Boston Trip

Monday May 17th to Friday May 21st, Gigi, Marilyn, Miriam, and I went to Boston for our service trip. Each day we had two activities, which included The Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston Rescue Mission, Community Servings, Nutrition Works, and Cradles2Crayons. Each place was different, yet very rewarding. The people were so nice and welcoming. They deeply appreciated that we were there to help, and were glad to help us and direct us in our work. We did so many things throughout the week, such as package food and other items, serve food to people straight out of Detox and prison, package meals for people with long term illnesses such as HIV, AIDS, and cancer, make pancakes for people at our hostel, pass out bags of food to people living with AIDS and HIV, and make clothing packages for kids who don't have any clothes.

This trip was so rewarding because we could really see that we were making a difference in people's lives. When giving out food to people that needed it, it felt so good for that one person to come back and say, "Thank you." I got the chills because that is when you realize that these people have practically nothing to look forward to, and that you probably just made their day. Many of them seemed shy and ashamed, but many of them were so happy and full of life! It was so inspiring to see that these people still kept a smile on their face, despite the difficulties and struggles they had to face everyday. They were also so nice! Some of them just began to joke around and start up conversations with us. We were having so much fun, it didn't even seem like we were doing any work. The people that we worked with were amazing as well. Sometimes, it was special needs kids. Other times, it was just other volunteers. We learned to work together, and it was great seeing other people that had their own needs helping others. This experience was just so humbling and amazing. I loved working with and for everyone we met.

This trip was so amazing. Our chaperones were great, and I loved seeing them get in on the action as well! I feel as though we accomplished so much, and I'm glad that the four of us could do something together. We are really a close group of friends, and doing it together meant so much more. As Miriam said, we also made so many new connections in Boston through our work, and I think we will definitely have to return to these places. We had a great time, and experienced so much through this trip. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. Hopefully other students will get ideas from our trip and make it even better in the future!

-Amanda <3