It's been two weeks since we returned from our trip to Columbia, SC, and we are definitely missing Spring Break life. We have a reunion coming up and we plan to grill burgers and play sand volleyball just to pretend we are back at our riverside cookout in Carolina del Sur. While transitioning back into our normal day-to-day routines, a few of us have been thinking back to the trip and what we have taken home with us.
Personally, I gained insight on the life of a Spanish-speaker living in the US. I got a glimpse of the challenges that come with the language barrier and I realized that I take so much for granted. I can easily call up my doctor, make an appointment, go to the office, pay my copay, and explain to him any issues I am having. Not only do so many people not have much access to health care, those that don't speak English have trouble utilizing it in the first place in a country so dominated by English. I came home with opened eyes, 11 great friends, new leadership skills, and some bumps and bruises from our canoe trip.
Megan Anderson wrote to me: "I loved getting to know everyone on the trip and meeting everyone in the community. I have learned that a "4 mile" float trip is a great bonding experience and that I can learn a ton of Spanish from little kids (we are pretty much on the same level with the language). I though it was amazing that I left COMO with 11 strangers and came back with 11 ASBuddies."
And Landon: "I was reminded how important it is to step out of our busy, hectic, and sometimes selfish lives and focus simply on helping others. You end up helping yourself in the end and you meet a lot of cool people on the way."
Overall, it was a great trip and we thank everyone who helped us get there. We can't wait until next year!!!
The Columbia Crew
No comments:
Post a Comment