This past spring break, I had the joy and privilege of embarking on the journey of a lifetime alongside 11 of my Panhellenic sisters. Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Zeta Tau Alpha were all represented on our team, which was affiliated with UF Doulos. We packed our bags and flew from Florida to Panama, with the mission of installing water filters throughout rural communities with little to no access to clean water and sharing the Gospel.
We partnered with Filter of Hope to make this mission possible. It’s difficult for us to imagine a world where you can’t easily fill up a glass with clean, safe drinking water. This struggle is a reality for more than 2 billion people across the globe.
Each filter that we installed provides 250 gallons of clean drinking water per day and lasts 10+ years. Throughout the week, our team installed 86 filters, shared the Gospel with 144 people, and 36 people accepted Christ.
Three of my Chi Omega sisters were also going on the trip, but I realized I had no idea what to expect as spring break approached. We were going to a foreign country, and I didn’t even know some of the people serving alongside me from UF. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that each woman on the trip fully embodied the Greek pillar of
service.
Selfless. When I think of this team, that’s the first adjective that comes to mind. Julianna Chappell took charge and fearlessly led our team. Peyton Recer, Allison McHenry and Danielle Burrafato gracefully guided filter installation groups. Ainsley Wiechens kept us
constantly laughing with her original jokes. From singing karaoke to having deep spiritual conversations, we created memories that I will never forget.
The beauty of service is that it’s not something you just check off a list. Service is repeatedly choosing to put others before yourself every day. Even though spring break is over, I’m confident that this amazing group of Panhellenic women will continue to make a
positive impact across UF’s campus.
I’m so grateful for this community UF Panhellenic and Doulos have provided for me. I was introduced to the sweetest friends, wrapped in the tightest hugs and met with the biggest smiles from this group. I’m comforted knowing that I can call on any of these women, and they will be there to support me through all of the ups and downs of life.
Chi Omega: Julianna Chappell, Danielle Burrafato, Shailey Klein & Ainsley Wiechens
Delta Delta Delta: Jacey Cable
Delta Gamma: Allison McHenry
Delta Zeta: Kelly Shearer
Gamma Phi Beta: Shannon Jones
Kappa Kappa Gamma: Kayla Wiechens & Peyton Recer
Zeta Tau Alpha: Sarah Daly & Katie Maloney
With Love,
Shailey Klein, Chi Omega MC ‘21
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