Ecuador Volunteer Testimonials

"It was hard work, there's no doubt about that, But when 60 little voices greet you in unison 'Buenos Dias' and the boldest among them charge to meet you at the door to be lifted and embraced, you forget the achy feet and stiff back you started out with earlier that morning before the bus ride from Quito to Calderon."
~ Claudia Danovic, AZ

“In the bright eyes and unconditional smiles of the children at the daycare, we see why we have traveled thousands of miles, sanded down walls, shoveled mounds of dirt, pounded stones into pebbles and awakened at dawn to do it all again. It is for these shrines of the human spirit, which we have known all along is what brings us from all corners of the United States. We are buoyed by these running, chattering, hugging reminders. All who worked at the new daycare site reported that the dirt was not too heavy despite much weekend rain - its even lighter when we see all the great kids our work benefits.”
~Mark Santello, MA

"I learned that people are the most important part of any experience. Also, economic differences are not necessarily barriers and the same with language. All it takes are open, willing people to get stuff done. Before this trip, Ecuador was just a country that started with the letter "E." Now, I understand about their history and I have people there I care about. It is important to me that the country does well and all of the people are safe, happy and healthy. The people I met will always be with me."
~ Lindsay Semel, NY

"This kind of experience provides for me growth in many areas. The ability for a team to work together, learning how to work with the handicapped, the reminder of how little we actually need to experience the values of love and happiness and the importance of patience are just a few of the many lessons."
~ Susan Cline, AZ

"After having served on the Global Volunteers team, I have been clearly reminded that the most precious gift you can give to yourself is to give of yourself."
~ Anne-Marie Maman, CT