This post is by Beta Eta Isabelle Wilkins, who is the 2011 recipient of the chapter Beta Eta Love and Loyalty Grant, from the chapter endowed fund through Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.
Out of the thousands of sisters we share and out of all the applicants that applied, I was one of 12 to be selected to represent Alpha Chi on the inaugural Global Service Initiatives trip to Negril, Jamaica. The goal is to renovate a building so it can be used to teach single-mothers skills, like typing, to help them become employed. Here is a link that will direct you to a page with the project overview.
Way back in December when I started my application for this trip I was simply applying for the fun of it, thinking that it would be an absolutely incredible experience but the chance of me getting selected would be so close to zero. I thought to myself, "why not?!" and applied anyway. When the email popped into my inbox in the middle of March that I was selected to go on this trip, I literally screamed and jumped around. I felt (and feel!) so incredibly honored to represent Alpha Chi, but especially Beta Eta, on this inaugural service trip to Jamaica.
The support that my chapter, and especially my incredible advisors Britain and Jen, has been incredible. I want to thank all of my sisters who made the Love and Loyalty Grant from Beta Eta possible. Receiving this grant has helped me cover some of my trip costs and helped acquire donations such as t-shirts, socks, body sprays, and many other things that families in Jamaica have asked for. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I do not think I could have done this without you. Again, thank you:).
My journey to Jamaica commences this Friday (the 18th) when I fly to Chicago. On my flight from Chicago to Negril on Saturday, I am not alone; there are two other sisters on that flight so none of us will be clueless when we get to the Negril airport. Hey, if we get lost, at least we'll be with our sisters! On Sunday, we are going to a church service near the location of our work site. I'm really excited to see how their services are as similar, or different, than ours. And finally, Monday is when the hard work starts!
I am hoping there will be wireless or some sort of internet access where we are staying so I can give an update mid-trip, but regardless I will definitely be posting LOTS of pictures and stories when I get back!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this trip. I can't express how much your support means to me. LITB :)
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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