Letourneau students cancel spring break trips to Mexico

LONGVIEW - Several Letourneau University students have had mission trips to Mexico planned for months.

Zeke Domowski is a sophomore at Letourneau and he said, "I've been planning on going to San Luis, Mexico to build a church. I was getting everybody together and making sure everyone was ready and making sure the funds came in."

But Travel alerts have been sent out, warning spring breakers not to visit parts of Mexico because of the violence with the drug cartel.

Domowski said, "I knew a little bit about the violence going on in Mexico but i had no idea the trips were going to be canceled."

Officials say the number of killings are down this month, but kidnappings and extortion are still running high.

Which is why the students aren't taking any chances.

The Universities Executive Cabinet and Chaplin made the final decision last week to cancel the trips.

Janet Ragland is the Director of University Relations and she said, "This year its just not prudent for us to send our students into Mexico because of the travel alert and increased violence.

With trips to Mexico canceled, Letourneau students now have new spring break plans.

Domowski said, "I'm gonna be staying here in Longview and serve the community here."

He said although he will miss visiting Mexico this year, he hopes to go back in the near future.