The CAP program has really taught me how to appreciate everything I have. This appreciation includes being able to serve and help the common man. When I first started working at Harvard Square Meals I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I would be rejected for being a college student but no I was…
Every experience that the whole Friends of the Homeless team experience is just as memorable as all of the others. I think one of my favorite stories is when we had our full team out, including a student volunteer helping to reshingle a shelter down in North Weymouth. The seven of us shipped out to…
Working at Cradles to Crayons this past semester has been an extremely rewarding experience. Cradles to Crayons is an organization which heavily relies on their volunteers, and they do not disappoint. Seeing the amount of people who want to help others and make a difference in a child’s life is very heartwarming. In particular, there…
As my feet begin to thaw, there is only one word that describes my feelings right now. Excruciating. The cold is so bad that my feet are burning. Having grown up in Vermont, I have felt this before upon going skiing when it is below freezing, but never has it been my feet. It looks…
Between March 16th and March 24th I spent an inordinate amount of time on buses. 22 hours commuting between Kigali and Kampala. An additional 12 hours on a bus traveling from place to place in and around Kampala. A lot of people (myself included) would wonder why anyone would spend an average of four hours…
After an amazing week of work and play in El Salvador we were headed back to the States. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone we met and worked with throughout the week. As the airplane took off I looked out over El Salvador and said a final goodbye. I got as comfortable as…
It is my first day back in Massachusetts after an amazing week in El Salvador, and ironically I am now feeling sick from eating American food. Luckily I have a nice home and family to take care of me. However, this only reminds me of the lack of families and good homes to take care…
When I woke up this morning, the first that entered my mind was “oh crap, we go back to reality today.” But, as I laid in my cot, waiting for Bri and Sammi to wake up, I realized that I couldn’t be further from the truth. This week in El Salvador has done nothing but…
The time I’ve spent in El Salvador thus far is by far from what I originally expected – in a good way. Never would I have thought I would be so emotional or eye opening. Working in Ahuachapán has been a truly memorable and invaluable experience. I’ve spent this week building a house for Gladis,…
Almost at the end of our trip, it’s sad saying goodbye to many members of the community we have been working with in Ahuachapán. From the masons building such an incredible home with us to the women of the local co-op, it has been a pleasure to experience the values and work ethic that these…