This is a letter I have made to

1. October 28, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
Hey my name is John Magallanez, and I am a biology/pre-
med sophomore at Loyola University in New Orleans. I was born
and raised in San Antonio, Texas. My journey has taken me down
many paths and I have been blessed with many opportunities in my
life. These opportunities have molded me into the person I am today.
Recently, I have been presented with an opportunity to participate in
a mission trip to Kingston, Jamaica this Christmas break. After much
consideration I have decided to join this trip so that I may be able to
contribute a part of myself to Jamaica. I wish to give a unique part of
myself as perhaps an ever listening ear, a voice of comfort, a friend
to lean on, or a spark of inspiration. I am hoping to create lasting
relationships through this trip and bring a part of Jamaica back with
me. By sharing we do not lessen but, in fact, greaten our lives.
Although I am still on my search for clarity in my own faith I hope
to cherish this as a chance to grow with others.
Jamaica is truly a Caribbean paradise with beauty that has no comparison.
Although it is a small country it has had a massive influence on other cultures around the
world. Yet, Jamaica is still a developing nation in need of economic change from a
history of life in debt. Lavish tourist resorts on the north coast contrast the intense
poverty and violence in urban areas on the south coast. The city of Kingston is a
crowded urban area of 660,000, where thousands are living in the deepest levels of
poverty. It is a city of great need and my group hopes to help keep some of the kids’ safe
during this winter break.
I, along with ten fellow
students, will teach at a five-day camp
in Kingston, Jamaica. We will serve
as teachers of a primary school in
Kingston, Jamaica. Each of us will
have our own class to teach. The
students are 4-12 years old. My group
and I will live together at the Ursuline
Convent, located nearby in Kingston.
During the twelve days, there will be
several days of service after the camp
with elderly members of the
community at local service agencies,

2. including Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, and there will be a day of recreation
at Lime Caye, a local island.
To be clear this is NOT a missionary trip where I will come in with a bible and a
hammer in my right and left hand; dictating others to conform to my views. We must see
a culture through the lens of the culture to truly find understanding. I believe Lilla
Watson said it best, “If you have come to help me because you feel called to help me,
please go away… But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine,
please stay and let’s work together.” It is important to see through our differences with
other cultures and understand our unity. We all share the most powerful unity of all, life.
With that I believe we can truly work together in sight of a common goal for a better
future.
While God has opened up a door for me to develop a greater understanding of
cultures around the world, I am hoping you will be able to help in our mission. If you feel
you can donate to our cause please send your money back to me or make out a check to
Loyola University New Orleans by December 2nd. You may send the money to the
following address:
John Magallanez
Loyola University New Orleans
300 LaSalle Ct.
New Orleans, LA 70118
A part of me cringes for asking; however, any aid you can give would help
enormously because we are funding the money for the trip ourselves. Honestly, all I ask
of you is to pray for my friends and me. Pray for our trip to be safe, our hearts to be true,
and our actions to be just. Thank you for your time and prayers.
Please contact me if you wish to learn more. My email address is jnmagall@loyno.edu.
God Bless,
John Magallanez