Quotes from the Winter Break Immersions 2004

  Ecuador  winter 04

“My experience was in Ecuador, and it truly has changed the person I am. I had a chance to stand beside people and "be" with them, during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I shared in their humanity and ... I feel that the very legacy of St. Vincent DePaul is the understanding of standing beside the people with so little.” -- Brooke Stangeland

  Ecuador  winter 04

“I will never forget the experience I had in Ecuador. This trip certainly ignited something in me that I am sure St. Vincent felt and then acted upon. I now know what possibilities there are to make a difference in the world through service. It is my hope to be able to act upon this feeling and have it impact others like St. Vincent did…The memories of this service immersion will last forever and I am grateful for that.” -- Maureen Walsh

  Los Angles  winter 04

Los Angeles, California

“I saw St. Vincent DePaul in Los Angeles in all the faces of the homeless people we met and saw. They showed us what true struggle and hardships are and yet still were friendly and welcomed us into their lives and homes with no questions asked. Also I saw St. Vincent DePaul in all of the people that work and volunteer at the shelters and agencies. They give the homeless and the people of Los Angeles hope and friendship. I admire their work greatly and was in awe and amazement of all the people in Los Angeles. Thanks for the opportunity, hopefully I can learn from it and turn my awe and admiration into action.” -- Annie Gargano

  Los Angles  winter 04

“It was a great experience to learn about the work and lives of the volunteers, social service providers and clients at the St. Vincent Mission. We all shared a desire to serve and a love of God. I read somewhere once that St. Vincent de Paul said "...accustom yourselves to see God in the poor, and serve them in God and for His love." I definitely saw God and felt His love in everyone I encountered, even in those who were suffering. They taught me to stay positive and thankful for all I've been blessed with.” -- Melanie Beniston

  San Carlos  winter 04

San Carlos, Arizona

“I thought my trip to San Carlos was a great experience. I saw the goodness of human nature. People who didn't have much were willing and happy to share what they did have with strangers. Their kindness and compassion really touched me and made want to do God's work even more, at least so I can return some of the kindness given to me.” -- Tina Mavalankar

“One member of our group came up with the perfect response whenever someone in the group would complain or express dislike of something, he would simply quietly repeat the word "service". I think that this was the main theme of the entire trip for me. I learned that in serving a community you can learn great things not only about the community and their culture but also about yourself. I also learned from my group members and saw things from many different perspectives with their help. The group had great fun cooking together, cleaning, and celebrating life and spending time talking and eating with the community. I truly enjoyed all that experiences I had on the service trip...”-- Michelle Frigo

  El Salvador  winter 04

San Salvador, El Salvador

“Much of what I experienced and learned of the people and history El Salvador reflects the spirit of St. Vincent DePaul. In particular, the people of Copapayo explained the importance of their faith as they sought to end the injustices they suffered before and during the Civil War (1980-1992) and continue to experience.” -- Clare Thomas

  El Salvador  winter 04

Denver, Colorado

  Denver  winter 04

“I experienced some of the most profound moments of my life in Denver. I had the wonderful opportunity of working with students with special needs and the inspiring teachers that guide them. I have seen the spirit of St. Vincent DePaul in these teachers and the mission they have in front of them. This must be one of the most difficult and influential jobs I have ever seen, and these teachers go about it through love, patience, and selflessness. The way that they change these children's lives is inspiring beyond belief.” -- Teri Blazek