Columbia

Journal #14

Columbia

January 16, 2012

Columbia

The morning started late for us because the professors had to go to the store to buy food for the day. We were able to sleep in, which was a blessing for all of us! For breakfast we had eggs and fry-jacks. The food was good, the eggs had flavor and the fry-jacks tasted like elephant ears (I put cinnamon-sugar on mine!)!

We went to a local school, about twenty five minutes from camp. At the school we were able to talk to kids, play with them, and sing songs with them. The “computer people” worked on some of the technical issues at the school. The business group was promoting the “life-straws,” and since there was so much rain- they were able to show how they work to filter water from puddles to clean drinking water. The class that I was in, I played simon-says with the students, and they really loved that. In addition, we taught them O-H-I-O, and they continued to randomly yell that the rest of the afternoon. I was able to talk to two girls on a personal basis, and upon leaving, they expressed their appreciation. Life here is not much different for teenagers than that in the states- the girls seemed to face the same problems and struggles that I had during my teenage years. One of the main differences that many of the girls have talked to me about is dating and boys. I am hoping that I can make a positive difference for these girls and their futures.

For lunch we had chicken, and rice & beans. The entire afternoon was filled with rain, so we were not able to do much. After lunch we had class. During class, I had my debate- on euthanasia and its use in terminally ill patients. We also discussed many ethical issues that go along with euthanasia and making that decision.

Dinner was tortillas, eggs, and salsa. After dinner we headed to Punta Gorda, the local town. It was fun to explore the town and get to see the locals in their “community.” We were able to see the ocean & shore, the stars, and the “night-life” of the town. I am excited to get the opportunity to head back to Punta Gorda during the day and do more exploring of the town.

When we returned to camp, we were exhausted- and went to bed almost immediately after carrying in groceries. The bugs here are much worse than we have faced at the previous camps, but we have also had constant rain for the last few days.