in me. 

Updates

¡Hola amigos!

 

In the past few weeks, a couple exciting things have fallen into place for our trip! Our flights have been booked and we've received our packing list.

 

First, here’s our flight schedule!

Going to Mérida – Saturday, March 1:

Depart:	Arrive:
Cleveland, 8:33 a.m.	LaGuardia Airport, New York, 10:18 a.m.
New York, 12:41 p.m.	Houston, 3:51 p.m.
Houston, 5:47 p.m.	Mérida, 7:47 p.m.

 

Coming Home – Saturday, March 8:

Depart:	Arrive:
Merida, 8:02 a.m.	Houston, 10:12 a.m.
Houston, 12:40 p.m.	Cleveland, 4:20 p.m.

 

 

Second is the list of what we need to pack for our adventure!

 

The weather in Mérida in March is comparable to summer in Erie, and the temperature could be anywhere from the low 70s to the mid 90s. Jealous? :)

 

Packing Suggestions for Mission of Friendship:

• Light weight casual clothing

• Comfortable shoes/sandals

• *Old clothes and shoes for work projects, depending on plans
• A light weight sweater, jacket or sweatshirt

• Swim suit
• Good insect repellent
• Good sunscreen
• Sunglasses and hat with visor
• Personal toiletries including soap for shower (Avoid scented products as they may attract insects.)
• *Light weight outfit suitable for church
• Prescriptions medicines or other desired medications
• *Journal and pen (optional)
• Personal spending money
• Camera, if desired
• Water bottle
• Hair dryer, if desired
• *Items to hand out to children, such as lollipops, balloons, etc.
• Chargers for your phone or electrical devices if you have them.

*Some items depend on the plans for the group. For example, if the group is planning to do physical work.

 

Notes:

• If you forget something, there are stores near the Mission where you can purchase things.
• You are responsible for changing your own US dollars into pesos.
• When you are ready to leave, the Mission can change your pesos back into US dollars.
• Credit cards are usually accepted in larger stores and restaurants, but you will want pesos for smaller stands, markets, in villages, etc. Your card may charge a foreign transaction fee.
• Electrical outlets in Mexico accommodate US devices.
• When you enter through customs in Mexico, you will get a travel visa stamped with how many days you can stay in the country. DO NOT LOSE IT!!!! YOU WILL NEED IT WHEN YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY!!

 

¡Prospero Nuevo Año! Happy New Year!