We made it!

¡Bienvenidos! We had a lot of fun traveling to Merida. We parted ways with the L'Arche Mexico group in the Houston airport. Upon our arrival to Merida, we went to an outdoor music festival. We explored downtown and got our first taste of the Mexican Culture. We saw traditional dances of the states of Mexico and many street vendors. We have had a wonderful day full of adventure and are ready for the week to come! 

Family bonding☀️💛🌞

Going for a surf!

We made it to the Lone Star State!

We spy warmer weather!

And We're Off!

We are finally on our way to Mexico! Before we get there, we wanted to tell you a little about ourselves! 

My name is Abigail Jebaratnam. I am from Midland, Michigan. I am a Physician Assistant major. Some of my likes include watching tv, hanging out with my friends and going on adventures :) I dislike birds and cats. I wanted to go to Mexico because I am interested in specializing in women's health so I would love experience working specifically with girls.  

Name: Leah Johnson

Hometown: Jamestown, NY

Major: Social Work

Likes: Superhero movies, black coffee, and puppies

Dislikes: Horror movies, spilled coffee, and wasps

Why Mexico: When I was applying to be a leader, I was drawn to the idea of working with children in my ABST experience. I am so excited to be part of this trip, as I think that it will give me wonderful experience, both as a person, and as a social worker.

Name: Kevin Holland 

Hometown: Erie, PA 

Major: History, Third Year Seminarian for the Diocese of Erie 

Likes/ Dislikes: I love just staying active with different things around campus like Ichthi, Model UN, and whatever activities Mission and Ministry are offering. When I'm doing campus activities, I enjoy just hanging out with friends, playing sports especially basketball, and traveling to somewhere new. On the other side of the spectrum, I don't like things that having my glasses break (it has happened twice) and peanut butter&jelly sandwiches. Other than that, life's pretty good. 

Reason to go to Mexico: I have been interested in going on this trip since my freshman year at Gannon. For the last two spring breaks, I went to Newland, NC and Detroit. So that the fact, the weather could be in the 90s makes me extremely excited.  Plus we are going to work in an area that the Diocese of Erie has directly impacted. As a seminarian for the Diocese of Erie, I can wait to see how we have a connection to somewhere so far away. 

​

Deacon Steve Washek from Erie, PA

I have been ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Erie for 10 years.  I am the Director of Campus Ministry at Gannon University

I am hating the snow and cold weather,  I love dogs, and the day after I get back from Mexico I am getting a new  Golden Retriever puppy.  I love tinkering around with the piano also.

I want to go to Mexico because of the relationship Merida has with our Erie Diocese.   I am also very excited about the warm weather.

I'm the Employment Coordinator in the Career Development Office here at Gannon, and an alumnus of the University.  I'm married to Jack, have two adult sons (Joe & John) and one grandson (Camden), who just turned 4 years old!  ....and I have one sassy little dog named Jessie!  I've lived in Erie all my life.  This will be my third trip to the Yucatan as part of the Mission of Friendship, and I'm really looking forward to share the experience with our group  - and I can't wait to see my sponsored family again!!  

My name is Raven Saunders. I am currently a Social Work student here at Gannon. I love helping people and bringing smiles to everyone faces. I enjoy playing the clarinet and participating in band. I don't enjoy walking to class in snow. But the view of the snow covered trees are beautiful and make it worth it. I chose to go to Mexico because I think the Mission of Friendship is a amazing program, and I hope I can share and learn as much as possible from the girls. And I am beyond grateful for this opportunity!

My name is Chelsey Butterbaugh and I am from Loretto PA! I am a Social Work Major. I love to travel and I love to read  I am so excited to go to Meixco and cant wait to serve the people in Merida!

 

Name: Sammy Taylor

Hometown: Erie, PA

Major: Nursing with a Psychology minor

Likes: Netflix, sleeping, mac n'cheese, pizza, and knitting 

Dislikes: being cold, dark green, and vacuuming

Why did I choose Mexico: I love kids. I think they have such a unique insight to the world that is truly beautiful. I am excited to go help out in any way we can. I can't wait to see what this experience holds for me. I am also excited for warmer weather and a sunnier environment!