“Quito forced me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things on a daily basis. Whether it was adapting to the schedule at the center or zip-lining over the rain-forest, I was compelled to live outside of my normal world in the United States. The trip was an exhilarating experience of a lifetime that I would never trade for anything.”
Elizabeth Mellen just returned from her six-month Quest in Ecuador, where she had a wonderful experience teaching, living with a family, meeting international volunteers from all over the world.
Oh, women of Ecuador! How can you be so strong, efficient, beautiful, and caring all at once?
A wee story about the joys of volunteering in another country. Rather than traveling. Even as a backpacker… And by “volunteering” I mean: living and working with people. That’s all.
The center provides care and meals for 40 – 70 children, ages two to 12, who need attention; their families are missing fathers, or struggling with alcohol and drug problems, or suffering from disabilities. Many single moms drop off their kids while they cobble together work – selling food on the streets, cleaning. The center is jumping with life, but existing on a shoestring.
At the elementary school w the teachers from Boston; they’ll be doing English immersion with the best and brightest students… Here’s the deal: teachers are WONDERFUL. It’s so easy to say, Teachers are our Heroes, and then begrudge them what they need to do their jobs. But they are so dedicated, and smart, and giving: and now these teachers are giving even more.
United Planet is an international non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. We connect people who want to make a difference in communities across the world through overseas volunteer travel programs, global virtual internships & volunteering, and project-based virtual exchange programs. With opportunities in more than 40 countries, you will learn, teach, work, engage and immerse yourself in a culture outside your comfort zone. For many, volunteering abroad is the most fulfilling experience of their lives!
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