Saturday, February 28, 2015
We made it!
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!
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Oh the Places We're Going!
¡Hola! As our journey to Mexico begins, we hope to bond closer as a group and prepare to be joined with those who we will serve on our trip to Mexico. We have all come from different religious, cultural, and familial backgrounds, but we are united with one common goal: helping the girls in Nueva Vida. Our different backgrounds allow us the ability to serve many girls.
Nueva Vida is an orphanage for girls located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. It was established in 1996 primarily by the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania. The girls live in the orphanage from Sunday night to Friday night and are provided the opportunity to learn, have a safe place to stay, dependable meals, and love. Our main goal in our trip is to help the many girls who live at Nueva Vida feel loved and serve them in any way we can.
We just had our first meeting last week and we are excited to begin our Alternate Break Service Trip. Before we know it, we’ll be on the plane to Mexico! We ask for your prayers as we begin our journey to Mexico. Also, please continue to check the blog as we will be posting regularly leading up to our trip and each night we are in Mexico.
Here is general information about Nueva Vida and blogs of other groups who have traveled to Merida in the past.
http://hnvmerida.blogspot.com/p/what-is-hogar-nueva-vida.html
This is the location of Merida Mexico:
Gracious,
Mexico ABST
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