Final Merida Reflection - Ashley Lawson

Now that I’ve been home for a week, I’ve had some time to step back, catch my breath, and reflect on an amazing experience and here’s what I’ve learned…

I am so blessed. Sometimes, I can’t believe that these experiences are actually a part of my job. Seriously – how did I get so lucky? I love getting to know students who I might not otherwise get to meet, exploring the world, making new friends, and using my talents to help others. Honestly, being an ABST accompanier is one of my favorite roles that I play on Gannon’s campus. Helping students expand their comfort zones and learn about the world comes easily to me and I’m so grateful for these opportunities.

A long time ago (after I finished my undergrad) I moved abroad for a year to teach English and a mentor once told me “a smile translates between all languages.” I’ve never forgotten this and I love seeing it in action. 

Thanks Team Merida for an awesome adventure – thank you for your smiles and for spreading them throughout the Yucatan. I will never forget the people we met, the places we visited, the friends we made, and the students with whom I’ve shared these experiences. #adulting

¡Te amo Mérida y realmente espero que nos encontremos de nuevo pronto!

Hasta luego,

Ashley

Open eyes, ears and hearts

Oh the memories that Merida, Mexico 2016 brought me.  I will never forget the amazing people I met and places I saw that touched my heart forever.  I loved working with the girls at Nueva Vida.  It was so special to meet all of them and form a special connection with a few after the second day.  The children at the daycare reminded me that even the little things can mean so much and to always see with they eyes of a child; with this approach the good is always clear.  I was deeply touched in meeting the people of Dzibikak.  Their hospitality, generosity, and kindness were all clear through our conversations and encounters with them.  The residents of the nursing home reminded me that there is so much to be learned from our elders and that we should treat them with the utmost respect and honor.  Most of all, I loved watching my group members grow and making friends with whom I share an unbreakable bond.  Ever since we returned to campus, I hope to see their smiling faces when I turn the corner, and when I do the joy and love they have in their heart is always there to greet me.  I hope that I can be this person to them as well.

It has been my pleasure being the group blogger with Kevin for this trip.  I hope to have the chance to blog for another ABST in the future.  

Signing off for the last time,  

Erin Lipnicky 

Merida Post Trip Reflection by Mallory Trabert

Oh Merida. What can I say. Our trip was absolutely beautiful. It was amazing to see the culture in Merida and meet so many great people. The best part, however, was being able to serve and use my talents for a greater good. I loved working with the girls at Nueva Vida and the children at the daycare. I also found a new passion for working with the elderly! I will never forget this trip- the people I met, the places we visited, the food we ate, and the lives we touched. So many great memories were made on this trip that will always be in my heart. Im so happy and grateful for such a great opportunity and I have Gannon to thank for that. Im looking forward to keeping the friendships I made and for the future to come.


Love,


Mallory Trabert

I don't smell anything

It has now been a week since we've back in the States. Our stomachs have settled and we're back into our regular routines. But one thing is for certain, we not the same people we were when we left for the trip. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to have had to traveled to Merida once again. I didn't know what to expect at first, but Round 2 was just as sweet. I was able to take down my guard as a senior and just be present. I realized there's nothing more beautiful than seeing pure joy in a child and this trip gave us chance to see this every day. No matter what happens in the course of my life, I know that Merida will always be a "punto de reunion" for me. It will always be my home. Gracias for your support, Kevin.

Merida Post Trip Reflection by Linden Lester

Now that we’ve been home for a week and I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things it’s starting to hit me that our Mexico trip is over.  While the physical trip may be over, we can continue to serve others with open hearts in our everyday life.

For me personally this trip was a realization of what my life is going to be like after I graduate.  August 1^st I will be moving to Honduras to complete a year of service with Olancho Aid.  Being in Mexico made me realize how excited (and I hate to admit it, but also terrified) I truly am for that experience. 

Being back at Nueva Vida for me was a turning point in the trip.  When we first got there one girl said to me that she remembered me from two years ago and that really just hit home with me.  The fact that we simply spent a few days with them, but yet they still remember us two years later, means a lot.  Also I’m always amazed by the friendships we are able to make with these girls.  There is no language barrier when it comes to children and play.

It’s always so hard for me to reflect on these experiences because these trips are always such a high for me in life and I always feel like once I get back home I come way back down.  After this trip I am challenging myself to continue to live out that daily high that I get from these service trips in my everyday life at home.  Ever since I went to Mexico the first time this quote will forever be embedded in my mind.  “What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for one another!”  By going on these trips I’ve realized that my true passion in life is being able to give of myself and help others. 

I am truly blessed for being able to be a part of this trip.  We will forever be bonded by our waterfalls and volcanoes.  Mexico 2016, signing off! 

Blogpost by Alli Lee

Traveling to Merida, Mexico was such a great experience and I wouldn't change it for a thing. I learned a lot and had an amazing opportunity discovering a new culture, and a new country, all while finding a piece of myself. I enjoyed spending time with the girls at Nueva Vida, the children at the daycare, and people in the villages. I had fun working with those at the nursing home and loved listening to all of the stories they were excited and willing to share. Work projects were a lot of fun too. It was a blessing to see how far a smile or laughter can be spread from country to country. Language barriers or cultural differences may have set us a part at times, but we were all a part of a bigger picture through service. I won't forget this trip and am so excited to continue my travels to make a difference and share a smile. I met amazing friends and was able to try so many new things. I had an amazing journey with a lot of memories and was able to step out of my comfort zone with some amazing people. I hope to have the opportunity to go back and visit Merida again.

Love,
Alli

Merida Post Trip Reflection by Luke Bohrer

                Now that the long anticipated trip to Merida is over, I am left feeling blessed for be able to experience and learn as much as I did in only a short amount of time.  Being able to see another person’s way of life that is completely different than my own is also very eye opening.  Some of things I take for granted are common everyday struggles for the people living in the villages we visited as a group.  However, even though these people had less than I did, they would offer us their hospitality in a heartbeat.  The people were poor materialistically, but they were rich in happiness.

This trip opened hearts and expanded comfort zones, something that wouldn’t have happened if we stayed in Erie.  The children I encountered were ecstatic about us spending time with them. Despite practically not knowing any Spanish, I quickly discovered play was a universal language among kids. The kids found the simplest things such as chalk, balloons, and bubbles to be the most fun. Even just running around and chasing each other made them smile from cheek bone to cheek bone. It’s the simple things like giving someone your time and attention that makes the biggest difference.

 At one of the villages, I learned the people have no access to a doctor. Before, a doctor would come to the village every Friday to give consultations and care to the people for a very small amount of money.  But this doctor had passed away and now the people are doctorless. They cannot afford transportation to and from the city to receive the care they may need. There is an immediate need for a doctor by these villages.  Considering that I want to become a doctor, I plan on using my talents, knowledge, and resources to somehow fulfill those needs in future. Whether it’s personally serving these villages once I am a doctor, using my success to help fund organizations to serve them, and or a combination of both, I want to do everything I can to serve these amazing people.

The word “priceless” can easily sum up my experience even though everyone had gotten sick. I can’t wait to go on another ABST trip next year. And to anyone who’s reading this, remember to open your heart and to expand your comfort zones.