Sarah – 29

Wales, United Kingdom

Volunteered in Buenos Aires, Argentina

These children amazed me on a daily basis.  How some of them even manage to smile let alone laugh, play and love is beyond me.  But they do.  They were far more loving than I’d expected.  Granted some of them took longer than others to warm to me but all that’s needed is a little time and effort.  After playing various games and  activities 95% of the kids were new friends by the end of day 2.  When we bought the kids ice lollies one day it was as if they’d won the lottery it’s the simple things there that make a difference in their lives.  We also made necklaces out of pasta and made paper snowflakes.  When my 2 weeks came to an end I was broken hearted.  The kids are used to the volunteers coming and going but there was no stopping my tears.  They made gifts that I still have to this day.  Whenever I’m feeling a little sorry for myself I look at my photo’s and really appreciate how easy my life is in the great scheme of things.  I have finally planned my return visit next May and really can’t wait (if I win the lottery I’ll be back there tomorrow!).  When I eventually have kids of my own I plan to take them to the Casita for them to truly value how lucky they are.

Joanna

London, England

Volunteered in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Whenever anyone asks me about my experience at “La Casita” I find it very hard to put it into words. It really did change me. I was completely humbled and shocked by the optimism that all these children exuded. Regardless of all the bad things they might have had to experience over the course of their young lives, they are all wonderful, kind, and loving children and I really do put this solely down to the amazing influence that “La Casita” has had on them. At the end of my month experience there, I found it extremely hard to say goodbye. Every single one of these children made such a powerful impact on my life and as cliche as it might sound, it really did show me how lucky I am. Since returning home almost three months ago, I am still very much involved. I sponsor a little 10 year old boy named Ramon who is just an angel. The volunteer coordinator, Brenda, does such an amazing job at keeping me up to date on what is going on and how my contribution is making a difference. I have even had the opportunity to talk to Ramon on Skype which was all organised by Brenda and absolutely amazing. At the moment I am trying to fundraise as much as I can and I have every intention of going back for a month next Easter. I cannot wait!!

Melissa – 25

Sudbury, Canada

Volunteered in Honduras

In a single sentence, sum up your experience.

“Volunteering in Honduras was by far the most fulfilling, amazing, exciting, overwhelming, emotional, humbling, and rewarding experience I have ever had!”

Do you have any tips for other volunteers?

“Being a single mother, it was a little hard for me to stay any longer than 2 weeks. If you can, make plans to stay longer because I know if I could have found any way to stay I would have in a heartbeat! You become so attached to those children it broke my heart having to say goodbye. Also, as Dan told me repeatedly “keep an open mind” and “expect the unexpected”. Dive into the culture and experience everything you can! It’s a beautiful country with amazing people! Spend each day there as if it was your last because your time in Honduras will go by extremely quick!”

Samantha – 28

Sudbury, Canada

Volunteered in Honduras

In a single sentence, sum up your experience.

“I went on this journey thinking I was going to teach these children all kinds of things, what I didn’t realize was how much they were actually going to teach me.”

What were some of the highlights of your experience?

“Helping the mothers make lunch in the outdoor kitchen, taking the kids on an over-night trip to a resort in Trujillo, playing with the kids down at the river, teaching the kinder kids how to brush their teeth, riding in the back of a pick-up truck up a mountain on the way to school, all the weekend trips, meeting new people every day (other volunteers) & teaching English at the end of each school day.”

Do you have any tips for other volunteers?

“I remember the one thing Dan kept telling me over and over again before I left, he kept saying “have an open mind” and it is totally the truth. If you go there close minded or judgmental in any way, you will not get the most out of it. If you go there with expectations on how you want things to go, you will be extremely disappointed. I say, go there with an open mind, no agenda and lots of patience and you will have the experience of your life!”

Brittany – 19

Hamilton, Canada

Volunteered in Honduras

In a single sentence, sum up your experience.

“It was a one of a kind experience!”

How has this experience shaped your outlook on life and has it changed your way of thinking at all?

“Being exposed to different lifestyles and attitudes has made me more committed to wanting to help countries and families that live in these conditions; both the people and the trip itself gave me some of the best life experiences.”

Do you have any tips for other volunteers?

“It’s a great experience for those who love to travel and love kids, whether you know a lot of spanish or just a little it helps you bond with other volunteers, even the kids too! They don’t just want to communicate with you, but use you as a human jungle gym! But all joking aside, I know I learned more than what I could possibly ever teach them.”