Kirkland resident and Seattle Pacific University junior Rebekah Ogimachi plans to forgo her summer vacation to serve on a humanitarian project in Brazil.

Ogimachi will spend July 17 through Aug. 28 working with the Mennonite Association for Wholistic Action in Brazil. Alongside four other students and professor of sociology Kevin Neuhouser, Ogimachi will experience Brazilian culture through home-stays and interactions with local people in rural and urban contexts. The team will also participate in church outreach programs, including teaching a vacation bible school.

Ogimachi’s trip is part of the Seattle Pacific Reachout International, a short-term missions program for students. The program has organized student trips all over the world for the past 27 years.

Students must raise their own money for airfare, training, room and board and team expenses.