Dear Editor:

I was able to travel to Iquitos, Peru for my spring break on a service trip — thanks to everyone's support!

We set up water filtration systems in a village where the drinking water came straight from the Amazon River. We colored Flat Stanleys with elementary school children, distributed the suitcases of clothes and medical supplies we brought with us, and so much more; I could go on forever.

We were immersed in the Peruvian culture and many of us learned a new definition of rich. In the depths of the Peruvian Amazon rain forest, we experienced severe poverty but the people of Peru showed us a richness of love and compassion that they had for everyone. I made a lot of good friends and, even though cliche, I can honestly say that those 10 days were the best 10 days of my life. It was heartbreaking leaving the jungle I fell in love with, but someday I hope to return. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your help!

My adventures don’t stop there; next year I plan to study abroad in Chile and couldn’t be more excited.

Emma Leonard

Boothbay