Hello! My name is Shayla. I am a junior in the education major, and this is my first Alternative Spring Break Trip (ABST). I am excited to learn and grow through this experience while helping the community.

Today, was our first day of service at the Beth-El Church, where we began with an insightful tour. The church staff shared the rich history of Beth-El, which we learned meant “House of God” and explained their mission to support the local farmers community. It was inspiring to learn why they chose to dedicate their efforts to this group, highlighting the challenges farmers face and the importance of community support.

Fun fact – Beth-El started with a custodian reaching out to a priest explaining the struggles he faced in his community. The priest visited Ruskin and instantly fell in love and wanted to help, which in return created the Beth-El Church.

After the tour, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work sorting and packing food bags and essential supplies. These packages are being prepared for distribution tomorrow, aimed at helping those in need within the farming community. The experience was both humbling and rewarding, as we saw firsthand how even small acts of service can make a big difference.

Overall, the day was a meaningful blend of education and hands on service, reminding us of the power of compassion and teamwork in making a positive impact. We are looking forward to continuing this journey of giving back tomorrow with the distribution event.