Saints in Romania: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Ok... So maybe not trains... But two flights and bus ride later we finally have arrived in Pro Vita!

Our flight from Dulles to Frankfurt was long but uneventful. Mostly we were all just very excited to begin or journey to Romania! Once we arrived at our layover in Germany, we had time for a coffee and breakfast before we realized they had changed our gate. A quick walk through the terminal, and we made our second flight to Bucharest.

Due to some miscommunication, our ride taking us from the airport to Pro Vita was delayed but we did not let that bring down our spirits! Our Saints kept their spirits up playing cards, eating sandwiches, and taking turns napping on the bag of sleeping bags as we waited for the vans to arrive.

And almost 24 hours later we made it to Pro Vita! We were shown our rooms and then sat down to our first delicious meal together.

The students then washed and dried the dishes (yes parents, they know how!!) and went to bed to get a good nights sleep. Stay tuned tonight as we explore the community and enjoy our first full day here! Our first two student travelers will also be sharing their experiences as we begin our work here at Pro Vita.

-Mrs. Fusina

Greek Odyssey '16 -- First Leg Complete

The first leg of our journey was easy. And we're here in Vienna. Looking for coffee. 

Saints in China: Here we come!

Tomorrow morning we leave for the Middle Kingdom!! Check back daily for updates on our travels!

Saints in Nicaragua: Two days to departure!

Our chaperones: Ms. Peckham, Ms. Gasper, and Mr. Cotter

It's time for packing for the first SSSAS trip to Nicaragua. Key items include hiking boots for volcano scaling, hats and sunscreen to keep that gorgeous Central American sun at bay, and, of course, your passport!

As a Latin American history buff and student of Spanish, I can't wait to meet our hosts and soak up Nicaraguan culture.

 ¡Hasta el viernes!

Ms. Peckham

Greek Odyssey '16 -- Ready To Embark!

The weather looks great and we are ready to embark on our Greek Odyssey. Check back here for updates on our adventures. 

Saints in Romania-One week until takeoff!

For the 11th year, SSSAS 10th graders will be traveling over spring break to the Pro Vita orphanage in Romania. This year, I will be accompanied by Fr. Chris Miller, Mr. Carl Johnson, and 11 wonderful sophomore Saints.

Pro Vita is located in the village of Valea Screzii, about 2 hours north of the Capitol of Romania (and where will be flying in and out of), Bucharest. The community houses orphans, battered women, elderly, and those that cannot care for themselves or have nowhere else to go.

While in Pro Vita, we will be helping around doing whatever is needed of us. We will be tutoring in English, playing with the children, doing manual work, and most importantly just being present. We will be showing the children that there are those that care about them halfway around the world. In order to better interact with the children, we will be having a daily lesson in Romanian, the only Romance language in Eastern Europe!

About halfway through the trip, we will also have the opportunity to travel to the beautiful mountainous region of Transylvania. We will get to explore old castles and forts and beautiful towns during our overnight excursion. The highlight of this getaway is being able to visit Bran Castle-home of Vlad the Impaler and the inspiration for Dracula!

Students and chaperones alike are all very excited for the trip to get underway. We have been meeting regularly to prepare for the experience and have started to collect school supplies and sports equipment to donate to the children of the community. 

Please follow along during our week abroad as I will be updating daily with fun stories, pictures, and student reflections on our time at Pro Vita.

Normandy Scholars: À très bientôt!

In just over a week, the 2016 Normandy exchange will be underway! Here is a picture from my last visit in 2012; it is the Cathédrale de Bayeux one foggy evening. I'm looking forward to the warmth of the people, the history, and the culture of this wonderful town in Normandy!