Mucho Burbujas!

Happy Monday!

Our day started at the daycare with mucho burbujas (a.k.a bubbles), sidewalk chalk, bouncy balls, and laughter from the playground.  The children were excited to see us and spend time with us.  It is custom in Yucatecan culture to greet one another with a kiss on the cheek and a hug.  Imagine all of the hugs and kisses we received.  After greeting the children we spent time playing games then ventured back to the playground.  If you’ve ever seen Toy Story 3, imagine the BAD ROOM………with screaming children, heads flying off of toys, lots of crying, toys flying everywhere, and the Gannon group standing in the corner not knowing what to do.  That was basically our morning in a nutshell.  Just kidding, it was a wonderful experience interacting with the children and they were quite the opposite of the room in Toy Story 3.  They all enjoyed our company, whether it was pushing the children on the swings, or just simply sitting with them in the sand.  We spent the morning sharing lots of laughs.

After we left the daycare we headed to Nueva Vida, which is an after school program for girls in the local area.  We were greeted with more hugs and kisses and they welcomed us in for lunch.  After lunch the girls had the chance to show off their English skills by pronouncing our names and counting.  The Gannon group brought along a parachute and we headed off to the park to try it out with the girls.  It was a big hit.  After the parachute games we headed back to the mission and spent the rest of the evening getting to know the girls and spending quality time with them.  We said our goodbyes, but we are looking forward to seeing them again on Wednesday. 

The highlight of the day was seeing the look on the children’s faces when playing with them and being able to experience the Yucatecan life through them.  We have a big week ahead of us and we will keep you posted.  Buenos noches! (Goodnight!)

Love Mallory & Linden

Day One Complete!

Hola amigos!

We are so excited to finally be able to update you on our travels.  We spent today exploring downtown Merida, starting with mass at the Cathedral, Casa de Montejo, and the Palacio del Gobierno. As a way to stall before lunch, we walked around Central Square and toured historical sites. Just as we were headed to lunch, our plans changed. We had to dance. Erin, Ashley, Kevin, and Johnny, our tour guide, all went on stage and showed Merida our moves. Erin and Ashley were recognized as “the dancers” later at lunch. Let’s just say it was a success.

Following our fiesta bailar we enjoyed a traditional Mayan lunch at La Chaya Maya.  We all tried foods that fell “outside of our comfort zones”.  Luke and Karis ate Velociraptor, (just kidding) Vaporcitas, which are similar to tamales with turkey filling and salsa on top.  Several group members shared Erin’s shark empanadas.  Most of us also tried Horchata and Chaya which are two Yucatecan drinks, one made with rice and the other made with Chaya, a green leafy plant native to Merida, similar to spinach.  While we were eating our meals we were personally serenaded by two folksingers and Jonny, who had a beautiful voice. 

After our busy day in the city, we returned to the mission house where we were joined by Silvia and Gladys who helped prepare our supper.  Silvia and Gladys have been involved in the Mission of Friendship for several years and were eager to share their stories and testimonies with us.  We loved having their presence at the meal and cannot wait to see them again tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow we will be at the daycare and the Nueva Vida girls program.  Thanks for checking in, we are all doing amazing and having a blast! Lots of love! <3

MERIDA 2016 J

We have a new member!

Due to family matters, Deacon Steve was unable to travel to Merida this year. But just in the nick of the time, Chris was able to agree to come with us! We're glad that he's able to come and certainly keeping deacon's family in our prayers. Here's Chris' bio blast...  

Chris Beran 


Year & Major: Bishop Donald W. Trautman House Coordinator and Associate Campus Minister; B.A. Sociology, B. Phil., M.A. Theology and Christian Ministry

Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI

Why did you choose Mexico?: Mexico chose me! I found out about 72 hours before the trip was set to leave that I would be taking the place of Deacon Steve Washek. 

What is your favorite Gannon memory?: All my trips that I have taken with students at Gannon have been memorable in each of their own ways. I went to Philly and saw Pope Francis. I went to the March for Life and got stuck on the PA turnpike for a day. And now I am traveling to Mexico in the last minute. I am looking forward to the other great memories and moments that this ABST trip shall bring. 

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: I make latch hook rugs and knotted rosaries. I enjoy canoeing and kayaking. And then I enjoy pretty much anything related to theology. 

[P.S. we're alive and more info is coming soon!]

Safe arrival!

The Merida ABST group doesn't have Internet access tonight, but they have contacted us to let us know they have arrived safely in Merida! Watch this blog for more updates later in the week. -Center for Social Concerns staff 

Next stop...MERIDA!!

We will be leaving the Houston Airport shortly and heading to the beautiful and sunny Merida, Mexico.  We will post picture and more information as soon as we can! Thank you again to all of our friends and family who have helped us get to this point in our journey, we love you all! <3 :)

Hola!! We have arrived safely to our terminal at the Buffalo airport. :) We will continue to keep you update along our travels.  Thanks for checking in!! Enjoy the pictures below!

Van selfie :)

Loading up!

We made it through security.

Tie dying 101

Today, February 21st, we had our last group meeting before our departure Saturday at 7:00AM.  We tie dyed shirts to match the beautiful colors of sunny Merida, Mexico.  I think I speak for the entire group in saying we cannot wait to be on the road for this exciting and life changing adventure!  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we finish preparing over the next week.

Adios amigos :)

Live blog from the Learning Abroad Student Pre-Departure Orientation!! 

After attending our travel orientation, we are now thrilled and building up with more and more anticipation for our trip. We can't believe it's just 18 days away. It'll be our motivation to get through anything in our way!

Group Member Bios

Hola amigos!  Please take some time to check out all of our amazing group members!  We can't wait to leave for Merida in a little over three weeks! :) 

Deacon Steve Washek 

Year & Major : Director of Campus Ministry :   BA in Social Work,   MA in Pastoral Studies:

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I visited Mexico twice before, and I love that it is connected to our Diocese

What is your favorite Gannon memory? Celebrating my Ordination with students

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do? I like to work outside doing landscaping, Walking, tinkering with the piano, dogs

Ashley Lawson

Year & Major: Honors Program Assistant (also currently a graduate student in the MPA program)

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I chose Mexico for a few reasons, but mostly because I enjoy the idea of working with young girls and helping them further their educational opportunities. Equal opportunities for young women are really important to me because I recognize that my life as a woman would be much more difficult had I not been born where I was.

What is your favorite Gannon memory?: I really enjoyed being a part of the ABST to San Lucas, Guatemala last year – I had the opportunity to meet a group of amazing students that I otherwise wouldn’t have known! We had a wonderful experience last year and I’m looking forward to making new memories this year in Merida.

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: I love photography, traveling, and being outside. My undergrad degree is in Art History, so I also enjoy exploring historical places and visiting museums.

Linden Lester  

Year & Major: Senior Early Childhood & Special Education

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I went on the Mexico trip two years ago as a participant and absolutely fell in love with the people.  I decided for my senior year why not apply to return to Mexico as the student leader so I could share the life changing experience with others.

What is your favorite Gannon memory?: My favorite Gannon memory is going on the ABST trips.  I have gone on one every year and sad this will be the last one.  Going on these trips is what me decide to go into education and it also deepened my passion for service.  Which I share excitedly that I just signed my papers this week to become a volunteer with Olancho Aid in Honduras starting in August for 10 months.  I will be teaching at the primary school down there and couldn't be more excited and thankful for this journey. 

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: My favorite things to do are be outdoors, travel, photography, being crafty, and volunteering.

Katie Kapp

Year & Major: Junior Chemistry 

Hometown: Clarion, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I chose to lead Merida, Mexico, because I fell in love with the culture in Merida when I was part of this ABST two years ago as a freshman. In addition to the rich culture, the girls at the Nueva Vida school are incredibly loving and fun to be around. I knew I wanted to go back someday, and I am beyond excited to return to Merida, this time as a student leader!

What is your favorite Gannon memory?: I don't think I can pick one favorite memory at Gannon, but I have especially loved the two ABSTs I've been a part of: Merida and Guatemala. I also have a blast being a Writing Center consultant and a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority!

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: My hobbies include spending time with family and friends, playing with my dog Captain, obsessing over Harry Potter, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.

Kevin Holland 

Year & Major: Senior, History Major 

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: When deciding what to do this spring break, it was really a no brainer. I have gone ABSTs all my other years at Gannon and I knew wanted to do the same for my last year. Last year, I went to Merida and this year decided to apply to attend again. I felt called to return in a way that's hard to explain. I look forward to seeing what this year has in store. 

What is your favorite Gannon memory?: I have been blessed to involved in a variety of activities here at Gannon and I was asked to pick my favorite memory. Right now, I'll pick portraying Jesus in Living Stations. Every year, the students act out the Stations of the Cross for their fellow students and local community. Last year, I had the honor being Jesus. It was very powerful for me to get just a glisp first hand what He went through for all of us

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: To pass the time, I enjoy simply hanging out with my friends and traveling. I know when I graduate in May all my friends and I will do great things, but to do that we can't stay in one place. Right now, we all just enjoying final semester here on campus and embracing the memories that we can make. 

Luke Bohrer

Year & Major: Freshman, Undecided Science 

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I chose Mexico because I wanted serve others while simultaneously learning about a new culture… And to escape Erie’s winter for a week.

What is your favorite Gannon memory?: My favorite Gannon memory would be a little prank that I’m calling “Miss Vincent”. Although it took months for this prank to come together, the wait was definitely worth it.

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: I enjoy long walks on the beach, I like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.  My other hobbies include skiing, scuba diving, fishing, video games, movies, and simply hanging out with friends. 

Alli Lee

Year & Major: Freshman, Undeclared

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I took five years of Spanish during high school and have always loved the culture and language. I am very excited to travel and hope to one day go to Spain. This is my stepping stone for exciting adventures to come. I am excited to be traveling out of the country for the first time and be immersed into their culture, all while having the opportunity to volunteer.
What is your favorite Gannon memory?: My favorite memory at Gannon University would be making so many friends and enjoying college. 

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, meeting new people, running, going to the beach, and simply loving life!

Karis Kosobucki 

Year & Major: Freshman, Early Childhood Pre-K-4/Special Education 

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I chose Mexico because I am an early childhood education major and I love working with children. Therefore, I think it will be a great and unique experience to interact with children in another culture and see how their schooling there differs from the United States.

What is your favorite Gannon memory?: My favorite Gannon memory has to be meeting my three great friends who are also in the education program! We've become such great friends over the past few months and have made numerous memories together cramming for tests, ranting about all our work and least favorite professors, and most importantly just hanging out and laughing uncontrollably!

What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: One of my favorite things to do is cook and bake! I especially love making chocolate chip cookies! I also love being outdoors whether it be going to the beach or just taking a walk through the woods!

Mallory Trabert

Year & Major: Freshman, Early Childhood Education 

Hometown: Erie, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I chose Mexico because I absolutely love the culture and the people. I’m excited to work with the little girls at the Nueva Vida Program and give back to the community wherever the need may be.
 What is your favorite Gannon memory?: Meeting my two best friends, Karis and Carolyn.

 What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: I love playing sports and staying active. I also enjoy reading, traveling, photography, listening to music, and watching movies. My favorite things to do would be spending quality time with my family and laughing with my friends. 

Erin Lipnicky

Year & Major: Sophomore, Physician Assistant 

Hometown: Seven Fields, PA

Why did you choose Mexico?: I chose Mexico because I am interested in traveling while in college while also having the opportunity to learn about a new culture and serve others.  I am hoping that we will get to visit the clinic in Merida so that I may get a taste of what medical practice in other countries, such as Mexico, is like. 
 What is your favorite Gannon memory?: My favorite college memory has been making the Gannon University dance team.  I absolutely love dancing on the side lines of all of the home basketball games and I am thankful for all of the opportunities that have come with dancing in college.  

 What are your hobbies and/or favorite things to do?: Some of my favorite things to do include dancing, going to the rec center with my friends, shopping, spending time with my family and being silly with my friends.