Name: Bethany Codding
Year: Junior
Hometown: Santa Rosa, California
Bethany Codding does it all. This junior, communication studies major keeps herself busy with a booked semester of classes and her job as an on-campus barista. She even volunteers in the local, Portland community on a regular basis.
This go-getter has a passion for helping others that cannot be rivaled. Having known Beth personally since my sophomore year, I wasn’t surprised when she said she was going to spend her spring break helping underprivileged children in Haiti rather than relaxing on a beach in Mexico. What I didn’t expect to see was how a one-week trip could reignite a selfless woman’s passion for service. This girl has a heart of gold and a story to tell.
So, where specifically did you go over break?
I and 26 other University of Portland students traveled to Carrefour, Haiti. It is just outside of the capital, Port-au-Prince. We were there for the entire spring break, leaving the Friday afternoon and returning Sunday night with a few layovers in between. Our program went through Forward Edge International a nonprofit organization that’s mission is to share Christ’s love by providing lasting solutions to those affected by poverty, disaster and sickness around the world.
What inspired you decide to take a trip like this?
I’ve gone on a couple mission trips in high school and have loved the experience. I love learning about new cultures, and being able to incorporate my faith into travel is something I’ve really enjoyed.
What was the experience like?
The experience was a lot of work you were going, going, going! But it was always so fun. You’re surrounded by joy all the time and it’s really uplifting. What I took away was seeing the people work at Grace Village (the girls’ home we were working with) and how selfless a job it is. They center their lives around the needs of the children in the orphanage. It’s really admirable.
What was your favorite part?
I love going to churches in different countries. Even though in Haiti the heat was a little intense in the buildings, I remember just loving being able to worship with people not speaking the same language, but knowing that we are worshiping the same God. I love how even though you don’t know the language, sometimes you still know what song they’re singing. One day on the trip I was helping make about 600 servings of rice and beans for the children and we could hear the children in school singing Amazing Grace, in Creole, and one of the women we were working with began to sing too. And it was the same tune I just think that’s really cool.
This might be a hard one, but any regrets?
I regret not knowing Creole, I think if I knew the language I could have made better friendships with the locals and learned a lot more about their lifestyle and culture.
Would you encourage other students to take a similar trip?
Absolutely! I think it’s really eye-opening and can totally change your perspective about the world around you. I know traveling is not for everyone but I think at one point people should experience a different way of living whether through volunteering at a homeless shelter or traveling to a third-world country, it’s important to have the personal interaction with those who are in difficult situations.
What kind of lasting impact did this trip have on you?
Trips like this continually remind me about how much I have. I can’t take what’s been given to me for granted, I don’t want to have more than I need and if I do, in some way I want to give it to people in need whether local or international.