My Favorite Memory:
Everyday situations! Especially giving hugs. The
kids taught me how to give real hugs! I also enjoyed lunchtime with
the kids. Feeding them and serving them.

I was surprised that….
it was so easy to travel around Ecuador! Take
the time to travel also (during weekends), and enjoy the city and
surrounding areas!

The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Getting the flu, and trying to watch and take care of the kids at the same time at the
Coast! Then having a respiratory infection the rest of my stay. But I do not regret anything. I consider this experience valuable, including the hardship!

My best received lesson…
Sometimes it’s not about what you can teach the kids, disciplining them, or the financial help you offer.
Sometimes the most important thing is just being there, with them, in the moment….hugging them when they need a hug, comforting them when they are crying, and sharing laughter with them when they need someone to laugh with them.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Wear layers! The weather in Quito and surrounding areas is variable!
And there is a big difference of temperature under the sun and in the shade, especially during the summer season. Especially in the higher altitude areas, bring warm clothing! Bringing games and supplies that may not exist in Ecuador, such as Candyland or educational games, may be helpful. You can buy other supplies there (e.g., paper, pencils, pens, erasers, etc.). Bring all types of medicine that may not be available in Ecuador, such as Nyquil or Robitussin.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
Please refer to my travelpod website, especially the last log entry. http://travelpod.com/members/fulana84

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes! Email would be the best mode of communication.

My Favorite Memory:
I enjoyed rocking one of the babies until they fell asleep in my arms.

I was surprised that:
There were babies to take care of at the orphanage. It was a dream come true! Besides that, I never knew what was coming…the cooking of Ecuadorian food and the Salsa dance class. Things were spontaneous. In addition, the family that I stayed with provided very comfortable accommodations. I had my own spacious room and shared one bathroom with my friend only. The table was always set for us to eat with all the members of the family including people who help with cleaning and cooking. Another surprising thing was that a lady who did manicures and pedicures came to the home.

The most difficult thing I experienced:
Not being able to understand what the host family was saying during meals at the table. I was forced to listen rather than speak. Thankfully, my friend who was with me helped with translating.

My best received lesson:
Salsa lesson was great. As a result, my friend and I continued to take private lessons and I became a much stronger dancer.

Tip for future volunteers: (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Be careful with getting on the buses because they leave before you get on completely. The bus drivers seem impatient. My friend and I enjoyed unwinding at Mama Clorinda’s, an Ecuadorian restaurant, and La Boca Del Lobo after volunteering and classes. I would not recommend renting a bike from “Yellow Bike” because the bikes were very uncomfortable.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I am very appreciative of how the family took very good care of us. They even took us kite flying at the Metropolitan Park and sightseeing at the Historical Center. During the last day of our stay with them, they let my friend and I stay as long as we needed until our friends came to get us. The family taught us a lot of the culture and provided many safety tips. They were understanding when we went to church services during the week. The children at the orphanage welcomed us with lots of smiles and hugs. I played throw and catch with the “chicas,” gave piggy back rides and prepared art projects. We made many memries. The Spanish teachers refreshed my memory of what I learned in High School and taught me knew things. The classes were fun. We played a memory card game which forced me to make sentences in Spanish. The classes consisted of having conversations with partners to apply what we learned. I learned a lot during the trip!

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Sure, my email address is: daisy111501[at]hotmail.com

We offer customized programs with flexible start dates. You choose when you want to volunteer and for how long. We personalize each program to suit your skills and preferences. Regardless if you are traveling solo, with your family, on a spring break, gap year or medical mission, we can arrange a rewarding volunteer experience.

** A Broader View Volunteers Corp is a 501 c (3) tax-exempt charity. All program costs, including the cost of airfare, are tax-deductible as well as the donations from friends, family, work, church and other organization that may help you fundraising. You will receive a donation form for your fundraising.