While her peers were lounging on a beach or relaxing at home, Morgan spent her spring break in a completely different way. With only a backpack for luggage, Morgan, along with other students, traveled to Nicaragua! She was able to help the local orphanage in their daily activities as well as provide a special experience for the children! Read about Morgan's experience through her own words in the next paragraph!
"We got to spend the week working with the kids at the local orphanage and at a feeding center. It was so amazing to see that these kids had so little but were still so happy with their lives. While we were there we spent a lot of time just loving on them and taking them places they normally wouldn't visit like the beach, a playground, and a restaurant! It was so awesome to spend the the whole week with the same kids because we really got to connect with them and build those relationships. I was even able to sit in on a English lesson and help teach some of the niños some english. At the feeding center we taught the kids several lessons on nutrition, hygiene, and just over all taking care of themselves. It was a blast to get to play with them everyday!"
Service travel also opens the world to you in ways that you would not normally have. One of the aspects that Morgan was most affected by was gaining a new prospective!
"Traveling for the purpose of doing service is a great way to get a new prospective on things. It has helped me realize that the little things that go wrong in my life aren't wroth complaining about because things could be a lot harder. It also helps me think about my daily habits. After my experience in Nicaragua it really bothers me when food is wasted and I now stop myself and think if I need to be consuming as much as I do per day."
Money is obviously a significant problem for young people when they want to travel. However, by going on a service trip, you have the opportunity to fundraise and be sponsored! Some of the travelers in Morgan's group were even able to get their entire trip funded!
So if you are looking for a fulfilling experience, and amazing journey and a way to make a difference (all for a decreased price), service travel may be just right for you!
Check out the video below from Morgan's trip! The children are adorable and the country is beautiful!