Introduction

Seasons greetings everyone! I hope this holiday finds you all happy and healthy.

Welcome to my blog. My name is Jeff, and I am a senior Public Health Major at Johns Hopkins University. I was recently chosen to join the ranks of those who are eagerly committed to bring change to the world- Travelocity's Change Ambassadors. I am so excited for this new opportunity. Travelocity truly just opened the door to an exciting adventure that I would not have been able to afford had they not awarded me this grant of 5000-wompin'-dollars! As if the money was not enough, Tara Edge, a staff member I have been working with to fund my volunteer trip, has been extremely courteous and helpful since she called me to tell me I got the award (and subsequently trigger the water works while I was studying in my school's library).

With my grant money, I am going to be working with an organization called Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS). Cross-Cultural Solutions is an international volunteer organization with programs in more than 12 locations throughout the world. Those who participate "get that much closer to achieving a shared vision of a world where people value cultures, different from their own, are aware of global issues and are empowered to effect positive change" (Steven Rosenthal, Founder and Director of CCS). Just by reading about CCS's mission, I immediately knew that this was the organization I wanted to work with. Those who I have been in contact with there, Jessica Madrigal and Laura Fortinsky have been an amazing help with making my trip go as smoothly as possible. I chose the right organization to work with, though you cant really fail with any of the options Travelocity provides.

What I have chosen to do, is volunteer at a hospital in the city of Ayacucho, Peru. Ayacucho is located in the central highlands of Peru. It was once home to an infamous terrorist group called the Shining Path, an organization that advocated for social change in Peru during the Maoist revolution world wide but only brought violence and bloodshed to the region for decades. Since the conflicts that enveloped Peru in the 1970s-1990s have died down, it has been on a steady recovery. "After years of bitter violence [Ayacucho] stands as one of the symbols of peace in Peru today" (Cross Cultural Solutions Participant Handbook, Ayacucho, Peru).

To play a part in Ayacucho's healing has me totally stoked about this trip. Thanks to Travelocity and CCS, I will be able to experience something extraordinary that few people get to in their lifetime. I hope you enjoy this blog as I write about my notes from travels.