Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
JULY 5, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 9
Connecting cultures through coffee n April, Sophia Steinhauer returned from a six-month mission trip to Costa Rica. Although this wasn’t her first time traveling abroad, Steinhauer’s recent trip helped her gain some clarity about her path moving forward. Steinhauer graduated from Solanco High School in 2020 and took a mission trip to Paraguay shortly after. There, she discovered an affinity for South American culture. Upon her return, she began working as a barista upon her return to Lancaster. Steinhauer currently works at Latte Luv in Strasburg (when she’s not overseas). Ever since Steinhauer’s first trip, she’s been thinking of ways that she could combine her passion for coffee, South American culture and serving the community. An opportunity presented itself through Atlas Travel and Study Abroad, a program that would allow her to learn Spanish, study the Bible and return to South America at the same time. Steinhauer left in September to live in Santo Domingo for the duration of the program. Once she arrived in Costa Rica,
prepared to take mission trips to Southeast Asia. The training entailed Bible study and methods of connecting with people from different cultures through the common thread of Jesus Christ’s teachings. “Many of them were young adults like us. We worked alongside them, encouraging and challenging them,” Steinhauer said. Atlas Travel and Study Abroad partners with different ministries in Costa Rica to allow its members to assist with missionary training. Before embarking on her most recent trip, Steinhauer had a vision to open her own coffee shop in South America to raise funds for survivors of sex trafficking and domestic abuse. Her vision has changed slightly, and she now hopes to open a business in the United States with the same goal in mind. In the fall, Steinhauer will attend Lancaster Bible College to study business administration and to minor in intercultural studies. “(As a result of studying abroad,) I feel way more confident in the pursuit of my calling and purpose in this world,” Steinhauer said. “I’m open to my path changing and being led by the Lord, but I’m pursuing coffee because I love it. I’ve seen myself grow so much through it.”
Middle school presents end-of-the-year awards BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Students participated in a tug-of-war tournament during the awards ceremony.
On the last day of school on June 2, students at Martin Meylin Middle School convened in the school gymnasium to celebrate their achievements and be recognized for their hard work. Awards were given to certain students who excelled in different areas, and teachers recognized those in the school who went above and beyond.
Sweet & tar t
Sophia Steinhauer makes espresso at Alba Cafe in Santo Domingo, Costa Rica.
A banquet to battle breast cancer BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Help the Fight will host its 14th annual fundraising banquet on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Spooky Nook Sports, 75 Champ Blvd., Manheim. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and the event will conclude at 9:30 p.m. Only 500 tickets will be sold for the banquet, and the deadline for registration is Saturday, Sept. 9. Registration forms may be acquired at www.helpthefight.org or by emailing helpthefightnow@gmail.com. An early bird special will be offered to those who register by Thursday, Aug. 31. The banquet will include a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., as well as a benefit auction throughout the evening. Items available to bid on will include artwork,
jewelry, gift baskets, furniture, children’s toys, clothes, designer handbags and weekend getaways. Prize drawings will also be held during the event; tickets for the drawings will only be available to purchase with cash. The items in the auction are donated by various businesses and individuals in the community leading up to the banquet. Help the Fight invites anyone who wishes to make a donation to contact its office via email or by calling 717-455-7095. The deadline to make a donation is Friday, Sept. 15. “We need the community’s support through donations,” said Susie Dailey, patient coordinator for Help the Fight. “Anyone who does artwork, makes jewelry or wants to put together a gift basket can donate.”
See Middle school pg 5
See Banquet pg 3
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Steinhauer was immediately faced with a variety of challenges. Although she had studied Spanish for years, she still experienced a language barrier between herself and the locals. “It was a really humbling experience. Nothing prepares you for being in the entire world of fluent people,” Steinhauer said. On weekdays, Steinhauer had six hours of training: three were dedicated to learning Spanish, and three were reserved for biblical theology classes. The classes were taught by professors from across Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Steinhauer said the most rewarding aspect of the program was living alongside the locals and developing a bond with them as they shared their culture with her. Many local cafes let her work their espresso machines behind the counter and taught her various techniques as Steinhauer fostered friendships with the owners. “The goodbyes were hard,” Steinhauer added. On weekends, Steinhauer and her classmates split into groups and traveled to various locations throughout the country. In San Ramon, Steinhauer’s group assisted with the training of young Costa Ricans as they
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