"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet." - William Shakespeare.

My name is Jared Lee Townsend™ and I've been looking forward to this trip for over a year now! The only thing is I didn't know specifically about this trip...I planned to go to India last summer but plans fell through...while looking for other trips I stumbled across AIM. They contacted me last November and I looked into the organization and saw a Peru trip and knew I had to go!

I'm from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida -- Its a small beach south in Northeast Florida. Because I live at the beach...I'm a beach bum. I love waking up early and spending all day playing volleyball and body surfing. Sidenote I love going places barefoot!

I've been living in Orlando going to school at the University of Central Florida. Yes: UCF is the 2nd largest school in the country (even though few have heard of us). No: I don't go to Disney every other weekend. I'm studying interpersonal communication with the intention of going to seminary for a master's in biblical counseling. Sidenote: I'm graduating this December!!

I live off of the good grace of my parents and a few different scholarships. I plan on getting a job after this trip and then moving up to a full-time job once I graduate. 

I love music. I sing and play the guitar. All the time. Outside of music I love playing Ultimate, volleyball and football. The only sport I really don't like is baseball (sorry to all the baseball people out there!). I'm a part of a Christian fraternity called Kappa Upsilon Chi that eats up a lot of time but is a great opportunity for service projects and accountability. I have a great group of friends that support me that includes my wonderful girlfriend :) I love spending time with all of them and going to the theme parks and state parks around central Florida.

I love spontaneity and adventure. I don't like baseball or mushrooms. I've broken my ankle, heel, arm, and had surgery two different times. I'm very easy-going and don't get embarassed easily. 

I've been on a lot of week long trips (usually to the Cancún area). My family has been working with a local pastor for the last 20 years so I've been with them a few times and with my highschool a few times. I've never been gone for more than a week though. I love the people in Mexico and I'm sure that I'll love the people of Peru as well! 

I'm excited for the growth that is bound to happen during this trip. I mean, how can you serve daily for 2 months and not be changed drastically?? The only thing I'm nervous about is being away from family and friends for two months and being homesick...I think this may be one of the best parts of this trip though. 

Looking forward to meeting all of ya'll! 

 - Jared