Colombia 2009

We've assembled a wonderful MU Ambassadors for Children team! Here are some facts about the team:
Freshmen = 3
Sophomores = 6
Juniors = 6
Seniors = 3

Plus two Miami U. staff members: Scott Irlbacher - Asst Director of Fraternal Life and Megan Kuykendoll who works with the Center for World Cultures and the Office of Community Engagement & Service Learning (a trip facilitator);

I decided to take a study break and thought I might as well post my first blog entry. I cannot express how excited I am to travel to Colombia! After this afternoon, I will have completed my 3rd exam in less than 18 hours. Despite all of the studying/cramming, this trip is all I can seem to think about. I knew I wanted to go on a service trip with AFC ever since my roommate last year, Ann Marie, went on the Guatemala trip last spring break. I picked her up from the airport when she returned home and she could not stop talking about what an amazing experience it was.

I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to attend this trip! This will be my first time traveling outside of the country and I am blessed that it will be dedicated to helping others and working with amazing Miami students. I cannot wait to explore the Colombian culture and volunteering with children. I adore working with children and I anticipate this will be a life-altering experience.

Here is a tentative itinerary, which we expect to change at least a few times over the course of the week. It is a rough outline of the activities and projects that will be taking place.

Saturday, March 7th
Arrive in Cartagena, Colombia and check into Hotel Costa del Sol. AFC orientation and Welcome Dinner in the evening at 7:30 PM in the hotel. At the dinner, we will have the opportunity to meet some of the local partners and begin learning more about Colombian culture.

Sunday, March 8th

Last Friday we all got together to meet and pack bags in preparation for our group's departure early Saturday morning. Everyone seemed very excited for the trip. All that's left to do now is make sure we don't forget any important items.

Tomorrow I plan to post an itinerary (tentative) for our trip so that you all know what to expect to hear from us.

Looking forward to next week,
Megan

Hello,
I am so excited for this trip for so many reasons. I can't wait to go to see a new place and to be able to help children. Kids are my passion, I want to end up working with them; especially children in low income areas. This is a perfect opportunity for me! I also am super excited about exploring somewhere new! I am excited about the weather, the sunshine especially. I am also looking forward to meeting new people, so with that said see you in a few weeks!!!!!!

See ya,
Chloe

Last month, we all met for our Ambassadors for Children orientation meeting. It really inspired us all to get ready to go! At this point, we are still collecting supplies to bring with us. We plan to have a packing party the week before we leave, so hopefully we'll have all the things we need to bring by then.
Please check back frequently now and throughout the week of March 7th - 14th while we are in Colombia for an updated look on how the trip is going!