Puerto Rico: Hurricane Maria Relief & Exchange

The group flies together into San Juan, Puerto Rico and meets their Global Works leaders at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. After a short transfer, we settle in to our beach side accommodations and dedicate time to learning about our upcoming activities and getting our bearings in Puerto Rico! The next day we enjoy a guided, educational tour of Old San Juan to orient ourselves and learn more about the rich history and culture of the island. While walking through this historic city, we will make sure to try some local cuisine and leave some free time to pick up some souvenirs or simply soak in the unique vibe of Old San Juan.

We dive into our service work in a nearby village. This close-knit community is only 27 years old and despite economic hardship has rebuilt itself time and time again after being destroyed by tropical storms and hurricanes. Now, after Hurrican Maria, the need is more acute than ever.  Families are now working to replace their wooden houses with concrete structures that are safer and will last much longer in the Puerto Rican climate. We work side by side with members of the community to aid these small construction efforts, learning how to mix concrete and taking on a variety of other tasks in order to construct safe and comfortable housing for these determined families. We enjoy home cooked meals served in one of the nearby homes and local celebrations in which we will undoubtedly be asked to sing and dance.

Travel to El Yunque Rainforest Visitor Center and take a guided tour, hike, and swim in the rainforest. Later we hit the beach for activities and a cook out. Depending on flight time enjoy some final beach time and/or souvenir shopping before heading to the airport for a flight home.