Just a Few Reasons Why I Think Everyone Should Try a Bound for Peace Trip

By Madelyn Brenner

​I didn’t know what to think when I signed up for my Bound for Peace trip to Medellin, Colombia last summer. I was excited, but also nervous at the thought of being in an unfamiliar place. The trip was incredible, and the memories will last a lifetime, making it difficult to put it into words, but I have tried to compile just a few reasons everyone should experience a Bound for Peace Trip!

1. Experience a new place
​Even if you’ve been to Colombia before, our Bound for Peace trips explore famous landmarks of the country! I was so excited to visit Guatapé, a landmark of Colombia and particularly Medellin. The view from the top of the exhausting climb was incredible, and I will forever remember the rush I felt after climbing all of those stairs!

2. Try new foods
​Besides the amazing coffee, I was able to try many yummy foods that I had never tasted before. Some of my favorites included pandequeso and the Lulo pops I bought near where we volunteered.

3. Make amazing friendships
Besides the adorable girls we worked with, the ladies I traveled with were super fun to spend my two weeks with, and we were able to build lasting relationships. We also met the scholars that the IAMCBOB program serves.

4. Experience local celebrations
One of the most amazing parts of my trip was visiting the Fería de los Flores, or parade of flowers! The flower creations that city residents carried on their backs for miles were breathtaking! It was an experience I will never forget! 

5. Make a difference in the lives of others
The best part of my Bound for Peace trip was feeling like I had made a tangible difference in the lives of others. Planning workshops that we thought the girls would enjoy each day was such a fun experience and watching them come to fruition in person was amazing! I would recommend this trip to everyone for the joy of seeing big smiles on the girls’ faces each day! The saddest part was leaving while they cried and hugged us goodbye!

​Take a chance and sign up for a Bound for Peace trip today! I can guarantee you won’t regret it!