Wednesday -- The day of the Volcano

Hi Mom!!!!

Recently I've been thinking about how this trip has really changed me in the way I should act, and how I see the United Methodist Church in general. Today composed of seeing a volcano for the first time and taking a lot of new Facebook photos to load up. I have met many new friends here on the trip and they, unlike at school, are all really nice. But the best experience that has happened to me was being able to go on the walk yesterday that only a select number of individuals decided to attend. Being able to see what it's like to live like them is incredible and for the first time yesterday I got to see a place that is considered to be a shantytown. To be honest, this trip is "a life changer" and I am sure that the things to come in the near future on this trip will help to tie it up. From me and my fellow friends on the trip, we wish everyone good health and good times in Northern VA. Hopefully you can come next time!

P.S. All the students are wondering about the FIFA Soccer Tournament. Because of our conditions, we are not able to see the games. If anyone at home sees this we would really appreciate a update on the current tournament. Thank You!

--Sean Liesegang (Freshman)


Hey everyone!!

For those of you who dont know me, I am Nathan Fioramonti and i am a recent graduate of Oakton high school (the best school ever). For me, this trip was a last minute decision but i have ZERO regrets. this has been the best experience i have ever had. In the past, i have done jeremiah project and Carolina Cross connection and both were great but neither showed the need for our help as much as this.
For work the past few days, i have been in the trenches digging the 16 inch deep trench. but, the past few days i have used the axe and it works wonders going through the roots and even digging the trenches. Today was by far the best because phillip grant, austin kendall, and sean mccoy and i were getting extremely dirty because of the rain this morning. The trenches were full of water and mud but that didnt slow us down at all. We were drenched in mud and known as the mud brothers. i also assume tim had a good time hosing us off before we showered as well.
although the camp here is a blast, the real reason for this trip was to run vbs at the local church. i went on both walks through the area to "recruit" new members to our vbs. i got many chances to practice my spanish and to see the differences in our society. as probably stated earlier, we walked to shantytown (unsure of spelling) and they were literally a tiny aluminum roof with weak metal walls with holes all over it. pastor victor told us that no one there had work and had little if any money. the other houses in the area were surrounded by a large locked grate, and most had barbed wire on it showing that robbery and safety is a huge problem around here. the kids are so great. i am signed up to be a guide of kids 3-5 but that hasn't worked with the different varieties of kids. so, to pass the time, we have a large futbol game with the kids but it really is just a modified "keep away". the kids are so funny and laugh at our spanish and our bad soccer skills but they are definitely worth the care. it really showed me how much these kids are in need of friendship and God because they were so excited for vbs. yesterday, we even had kids showing up 45 minutes early just to play with us. so, in closing, i have learned a lot about how the strange ways that God works and how just a simple game of soccer can make such a huge difference in their lives, as well as mine.

ps, fifa scores would be nice, and the volcano and the lagoon were great


see you sunday,
Nathan Fioramonti