The Brody Triplets

John and Christine's three triplets are each going on the trip as translators. They are 16 years old and sophomores at Carlsbad High School.

(Kai, Gabby and Dane Brody)

Dane
Dane said he hopes to gain insight from the Nicaraguan culture.

"I can't wait to actually use my gift of (speaking) Spanish to communicate and learn more about the people of Latin America," he said. "It's their culture that helps them to remain happy in spite of the things going on around them. I want to share in that."

(Dane with his girlfriend, Paris)

Dane is enrolled in three advanced placement (college level) courses at his school. He is considering taking college courses at a community college while still enrolled in high school.

"Where as most people would scratch the surface and stop, I delve into all subjects on a much deeper, analytical level," he said.

Why he wants to go to Nicaragua:
"Going and doing mission work in third world countries never really interested me," he admitted.

"I was always content with empathy toward people in that situation, but keeping a safe distance. This is definitely outside of my comfort zone and will force me to experience the kind of hell on earth these people must live through every day. There is no doubt in my mind that this trip will open my eyes to that and make me really, really appreciate what I have as well as showing me that even though these people can't be taken away from their conditions, they can still be helped within these boundaries. I feel like I need to experience it to remember it... to not feel bad about it and then forget about it five minutes later (as I feel most people do in our situation)."

Gabby
Gabby said she believes the trip will teach her a valuable lesson about humility.

"I hope to gain a greater appreciation for what I have in the U.S.," Gabby explained. "I know I complain about how much homework I have or about how hard school is, but there are so many people in these third world countries that don't get that opportunity."


"I am so blessed to have this opportunity," she said. "I have gone to Mexico with my church to build houses, but that was just over the weekend. I've never done anything like a week long medical trip."

She had numerous reasons for why she wanted to go on the trip.

"I'm really excited to practice Spanish in the 'real world,'" she said. "I'm especially excited to watch my mom perform surgery because it will be my first time seeing her in action. Plus, I'm excited to see the orphans."

Kai
Kai said he's excited to go on the trip so that he can meet the orphans his mom sponsors.

"I have talked to them on Skype and Facebook, but to finally meet them in person and speak to them in Spanish will be amazing," he said.

(Gabby and Kai)

He described himself as an optimistic person and said he hopes to gain a new perspective on life from the trip.

"I want to be thrust into a world that has absolutely nothing," he said. "Although I appreciate everything I have in my life, I know that this experience will never let me forget the amazing life I do live."