Mamadou Meite ’19 describes the groups departure from Deerfield as the journey to Avila and its surrounding region begins.
It begins.
Gathering at the MSB, 13 students from Deerfield Academy started our journey with a magnificent picture in front of “the old Butternut”. The tree, magnificent and tall, with many meandering branches, and whose trunk expressed a variety of shades, is likely the last existing being to have been alive and present for the 1704 raid on Deerfield. It knows a history that we do not. It is that sort of wise and informed perspective that we seek in our journey to Avila, Spain, and the surrounding region, in our trip to follow in the footsteps of St. Teresa of Avila, the patron saint of Spain and determined reformer.
Following a photo at the tree, we departed on a bus that took us along wide highways and tight traffic to JFK airport. The bus ride was smooth and very competitive, if I do say so myself – a nice little game of Family Feud was the source of such contention. We reached our destination, and at the conclusion of the energetic ride we checked in, passed through security, ate dinner, and sat down to chat about the journey that awaits.
