Samanta's View

          Hola desde Orica! This is our last day in Orica and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say how sad I am that we are leaving tomorrow morning. I wasn't sure how I would assimilate to a foreign city since this is my first time traveling abroad, but the people of Orica have been so gracious and welcoming that it's going to be very hard to say goodbye. I have loved all of my experiences here and witnessing a new culture has been extremely eye-opening. It amazes me how the people, especially the children of Honduras overcome obstacles. They are so resourceful, everything can be used in some new way. Observing how the kids adapt to the changes in their lives is simply amazing. Some of the kids have told me their stories of adversity, and how they take care of their younger siblings because a parent had died or was killed and yet they still run around the park with a smile on their face.
          Before coming on this trip I had taken a several years of Spanish classes so I was excited to practice the language, and being surrounded by Spanish speakers has improved my understanding of the language greatly. Being able to hold a conversation with a local has been one of the most gratifiying experiences for me here. I am now contemplating taking Spanish as a second major along with Landscape Architecture. This trip, for me, has been life changing. I hope to come back next year and return to all of the smiling faces.