Lauren's Thoughts

My experience in Ecuador last year was an amazing one, which I’ll never forget!  I had so much fun spending time with the patients at Damien House and the children at the after school programs.  Even though the language barrier was a challenge, it was a fun one; it required each of us to reach beyond our comfort zone and to use other methods of communication to get to know each person we met.  Our charades games always resulted in good laughs! 

One of my favorite experiences at Damien House was the clothing drive.  We took tons of clothes, shoes, and accessories with us to Ecuador for the patients and volunteers at Damien House.  I had so much fun finding clothes and shoes to fit each patient and it was really cool to see where our donations went.  I’ve always heard the saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” but that took on a whole new meaning in Ecuador.  It was a very special moment to see one of the patients trying on my used tennis shoes and then jumping up and down and clapping their hands when they fit! 

I also enjoyed singing and dancing for the ladies at Damien House.  Even though we weren’t the most talented singers and they probably had no idea what the English lyrics meant, we could tell that the ladies thoroughly and genuinely enjoyed the entertainment as they clapped along! 

The after school programs were lots of fun, too!  I loved coloring, playing, and singing with the children and their bright smiling faces are images I will never forget.

                This year, I am so excited to go back to Ecuador!  Even though I frequently communicate via Facebook to some of the people I met, I can’t wait to be back at Damien House with Sr. Annie!  I am really looking forward to sharing new stories and experiences with the ladies and to hear theirs—and I can’t wait to give them each a big hug!  While it will be a different experience for me than it was last time, I know it will be a good one and I’m really excited for the adventures awaiting us!  Only 121 more days!!

Catching Up

Hey everyone, sorry for the wait on another post!  We have had a lot of success over the past month and it couldn't have happened without the help of all of you.  First off, the Spaghetti Dinner was a huge success!  We had a lot of participation from the parish and SJS community.  We would like to thank everyone who donated food or their time.  We would especially like to thank the parents who came out and helped either cook the pasta, or hand out the food.  It was great to see everyone out and supporting our trip.  Below are some pictures from our Dinner!

Beth with some of the the people from the Hispanic Community

Julianna, Chris, and Lizzie helping serve pasta

Mrs. Kathy talking to some of the guests    

Father Paul enjoying his pasta

Beth with MaryLou Jefferson
(who helped bake many of the delicious desserts)

Meet the Chef! (Carly's dad)

Now on to more information.  First off, we are having a Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast at Applebee’s on Sunday, April 7, from 8:00 – 10:00.  Tickets are $8.00 per person.  If you like to go, please let any of the kids or chaperons know, and we can give you a ticket.  You can also show up that day to Applebee’s and get a ticket then.  The fundraiser is at the Applebee’s on York Rd. and Padonia Rd.  And the best part of the breakfast is that the kids will be your servers!

Next off is a Panera Fundraiser we are having.  We are selling a strip of Panera coupons for $10.00.  There are 2 different kinds of coupon strips: the first on consists of 6 coupons for 3 bagels each, totaling up to 18 bagels.  The second strip contains 6 coupons: 1 sourdough baguette, 1 asiago cheese mini-baguette, 1 focaccio round, 3 bagels, 1 muffin, and 2 cookies.  Both strips cost $10.00 and you can buy more than 1 strip!  If you would like to buy some of these strips, let any of the people going know and we will make sure you get the coupons. 

As with everything we do, we couldn't have this opportunity without the support of the community.  As you know, we are always accepting donations, but we are also collecting other donations.  Below is posted a list of donations we are willing to take down to Damien House.  If you have any of these things, please feel free to start collecting for us.  We will be sending out further information about a good time to bring in the donations.

Soon we will be posting the thoughts of the kids and chaperons going; what they are excited/fearful about and how they are reflecting on the months leading up to the trip.  This way, just like last year, you all can see how each of the individuals going is responding to our trip.  We would like to ask one last thing of everyone, and that is for your constant prayers.  We are extremely grateful for all of the support we have and we love hearing that we also have your prayers.