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May 20 2025
By Jazmin Ibarra
Today is May 19th, I am sitting in a community lodge in Camp NaCoMe in Tennessee for our SST closing retreat, reflecting on my experiences and my encounters in Selma. Where can I even start?
Before this service, I remember packing my things back at home being a little hesitant about my decision of coming. I had just finished my Junior year spring semester and was going to transition to this trip almost immediately after. I was overwhelmed, and a little bit scared, but it was because I was unfamiliar with this whole mission/service trip stuff. Thankfully though Selma, Alabama was very welcoming and I immediately became so familiar with it . As soon as I got there the people were so welcoming, MDS especially made me feel at home. I only knew these people for about two weeks but it felt as if I had known them for longer.
While in Selma I got assigned to a group of 6, and where assigned to work on the home of the Tolbert family, whose house was damaged by the tornadoes in 2023. We had to demolish the ceiling then place a new one with insulation. I had never done that before so it was something very new to me. I was a little nervous and anxious at first. Especially with the insulation material, and cutting it. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to contribute much to this project since I didn’t have much knowledge in construction.
But my team leaders were very patient with me and would always reassure me, especially Lucinda. She would always say “you’re getting it!” Or “you are doing so good, keep it up.” Maik was very
good at explaining things in ways that we would understand, and would make sure we are familiar with the tasks we got assigned to, and both of them were always there to help with any concern or any question. I really enjoyed working with everyone in my team, they made my whole experience a great one. They put my concerns away and made me feel more confident in myself, I got to do things that used to scare me, and I appreciated how they all pushed me to do things that I was scared to do before.
During our stay in Selma we got the opportunity to visit many museums. All of them made my heart sorrow, but the legacy museum in Montgomery is an experience that I will never forget. The truth was so loud and bold, many parts of it made my stomach sick. But I strongly believe that it’s important to know and understand this history.
Now today, we got to walk through a creek at the camp we’re staying at, camp NaCoMe. I love nature and appreciate it, but sometimes I don’t do well with some wild animals and insects, but I still managed to keep up with my group. At the end we saw this dam that kind of reminded me of a waterfall it was so pretty. I also got the opportunity to hold a snake! I think they are cool but holding it scared me at first, but I wanted to challenge myself to hold it. After holding it for a while it was just resting in my hand, I could feel it breath, and I’m sure it could feel my heart pulse beating fast. I was scared of it. After a few seconds of me holding it, I completely lost all my fear of it, and genuinely began to enjoy the moment, I had a snake in my hand! I thought, that’s so cool! I can’t believe I was scared of it at first!
That brings my blog to an end, I encourage you to try something new even if it seems scary, who knows you might end up liking it. There are so many things in life that can be scary due to us being unfamiliar with it, but if we take our time and that jump of courage, who knows all the things you can accomplish! Hearing all the stories of the people who fought for their right to vote in Selma made me feel empowered. Those people were scared, but they were so brave for all the things they did, and I appreciate all the things that I have learned and that they have taught me. They made me realize that there is resilience in your curiosity.
This trip made me realize that I am capable of so many things, and that its okay to be scared or uncomfortable of stepping out of your box, you are still brave enough to try.
I would like to thank MDS and Selma Alabama for offering me this great opportunity of learning about the community in Selma, disaster response, and learning about myself, as well as their very welcoming hospitality. Thank you!
-Jazmin Ibarra
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Goshen College’s “SST for all” makes global education more accessible with flexible study options at home and abroad.