Having read the trip itinerary, I could not be more excited for the trip to start tomorrow. The planned activities provide a perfect balance between community service and cultural immersion. It is important to not only help the community, but to also understand the community’s hardships. While gathering some of the extra provisions needed for the trip such as bug spray and a Cipro prescription was a little inconvenient, it is a reminder of how lucky I am that my worries for the trip are preventable and I have the means to do so. Others are less fortunate. They have to face widespread violence and poverty daily. During the trip, I am eager to do be exposed to these circumstances and do my part in helping. Thankfully, I have a really great team to do this with and I can’t wait to get to know them better.