Short Term Service in Community Development

Over Spring Break 2023, I led a trip of twelve students from Michigan Technological University on an Alternative Spring Break trip to Sangloqui in partnership with Manna Project International. Their staff was truly fantastic and the trip was one of the most affordable we were able to find! Both Jeff and Abby helped make arrangements for our trip and ensured our students were prepared for the journey and Abby was with us every step of the way when we were in the country. She was an excellent translator, bonded with our group quickly, and shared great insights to make the experience more impactful. Our service was well balanced with experiencing the cultural aspects of the area, including an Empanada making class, several meals at local restaurants, and a day exploring Quito. Abby was adaptive to our needs and sought to match our interests wherever she could. This included increasing our hours of service when asked, incorporating regular opportunities for reflection, and arranging a tour with a technological university in the area. More than one of the twelve students who participated showed serious interest in returning for a program director role in the future, which I think speaks to the strong connections that were made, the positive experiences that were had, and the impact of our time in Ecuador.