Assumption Students Contribute
to Foreign Missions
Mexico
The Mexico Mission is a perfect example of what we at Assumption can do for our students. This year, the 15th group worked to prepare a floor for tiling in a chapel being built by Assumptionists in a new neighborhood outside Mexico City. They also planted trees on a nearby hill, to help stop erosion. Afternoons were for playing with the children, and evenings were for Mass and reflection. The students' eyes were opened to God's love, and the need for God's love. The opportunity to partake in a combination of work, community and reflection really works.

Puerto Rico
A group from Assumption, including students and an administrator, embarked on the first-ever Puerto Rico Mission this summer. The journey involved volunteering as well as community-building activities with the people of Ponce and Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The group helped to rebuild a local chapel recently destroyed by Hurricane George, and entertained disabled children and children suffering from the HIV virus at a local hospital. A deep sense of community and long-lasting memories of the Puerto Rican people and culture will be in the hearts of the participants forever.

Nicaragua
In the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Mitch, Assumption sisters organized a group of students and faculty for the College's first mission experience to Lechecuagos, Nicaragua. Our visit illustrated to the Lechecuagos community that their afflictions have not been forgotten. More importantly, these people exemplified a model of family and community life full of hope and courage for us, which will be etched in our minds and hearts for eternity. As villager Juan Mayorga said, "La vida es duro, pero somos allegres." ("Our life is hard, but we are happy.") We will maintain contact by writing letters and through the sisters, establish scholarships for some of the children we fell in love with. (Donations are being accepted.)