10th SU CASA Trip Complete
SU students and faculty returned in January from the 10th SU CASA trip. During the trip, coordinators April Black and Mark
Radecke were honored in an anniversary celebration for their years of service. Those present at the gathering watched a history a
SU CASA projects through pictures and listened to presentations on how the program has grown.
This year, twenty students, two alumni, two faculty members, one staff member, and two other adults went on the
service-learning trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua for two weeks. Their projects included medical clinics, vacation Bible school
for local children, building a baptismal font, pouring cement for sidewalks and floors, and painting buildings.
Senior James Baublitz reflects about his experience: “The SU CASA trip opens your eyes to other cultures and allows you to meet
new people. Seeing another part of the world made me reassess my values and makes me more appreciative of all that I have.”
“SU CASA for me was an incredible experience that I will never forget” says freshman Andy Zayas. “I had the privilege to be
able to put in a sidewalk, serve as an interpreter for the medical team, and teach vacation Bible school at an orphanage. Within
those two weeks I felt I did a little bit while I was there, and I wanted to do more work and stay longer to help the people in
need. But the reactions and the support that the people gave me made me realize that along with my peers I was making a huge
difference for them and their community. One day I do plan to return there to meet up with these friends, young and old, and to
work together as people of God making a difference in the world.”
“The entire group on their last night in Nicaragua”
“Senior Sarah Burkhardt repairs the wall of a Pastor’s house”
“Sophomore Megan Petrie takes a break from construction work to befriend two neighborhood children”
“Lauren Camp ’08 and Claire Polcrack ’09 staff a free medical clinic in the church of a Costa Rican community"
“Students pause for a historical lecture beneath a statue of the Battle of Rivas in downtown San Jose”
Next year’s SU CASA trip is set to take place December 28, 2008-January 12, 2009, although the exact cost has not yet been
finalized. Students interested in registering can contact Sara Luley, student assistant to the Chaplain. Look in upcoming
newsletters and campus advertisements for registration to open in the coming months.
There are still two spots available for SU CASA ~ Belize in May 2008. Students travel for ten days to the English-speaking
Caribbean nation of Belize to provide medical services and learn about local culture. To sign up or learn more, contact
April Black, Administrative Director of the Health Center.
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