The locking life of Lil b

soulciety:

Bon Voyage to 2012 Soulciety “The Bridge” Mentor Team
by Genevieve Jopanda (2011 “The Bridge” Mentor)

I’m sitting in my living room reading the old blogs from last year’s mission as Aaron is wrapping up Ruben and Mario’s grant submission. I bursted out laughing reminiscing specific memorable incidents from the trip and shared them with Aaron. We laugh together and then slowly shake our head and sigh as we wish we were there with all of you guys…

It was hard for me to hold back the tears of joy, excitement, and nostalgia as I  reunited with LaMae and Leslie, team mentors from last year’s trip at SFO earlier. I’m also super anxious for the new crew: Mike, Jazz, Michelle, Ruben, and Mario to see what this trip will create for them. 

The one thing I will suggest to the newer mentors is to completely allow yourself to be vulnerable, engaged,  and encapsulated by it all. With that, you will discover things about yourself that you never knew, understand yourself on a completely different level, and become a truer you.

I applaud all of you for your hard work, fund raising, planning, sacrificing work and school to take the time off away from your families to serve the thousands of kids you’re about to meet in the next few weeks.

May God bless you and be with you every step in this journey. We’ll be watching and following you guys on your blogs.

Love you guys,

~The Jopanda-Horner Family
Kuya Aaron, Ate Cathy, Ate Gen, and Kuya Francis

PS: The attached picture is a quick glimpse of special moments you’ll share with the children.