MEET THE MISSIONARIES: 2018
Micah Ventura

Hometown: Skokie, Illinois
School: St. Joseph College Seminary @ Loyola University Chicago
Major: Philosophy
How I found out about the trip:
David Brokke reached out to me via social media.
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
I am anticipating to receive a better understanding of where the Lord is calling me to serve his people.
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
I am most excited about being able to serve and experience life outside of the United States.
Cynthia Lopez

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
School: Northern Arizona University
Major: Elementary Education and Spanish
How I found out about the trip:
When I came back from winter break my Newman Center had posted a flyer for the trip on the bulletin board and I signed up immediately.
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
I am anticipating to receive a deeper relationship with Christ by serving his children in Belize. I hope to be able to use the gifts the Lord has given me to be able to be His hands and feet here on earth.
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
I am most excited about being able to evangelize in Spanish, and with Latinos who share the same heritage!
Jack Kessler

Hometown: Killingworth, Connecticut
School: University of Notre Dame
Major: Philosophy and Mathematics
How I found out about the trip:
Friend of the family
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
A deeper sense of the Church's evangelical mission and my own role in it
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
Learning more about SOLT's mission and activities
Rikki Martinez

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas
School: Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Major: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
How I found out about the trip:
Family Friend
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
Insight into global community needs and a greater sense of humility and appreciation for the things I have been blessed with in my lifetime.
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
Meeting new people and getting to experience a new culture.
Claire Jackson

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
School: Kansas City Metropolitan Community-College
Major: Elementary Education
How I found out about the trip:
A Friend
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
I hope to receive a greater ability to love and give! I also hope to receive joy, that I know can only be found in totally giving of yourself as Christ did for us!
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
I’m excited to travel to a new country and meet new people and I look forward to serving in whatever way I am needed! I’m excited for all that awaits me in Belize... whatever that may be!
Andrew Collart

Hometown: Covington, Georgia
School: University of Dallas
Major: Philosophy
How I found out about the trip:
I had often heard about the missions down in Belize from various people I know who have served there, and then Fr. Mark Wendling planted the seed for this trip when he came to visit the University of Dallas last Fall.
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
First of all, I would love to get to know the people of Belize. Fr. Jim Blount, SOLT, who I’ve had the privilege of knowing, used to be stationed in Belize and I have always admired what he says of the people and their culture. I very much hope that I can be of service to the people there and show solidarity with them from the United States! Additionally, I am discerning what God would like for me to do with my life and I think that serving is a great way to discern how God wants one to love with one’s life.
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
I'm most excited about meeting the people in Belize!
Mattie Jackson

Hometown: Oxford, Alabama
School: University of South Alabama
Major: Secondary Education and English
How I found out about the trip:
My good friend Emma Zanotelli went on the trip a few years ago and she told me how amazing it was and I was looking into mission trips and decided this trip was the one I wanted to go on.
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
Learning how to meet Christ in everyday life.
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Spending time with the Sisters!
Horacio Bautista

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
School: Henry Ford College
Major: Business
How I found out about the trip:
Through Br. Dave a seminarian from my parish
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
I’m looking forward to grow in faith through the experience and see what God has planned for me on this trip.
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
I am most excited about working along side with everyone else that’ll be attending the trip and helping out people in any way that I can on the trip.
Gabriella Morin

Hometown: Odem, Texas
School: Brightwood College
Major: Dental Assisting
How I found out about the trip:
My mother works at OLCC retreat center and informed me about this mission trip.
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
I am anticipating a spectacular faith journey by serving others and bringing them closer to God.
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
I am most excited about meeting the children of Belize and having the opportunity of encountering my faith in ways I haven't before.
Carlos McMerty-Brummer

Hometown: Plymouth, Minnesota
School: University of St. Thomas
Major: Spanish and Education
How I found out about the trip:
Through my parents
What I'm anticipating to receive from this experience:
Getting to know more of the works of God and also impact other people's life even is small ways
WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT:
Getting out of the country, helping others, working as a team, doing what I love: volunteering.