Over Winter Break some Texas Spirits stayed busy with
travels and volunteer work both locally and internationally!
Bea Scott, a Spring 13 Weenie, traveled to Cusco, Peru with
the Ubelong program to volunteer in the education department. She worked with
23 three year olds in an after school program, reading and actively engaging
them in their daily activities. She loved how every morning the kids would
crowd around in anticipation for the morning crafting project and be so excited
to constantly play! During her free time, Bea explored the geography of Peru
and Bolivia where she hiked Machu Picchu biked down Death Road.
Riddhi Patodia, a Fall 14
Weenie, travel abroad with UT Global Medical Training, where she set out on a
medical mission to provide quality healthcare to underprivileged families in
the villages of San Rafael del Yuma, Dominican Republic. She and her team treated
and diagnosed almost 600 patients, stumbling upon disorders like osteogenesis,
uterine prolapses, scabies, inguinal hernias, polio, and much more. Riddhi
recalls that “not only did we gain medical experience but we were so immensely
blessed by the continuous gratitude from these people. They have helped us in
more ways than we have helped them and it has left my heart filled to the brim
with love and appreciation. I will forever be grateful for this life changing
experience.”
Kaci Nguyen and Helena Castle
Making a positive impact close to home
was Kaci Nguyen, a Fall 12 weenie and Helena Castle, a Fall 14 weenie, who both
volunteered with Austin Caritas 2015, which targeted service in the east Austin
area. Throughout the week they worked with organizations that included Marianella (a refugee home), Mary House
(a home for dislocated workers), Austin Street Youth Ministry, Micah 6 (a food
pantry), Chicon Pregnancy Resource Center and Austin State Supported Living
Center. The experience inspired Kaci, sharing "The mission
trip was a challenging experience, but the spirit of the mission reminded
me to "be not afraid" of loving and serving with all that I
have." Helena felt that the experience “opened my eyes and my heart up to
aspects of the Austin community that most of us don't get to experience on a
regular basis."
No comments:
Post a Comment