http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008 Community service is not just a punishment anymore. Wed, 28 May 2008 13:49:32 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Tyler J. BLOG 1 March 7th I officially do not enjoy long plane rides. However, the Alamo was awesome, you had to be there. I was, and I have the t-shirt to prove it. Lovin’ this trip so far! Today we also arrived in ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/24/tyler-reflects-by-sharing-his-journal/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jenna M. Laundry in the River On Friday, March 14, 2007, we were able to do another day of service. We helped a single mother that had six children, with the youngest being one year and five months. This family did ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/18/jenna-reflects-on-a-special-experience-for-her-in-calnali/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Virginia I. Looking back on it all now I feel a bit overwhelmed. Trying to fit such an amazing experience like this one in a blog seems practically impossible. I can say that it is apparent that a shift has ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/18/final-blog-virginia-i/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Ejaaz M. Calnali is sweet but yet bitter. I admired the rich culture, beautiful people, and the regions vast mountainous land, but hated seeing how much poverty existed in such a little place. While in Calnali sometimes I just basked ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/18/ejaaz-reflects-part-2/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Ejaaz M. It was definitely a cultural shock when first arriving to Calnali; two minute showers, disposing your used toilet paper not in the toilet but in the trash can, brushing your teeth with bottled water and much more interesting ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/18/ejaaz-reflects-part-1/ Here, in very brief language once again, is what we have done Friday morning to Monday morning this week: Friday, March 14 Built a bathroom for a single mother of six (also washed her clothes and dishes, and cleaned her house) Saturday, March 15 Drove from Calnali to Monte del Real, a silver mining ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/17/so-far-parte-tres-part-three/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Elisa M. My last day of Mexico, I’m so sad because I want to stay here. I’m so sad to leave my country. I know that I have everything in United States, like a good education, good economics, but it ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/16/sad-to-go/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Gisselle B. Last day in Mexico… Its twelve o’clock midnight, the day is finally over; bus ride, walking down a hill, up the stairs, shopping, two movies in a row, cold showers and two pesos for a small uncomfortable stop at ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/16/last-day-in-mexico/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/15/pyramids/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Brianna P. I can’t believe I only have a couple days in Mexico left. Although it has felt like I haven’t been in the US forever, I still want to stay a little longer. Let me tell you a couple ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/15/just-a-few-days-left/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Tabitha L. Friday; our last day in Calnali. This was the most overwhelming day for me. We built a bathroom and cleaned a house for a family of 7 today. This was the same house and family that we had ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/15/tabitha-reflects/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jamie H. So the last couple of days have been crazy! On Wednesday we went to the local elementary school to observe the students in their classrooms. First we got to have recess with the children, and of course we ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/14/relevance/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Kevin C. I know I was going to talk about different things than I am about to, but I thought it would be better to talk of our projects. Our first project was laying a concrete floor for a ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/14/the-services/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/14/tyler-kevin-and-chermo-with-their-new-bathroom/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/14/gisselle-with-kids/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/14/ejaaz-with-friends/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/soccer-game/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/classroom-at-the-indian-village/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/giving-at-the-indian-village/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Mindy P. My experience thus far has been one I’ll never forget. I hope to be able to share it with my boys from memory and through pictures. I hope they can understand the differences between life in America ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/quite-an-experience/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Judy B. Hello from Calnali we had another great day. We went to the school to watch a school program which was very nice. The people was so kind they made sure we had a seat and with smiles. ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/another-great-day/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/jamie-and-geraldo-at-mini-carnaval/ Here, in very brief language, is what we have done Tuesday morning to Thursday evening this week: Tuesday, March 11 Poured a concrete floor Wednesday, March 12 Visited a local elementary school to volunteer by helping with P.E., etc. Toured an impovrished neighborhood in Calnali to scout a place to make a difference on Friday Visited ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/what-we-have-done-so-far-parte-dos-part-2/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/elisa-and-brianna-stuck-in-atempe/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/13/calnali-at-night/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/kevin-and-felix-hanging-out/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/the-local-high-school/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/visiting-homes-searching-for-a-place-to-make-a-difference/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/in-the-classroom/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/playing-at-the-school/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/at-the-local-school/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech instructor and ASB leader Donn H. This is Wednesday our 5th day on Alternate Spring Break and our less physically active day after two days of working hard to pour a concrete floor for a family of a mother and two little children. The ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/donn-hall-on-asb/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Kevin C. Leaving from Ivy Tech at 3:30 was a killer knowing we were heading to Chicago. To stay awake Mark had a coffee, 6 espresso beans, and 4 red bulls (with a heart condition). On the trip I was named colonel ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/from-the-top/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Gisselle B. We just got back from a school, each one of us was sent to a classroom to spend some time with the kids and get a taste of their world; we where able to witness a new generation ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/gisselle-on-mexico/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/12/jenna-with-kids/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jamie H. Climbing a Mountain The first thing that I have to say is that I have already had the time of my life, and the journey has just begun! When I think about the process that I went through to ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/mountain-climbing-and-taxis/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jenna M. The last three days in Calnali have been amazing. I have never had such an experience in all of my life. I am a single mother and a nurse living in the United States and I did not realize that ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/life-changing/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Tabitha L. Today and yesterday have been truly the most rewarding days of my entire life! I physically hurt more than ever before but my heart and soul feels tranquil and fulfilled. The day started bright and early, all of ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/concrete-floor-and-family/ 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 ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/juana-was-right/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/hanging-out-after-work/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/cow-slaughter/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/group-photo-after-finishing-a-floor/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/back-of-the-house/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/11/armadillo/ Here, in very brief language, is what we have done as of this Monday evening: Friday, March 7 Drove to Chicago Flew to San Antonio Saw the Alamo and River Walk Flew to Mexico City Took a cab to the Hotel Premier with luggage, unstrapped, on top of the taxi Saturday, March 8 Took a 8-hour bus ride ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/10/so-far-on-asb-2008/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/10/mixing-concrete/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/10/crossing-the-river-to-the-house/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/10/on-the-way-to-pour-concrete/ Hello all, After some technical problems, ASB 2008 is back online! Finding proper internet in this village turned out to be quite the task y es diez pesos per hora. Pictures are coming soon. Mark http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/10/technical-problems/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/climbing-the-mountain/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/making-guacamole/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/the-market-in-calnali/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Judy B. To talk about my experience so far is beyond words. I have met some wonderful new family members in our group. We climbed the mountain today and saw some beautiful sights. We also went to the market this ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/the-market/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Elisa M. What I can say, I met so many wonderful people in this group. Today, we went to buy food for all the week and climbing the mountain was great. This is a great experience that I never going ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/wonderful-group/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/relaxing-after-climbing-the-mountain/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/eduardo-taking-a-picture-of-us-on-top-of-the-mountain/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/view-of-calnali-from-the-top-of-the-mountain/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Brianna P. Hi again, it’s Brianna! It is about to be 1am and I have had such a fulfilling and adventurous day. In the morning we had breakfast and then went to the public market to get food for the ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/09/adventurous-day/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/08/changing-the-bus-tire/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/08/on-the-bus-to-calnali/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/08/in-mexico-city-2/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Mindy P. We’ve had our first night in Mexico! The flight to Mexico City last night was pretty because I had never seen mountains at night from the sky. The people at the motel were very friendly and ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/08/first-night-experience/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jenna M. I would like to give you a brief glimpse into our alternative spring break. We left from Bloomington and drove to Chicago. Then we flew to San Antonio, Texas. We had the opportunity to go to the Alamo. ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/08/heading-to-calnali/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Brianna P. I am finally in Mexico and because we have been having SO MUCH FUN I haven’t even the time to write in my journal. But right now we are on the six hour bus ride to Canali so ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/08/en-mexico/ The Ivy Tech - Bloomington Alternative Spring Break volunteers are in Mexico City and rested. We had a long day of travel yesterday. Starting with a 3:00 a.m. departure at Ivy Tech it went a little something like this: 3:00 a.m. Depart Ivy Tech - Bloomington 9:00 a.m. Arrive Chicago Airport 10:40 a.m. ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/08/in-mexico-city/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/07/the-river-walk/ http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/07/at-the-alamo/ ...do you know where the Ivy Tech - Bloomington Alternative Spring Break 2008 volunteers are? About to get in the van and head to the airport. Onward to the Alamo! Mark http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/07/its-251-am/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Tyler J. One week. As the time for our departure get closer my mind is racing with several thoughts. Knowing the strife and poverty of other countries I’ve been to, I am curious to see the differences and similarities of ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/03/04/tyler-j/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Virginia I. In one short week I will be embarking on an international adventure! It hasn’t really set in completely but I am steadily getting more and more excited. As I was thinking about writing this blog it dawned upon me ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/29/virginia-i/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Tabitha L. As I sit here, it is exactly a week until my passport’s virgin pages will be christened with an international stamp from Mexico! I feel excitement and anticipation all at once. It seems like just yesterday my infatuation ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/29/tabitha-l/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Kevin C. When I first heard about this trip Mr. Mark Howard came to my Bus. 101 class and gave one of his inspiring speeches. He explained that this year the group would be going to Mexico! Although ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/29/kevin-c/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Brianna P. MEXICO!!! Wow, I am so excited to be given this fantastic chance to go to Mexico on such a wonderful cause! From today, there is only one week left since we are leaving on Friday instead of Saturday ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/29/brianna-p/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Ejaaz M. I’ve been anticipating this trip ever since Mark informed me that I was chosen to go to Calanli, Mexico because it feels great to go somewhere and participate in something that is virtuous and beneficial for your self ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/29/ejaaz-m/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Mindy P. I’m so excited about this trip and I can't believe we may leave Friday instead of Saturday! I had planned to use my Friday afternoon to tie up any “loose ends” before the big departure. What ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/28/mindy-p/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Elisa M. I am very glad I got chosen to be one of the people who are getting the opportunity to enjoy helping other. I’m happy that I can give after all the blessings that I have received in life. Also ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/28/elisa-m/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Giselle B. I was looking at the calendar yesterday, and I realized that I am a week away from getting on an airplane with twelve “strangers”. These people will be my family for an entire week, no matter what, we ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/28/giselle-b/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jamie H. So I leave in ten days. Should I start packing now? Wait, I’m not going on vacation, I’m going to volunteer. I don’t think the locals are going to care if I have on a Diesel watch. There ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/26/jamie-h/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Judy B. The question was asked why I would want to go on an alt. Spring break. My friends say that I’m crazy for wanting to go someplace I don’t know, and with people I don’t know. I have told ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/25/judy-b/ This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jenna M. I am a senior at Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington. I live in Martinsville and I have one child that is two. My daughter’s name is Felicity Grace. I am a licensed practical nurse, which I got ... http://wwwb.bloomington.ivytech.edu/blogs/asb2008/2008/02/24/jenna-m/