This summer, a team of students from the Institute for GOD will spend six weeks in El Salvador for a cultural immersion experience. This team comprises Mark Olivera, Lauren Garrison, Sara Giguere, and Institute graduate Jameson Parker. It is the first of four total immersion teams to be sent from GOD International this summer. This trip is designed to deepen their understanding of the local culture and language as they live and serve alongside the staff of GOD Latin America.

Immersive Experience in El Salvador

The team has spent months preparing and honing their Spanish language skills and studying the culture of the Salvadoran community they will be working with. This preparation ensures that their integration is respectful and meaningful, allowing for a genuine exchange of ideas and experiences.

Community Engagement and Service
In El Salvador, the students will participate in various community initiatives that align with the values and mission of the Institute for GOD and GOD Latin America. These activities include:

1. Youth and Children's Programming: Our students will help facilitate educational and recreational activities for children at Club de Niños. These programs provide a joyful and stimulating environment supporting children’s development and well-being.

2. Hospitality Initiatives: Emphasizing the value of kindness and generosity, the team will engage in various hospitality efforts to strengthen community bonds related to the on-campus farm.

3. Community Garden Assistance: Our students will work in the community garden, which supports sustainability and local food production. This initiative is a learning platform for sustainable agricultural practices. Jameson Parker, manager of Hopewell Farms at GOD International, and Lauren Garrison, who has had long-term investment in the farm and farm-to-table initiatives, will have considerable involvement in assessing, helping, and learning from the farm practices on the GOD El Salvador campus.

Supporting GOD Latin America Staff
Beyond participating in scheduled programs, one of our student's primary goals is to encourage and support the GOD Latin America staff. By sharing responsibilities and contributing to the daily operations, our students hope to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, enhancing the effectiveness of the staff’s ongoing projects.

Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth
This trip is not just about providing help—it's a profound opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth. Our students anticipate teaching and learning from the Salvadoran people, gaining insights into a different way of life, and experiencing firsthand the beauty of cultural diversity. This immersive environment is expected to inspire a deeper commitment to global service.

Conclusion
As we prepare for our team of passionate students to engage in this cultural immersion in El Salvador, we look forward to the stories of collaboration, learning, and mutual enrichment they will bring back. This trip is a significant step in their educational experience, embodying our college's commitment to developing spiritually mature, competent professionals prepared to make a global impact.

Stay tuned to our blog for updates and stories from our students in El Salvador as they share their experiences of living, serving, and growing in this community.