It is unbelievable that our trip to Ecuador is a little over 5 weeks away. We have had a wonderful time meeting together each week. I cannot say enough about the fantastic group of young people that are going on this trip. Each one of them brings their gifts, spirit and enthusiasm to each meeting and the energy is so contagious! I am so happy to share in this experience with them.
Our fundraising efforts have been incredible and we have raised over $10,000 so far. WOW! This week, we are planning our last big fundraiser. This weekend, June 2 and 3, the youth will briefly talk at each of the Masses to let our parishioners know more about our service trip to Damien House. After all the Masses, we are going to have a Bake Sale in front of the Parish Center with delicious treats for everyone! We will have cookies, dirt, sand, biscotti, cupcakes, Rice Krispy Treats . . . and the list goes on! Make sure you stop by for some tasty snacks for your family while helping us raise the money we need to reach our goal!
With our tickets booked and our reservation set at Tangara Guest House in Guayaquil, Ecuador, our trip is becoming very “real”. I have so many emotions in my heart as I think about what this trip means to me. I love, love, love to travel, experience different cultures and meet new people. I also LOVE the Spanish language. I spent over a year as a volunteer in Mexico after I graduated from college and I would visit regularly. Once I became a mommy, my international travels stopped. As any parent knows, once you have a family, your priorities completely change. So, this will be my first trip away from my husband and two boys. (In fact, I haven’t been away from Noah and Landon for more than one night!) I have to be honest that the thought of being away from them for 8 days brings me slight anxiety. But, I know Christ will bring my heart peace and the Blessed Mother will watch over my family and protect us travelers. I think about the people at Damien House and the amazing people that give everything to bring these patients dignity and comfort and I realize what I can gain from an experience like this will make me a better person, wife and mother.
I remember the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila, “Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.” We are called to serve others; to be Christ. With great enthusiasm, our team will give all of ourselves to those at Damien House and all the Ecuadoreans we meet.
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