Student volunteer trips to Tijuana, Mexico and Ecuador have been cancelled because of concerns about the war in Iraq and geopolitical instability.
“Because of the unsettled situation in the world we felt it would be best to postpone the trips to Ecuador and Mexico,” said Father Paul Carrier, one of the organizers of the mission trips.
On Wednesday, March 26, Mission Volunteer Program leaders announced that this year’s scheduled trips were postponed due to the current war which has raised concerns from parents and students alike.
A total of 21 students were involved in the international trips. The goal of the trips was to immerse students in third-world cultures so that they may seek greater perspective and involve themselves in a variety of service activities.
“Obviously I was disappointed but I also understand why they did it,” said Kathryn Cole, ’04, who was involved with the Mexico trip. “It was a tough decision but it was for the safety of the students.”
Other students were more upset and confused by the postponement.
“First, there’s nothing going on in Mexico. Second, it’s stupid to stop something that’s such a good cause,” said Lindsay Lopez-Rodkin, ’04, also involved in the Mexico trip. “I sort of think they didn’t think it through too well.”
The groups for the international and domestic trips were selected last October and have been meeting weekly in preparation for the trips.
“A big part of the trip is to establish a good group dynamic,” said Lopez-Rodkin. “We had a really great group dynamic and now a lot of people won’t be able to go next winter when they rescheduled it.”
In addition to the international trips, a domestic trip scheduled to Kentucky has also been canceled due to the lack of student interest and prior commitments of the group’s leaders during the service trip dates, according to Father Gregg Grovenburg.
Over spring break, seven students and three leaders went to Kentucky to re-build homes in anticipation of another May trip. “This was the first time we sent a group over spring break time,” said Grovenburg. “So, canceling the May trip was done with the knowledge that the group had already gone [earlier] this year.”
Even though students involved are disappointed, group leaders remind students that due to the postponement of the trips, originally scheduled for late May, campus ministry will be offering two international service trips next January, and other domestic trips to Maine and Kentucky.
Students who planned to be involved in the May trips will have first priority in reserving spaces for the January excursions.
“Hopefully the cancellation of both international and domestic service trips this year will provide an opportunity to strengthen the service trip programs for next year,” said Grovenburg.
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