Let's get started!

Originally posted: May 16, 2011

We have been preparing all semester for our trip to Argentina in just a week!

We had three orientation meetings where we got to know each other, learn a bit about Argentine Jews and prepare for our journey ahead. We even spruced up our Spanish skills by teaching each other some of our favorite words in Spanish! For our third orientation, we were so lucky to be joined by Evan Rosenstock from the JDC. He gave us more perspective on the work that the JDC does in Argentina and globally. He also gave us expert tips on how to get the most out of our experience.

[caption id="attachment_3237" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The group at our first orientation!"][/caption]

Throughout the semester we have been raising awareness and funds for the Jewish community in Argentina through our Smoothie-Palooza. We sold smoothies outside of the library through the last few weeks of classes. Everywhere we walked on campus, we could see students and professors sipping smoothies through our smoothie stand's signature neon straws. We raised $1,374 to for the JDC's Baby Help Center! The money will help to support their programs aiding babies and new parents hit particularly hard by the economic crash.

[caption id="attachment_3238" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Melissa prepares one of her famous smoothies for a customer. Justin, Ariel and Lauren watch and learn in awe from the master."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3239" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Emma, Melissa and Matt are pleased to offer a fresh smoothie to a Tufts student after his squash game."][/caption]

Before we all left campus, we had an informal lunch to say goodbye until Logan Airport. We ate some lunch, sipped on some mate and brainstormed ways we could collect items to donate to the Baby Help Center. The next time you read our blog, we will be writing from Argentina.We are all so excited to be in Argentina in just one week!

¡Besos!