My Eagle

Nicholas Hodson of New Oxford, Pennsylvania

Not only was an AYS service expedition to Peru a great father-son opportunity for Nicholas and Hugh Hodson, it was also an opportunity for Nicholas to complete his Eagle Scout in a third-world country.

“I am so grateful that my Eagle project was able to benefit people who are truly in need of service,” Nicholas said.

Along with 18 other teenagers and a handful of adult leaders, Nicholas served at the Sunflower Orphanage in The Sacred Valley of Peru in July. Projects included plowing fields with an ox, mixing mud and straw for stuccoing a new building and serving the children.

It has opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of the world's cultures, and has shown me that the teachings of Gospel are the same everywhere. I never truly realized how blessed I am.

– Nicholas Hodson

For his Eagle Scout project, Nicholas transported nearly 250 pounds of children’s clothing from the U.S. to the Peruvian orphanage. The clothing supplied approximately 100 children with at least two complete outfits.

According to Nicholas, the experience was “humbling” as many children traded small shoes made of tires for two and three pairs of American flip-flops and put their new clothes on one outfit over the other.

And though living in extreme poverty, Nicholas said he was amazed to see the people so happy. “Their lives are so simple,” he said. “They have everything because they have so much love.”

As for experiencing the trip with his father who served as a parent leader, Nicholas said, serving together has strengthened our relationship. The bond between us has been made stronger by the memories we share.”

Overall, reflecting on his experience this summer with AYS, Nicholas said, “It has opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of the world's cultures, and has shown me that the teachings of Gospel are the same everywhere. I never truly realized how blessed I am.”