A Wagon, Flowers, and an Easter Egg Hunt

Today was our last day at Bryan’s House and it has been an incredible week. We donated a new wagon to the facility and went around to each worker, handed them a flower and told them how much we appreciated everything that they do for Bryan’s House. I was amazed at how much of an impact we made in a short week. This trip was unique in the way that students connect what they were learning in the classroom to the direct service. Allison and Alyssa were continually educating the group about the education system in the U.S. and the learning process that the children were going through. Zack and Shelby taught the group about motor learning and the development progression that you could see as you when through the classrooms. Lauren was a great addition to teach us about linguistics and why the children who spoke a language other than English were struggling and the stages that they were in. Jessica and Caitlin continually contributed what they have learned on other service trips working with children and Lex shared her knowledge from working at a daycare back home. Everyone contributed in their own unique way and it was great to see how they thought that this service trip will impact their personal life goals and their world view.

At the end of every spring break I try to reflect on the whole journey that we have tried to lead students through. They have gone through an interview and application process; fundraised by selling hotdogs, flipping pancakes and omelets, selling foam fingers, candy bars and of course hosting an auction. The students have prepared for months for this one week of service and dedication to others. I am so proud of how they represented BVU, but also the communities that they come from. We will return to campus and they will conduct a service project in the local community that is related to what they did over spring break and we will celebrate their accomplishments through the program. What is amazing, is that this is all student coordinated! A special thanks to our site leaders and VP’s of AWOL, as well as to our advisors who guided them through the process. We will have a two week break and start planning for next year!

Until 2013-

Ashley