This post features student writing.

Hi! It’s Brook Lyn and Nicole. Cotopaxi was one of the coolest experiences we’ve ever had. We stayed in a hacienda in tiny rooms that fit two people. The hacienda was made of plants and in a traditional architecture. One of the days, we rode horses through the mountains, took a cooking class, and then some of us went on a high ropes course. It was a blast! We walked around a gorgeous lake and learned about all the fauna. After that, we journeyed up the volcano. The roads were winding and crazy but we all loved seeing the horses and snow! The bus couldn’t make it all the way up but Nicole, Kylie, Lucy, Chris, and our guide Maria ventured further up in the car. We layered up and began the trudge up Cotopaxi. We battled fierce wind and hail-like-snow and finally made it to the refuge. We hydrated and had snacks before our journey down. We got to hear all about Maria’s adventures all over the world and talked about our service in the community. After that we met up with the rest of the group for the journey back. On Wednesday, we continued our service projects. We laid bricks and added a roof for an addition to a building where the community makes cheese. Some people helped in the kitchen in order to make a traditional lunch of rice, lentils, soup, and potatoes. The excursion was super fun but we were all excited to get back to the village and see the kids.

— Brook Lyn & Nicole