Memories
Julie: My favorite memories were the near constant hugs and funny jokes, the interventions where we had to figure out how to get along with our liaisons better, the struggles we had figuring out our place in our Mexican projects, the beautiful mountains and forests, talks of returning to do more good work, the children's laughter and playful pushing on the newly built playground, Don Pedro's warm, cozy kitchen with little wooden chairs, the turkey gobbling every morning outside my door, Mary Elizabeth's constant calming presence, and the growth I saw in all my students from pushing outside comfort zones.
Nicole: Just everything about the trip was amazing! I can not stress the fact that I LOVED how close we all became with one another. The endless jokes, hugs and adventures were amazing. Never EVER again, eat tripe tacos. I got to know a different kind of Mexico in working with the indigenous communities, that surely gave me a new perspective on life. Don Pedro's wise words, the children's laughter, the love, care and smiles from our cooks will forever be in my heart.
Rachel: I will always remember how close we all became. We all had each others backs and spent most of our time just having a fun time and laughing a lot. I don't think my abs have ever been stronger. Only a group as awesome as us could make a day full of sickness be one of the best days of the trip. The work we did was amazing, to see the kids faces light up as the playground came together was so heart warming and just an overall great feeling. The garden was also very rewarding, being told that the community was not welcoming towards outsiders, we sure got a different idea while we were there. Everyone was very welcoming and willing to show us around. Don Pedro was so kind and he appreciated us being there so much, it was really a great feeling to see what changes we were making in these peoples life. I don't think I will every be able to pick out one favorite memory as the entire trip was phenomenal and will always a favorite memory as a whole.
Jackie: It is hard to choose a favorite memory from 12 days of adventure. One of my favorite would be meeting the children at Zinacantan. They were so welcoming and so adorable. I would love to work with them again. Another favorite memory would be meeting Don Pedro. He was so wise and welcoming and I did not expect that. Then of course there is our day off when we climbed under waterfalls and climbed up pyramids. That was amazing and I'll never forget that. Last but not least I'll always remember the people in our group. In class we were not as close as we became on our trip. I know that if I needed anything, any one of the people on our trip could be called and they'd be there. I've never had a lot of that before and I feel blessed to have gained such good friends.
Vicky: My favorite part of trip was one how close we all were. it is so weird being at home and not seeing everyone everyday. our inside jokes for sure. LESLIEEEEEEE. Palenque was amazing and that whole day. And of course Don Pedro. His words were so amazing and the way him and his family welcomed us into his community and home was just amazing. He is such a smart person and so kind. It something that i will always remember. Everything about this trip was just amazing!