This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Virginia I.

Juana was right. It has indeed been a long road to Calnali. Although we have not been here that long it feels like we have accomplished so much! It has been amazing submersing ourselves into this culture and really being apart of it. We have been to the town market, climbed a local mountain,and even dabbled in some cooking.The guacamole is delicioso.

My favorite part of the trip so far has been the work we have done for a family in Calnali. We built a concrete foundation for them so that their floor would not turn to mud when it rained. It was very hard work bringing the supplies across the river. The supplies being sand, rocks, and concrete mix. I did more physical labor in those two days than I have done in months. I am extremely sore but it hurts so good.

I love the group I am with and they have absolutly enhanced this whole experience for me. The leadership has been strong and Juana has been more than hospitable. There is so much more to come and I am anticipating it to be great if not better than my experiences so far. I am honored to be here because this is an experience that has power to influence my life.