Sisters devote their break to help those in needs

By the time spring break rolls around, everyone is ready to bum out at the beach or just enjoy being a couch potato with no responsibilities for those short seven days before getting back to the good old work grind. If the Rs in "spring break" stand for "relaxing,"AST sisters Chelsea Adams, Esha Hore and Rachel Petri decided to trade that aspect of spring break for an even better R word: rewarding. Read all about how these girls made their sisters so proud by making a difference in the lives of those in need!

Chelsea Adams 

"I spent 9 days in Alajuela, Costa Rica, and we traveled to the communities of Los Olivos and Balsa everyday to set up the free medical clinics. I decided to go on this medical mission trip because I've been so blessed throughout my life that it was time to give back to a place that needed help so desperately. I also wanted more medical experience in a Spanish speaking environment, and I wanted to share God's love with the world. 

Chelsea in action!

It was the most incredible, indescribable, awesome, and slightly terrifying experience of my life! We worked with two brilliant Costa Rican physicians and translators. We did basic physical exams and worked with the doctors with diagnosis and treatments. We had a pharmacy at the clinic stocked with supplies that our team and doctors donated so that the patients could walk out without having to worry about the burden of buying an expensive drug or having to walk miles to get to a pharmacy. 

Even though some patients had to wait for hours to be examined, they waited patiently because they knew we were going to stay as late as we needed to and make time for them unlike any other clinic they would go to. The program that sponsored this trip, International Service Learning (ISL), praised us for breaking records in the amount of patients that we saw and treated. The doctors added that we were one of the most talented and unique teams that they had ever seen! 

Chelsea (in pink) and the crew!

It was just so unbelievable to see the selflessness and gratitude of the Costa Rican people despite their circumstances.  A little girl that I had played games with during breaks throughout the week came back on our last day to give me a bracelet reads " amor." I will never take it off! The most rewarding part of my trip was just witnessing the smiles, receiving hugs, kisses, and endless "thank yous."

I learned that no matter what language you speak, you can always find a common thread in another human being with love. Mother Teresa said "Peace begins with a smile," and she is so right. Smiling, being nice, and investing in relationships with people doesn't require money or much time, you can do it wherever you are, and it can change the world." 

Esha Hore

Esha and the group

"This spring break I went down to Winter Park, Florida. It is a very well established and affluent community right beside the city of Orlando. The first half of the day every day on this trip consisted of us doing community service. We stayed at the First United Methodist Church in Winter Park. This church along with many others in this area has a program for those who have lost everything or are on verge of losing everything and they bring families in on a weekly basis, provide them with a place to stay and give them warm meals, but in return the adults have to be willing to look for a job and save up while the kids still continue to go to school. 

My group and I had interactions with two families that stayed at the church with us. We set up breakfast for them each morning and then after they came back we said grace and set up dinner, we ate all our meals together. The most rewarding part of this trip for me was seeing how happy the families were even when they had nothing; they appreciate the smallest things like a bag of chips for example, or a pair of socks, which is in high demand for the homeless.

Esha's 2nd day on the trip!

The most eye-opening part of this experience for me was seeing the location of these homeless camps. It was just weird seeing that most people drive by these places and never think twice about what could be in the midst of the tress and bushes that surround the area (which is where most camps were located). We came across a campsite which was built by veterans, who once did everything they could to protect this country and now they are living in camps in the woods. It was truly heartbreaking. 

I wasn’t aware that homelessness was such a huge issue in the U.S, and it took me a trip all the way down to Florida to realize the seriousness of an issue that I'm sure exists in Virginia, even in Harrisonburg. I just want to tell everyone to be grateful for having a roof over their heads, food for every meal, and clothes to cover their body. I would also like to do fundraisers or food/clothes drives so that I can give back and raise awareness about this issue in the future!"

RP

 I went to LA, California. We served at LA mission, a homeless shelter, and LA's Best, an after school enrichment program for disadvantaged elementary school kids! I decided to do Alternative Spring Break because it is a great opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and put others before myself.  It became disturbing how much I took for granted and this trip gave me a chance to give back and get more involved.

Every morning we took a bus to LA's mission which was located in Skid Row. Skid Row has one of the largest populations of homeless people in LA.  We put together hygiene kits, passed out food, wrapped silverware, sorted food in the warehouse, and most importantly just sat down and talked with those struggling with homelessness. We formed friendships with many of the men and women that use the services provided by LA Mission. 

In the afternoons we worked at an after school program called LA's Best which serves disadvantaged youth.  We played with the kids on the playground and then helped them all with their homework. LA's Best is a great organization because it helps to keep kids off the street and away from the danger of gang violence and instead allows them to play and study in a safe and healthy environment.  

The most rewarding part of the trip for me was being able to play and goof around with the kids at the after school program. I think it is so important for kids to be able to act silly and have fun and not grow up too quickly.  Many children who grow up in poor urban areas have their innocence taken away too soon and can be sucked into peer pressure and other dangerous situations. My group and I were able to act as positive role models for them during the week which is so important. 

The most eye-opening part of my experience was going on a tour of Skid Row. Seeing men and women lined up along the street with their only belongings in a shopping cart showed me how much I take for granted everyday.  I am fortunate enough to know where my next meal is coming from and where I am going to sleep at night.  These men and women only have the clothes on their back and honestly know what it feels like to be truly hungry. Alternative Spring Break is a great opportunity for JMU students to get out of their comfort zone and experience how many other people are living."