Last year I traveled to El Canton, Honduras with Indiana University's Microfinance chapter of Global Brigades. This year I am a member of the Executive Board and serve as the PR and Marketing Director. I am so passionate about the mission of Global Brigades as a whole to empower people out of poverty.

Prior to hearing about Global Brigades I would never have thought I would be a part of a team that uses microfinance to help people elevate themselves out of poverty but I now understand how useful a tool financial literacy is.

This trip changed my life and my perspective on impoverished nations. I truly know that the work I do every day while in Honduras will change individuals lives well past the week that I spend there.

After our 6 day brigade was over, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness to be leaving such a beautiful and tragic country, however I found a sense of calm knowing I had done everything I could with the time I was given. What I learned while in country will follow me and inspire me for the rest of my life. I also was able to stop crying (about one hour in to the ride to the airport) because I absolutely knew that I would return. This is my return, and every dollar that goes to help me make it back will be spent twofold, once by me and once by the Honduran people that our team helps.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding my trip or how the Global Brigades structure works. More information can be found at www.globalbrigades.org !

So much love,
Ellie