My volunteer experience with GVI in South Africa was wonderful.  South Africa is the most beautiful place I have ever been to and I was shocked by how nice the accommodations were.  I really enjoyed that fact that GVI set up weekend excursions so that the volunteers could really see South Africa and learn about its rich culture and history.  Standing on top of Table Mountain was truly one of the most breath taking experiences of my life!

As exciting as exploring Cape Town was, the best part of my trip was getting to spend time with the children at both the school and the orphanage.  They were wonderful, smart, funny, playful and really excited to learn.  They made me laugh and also taught me about resilience.  Seeing the bright spirits of children who by most people’s standards don’t have much made me realize that I often take what I have for granted.  I can’t wait to go back!

My 8 weeks in Peru, was one of the most amazing 8 weeks of my life, and I would not have missed it for the world I enjoyed it so much I wanted to stay for an extra 2 weeks. The staff there are amazing and help you throughout your stay in Peru. The community you work in really brings it home as to how lucky we are and how much we take for granted.  One thing that shall stick in my mind for the rest of my life will be the kids, who would often sprint down the stairs to greet us (even if I was called Profe Mal for a little while) although this soon stopped as they realised they had to walk or be carried back up the 98 steps leading  to the school. In hindsight my first impression of the project and the school was that I would never cope, teaching in a new language would be classed impossible by many of my old school teachers but with the help of the staff and the amazing Spanish teachers it was made possible. My overall impression of the project is that the work they undergo is really beneficial for the community and the children and really shows how hard the project managers, the volunteers and the interns work in bringing an education to the children within the community. 

Santa Maria is a little village in the hills that surround cobble stoned Antigua, Guatemala. The people are friendly, the dogs stray and the chickens free. I went to Santa Maria for 2 weeks to build stoves. Little did I know I would leave having found new friends, learnt new skills and rediscovered my compassion. With the help of a local masonry man I built four stoves for four families. We would set off from the GVI school in the morning to mix cement, cut steel wire and lay bricks. It was hard work, but the smiles of the mothers and giggles from the children were all the fuel I needed. A stove takes two days, the first day is tougher. The design is simple, two hot plates, more fuel efficient, complete with a chimney. When we first arrive at a house we are shown the room where the stove is to be built, often black charred walls with little light. The World Health Organisation states that 1.5 million women and children die a year due to respiratory problems induced by cooking smoke. With this in mind I would set off to work to the backdrop of chickens chucking, following instructions in a foreign language. At the end of the day I would return to dine with my host family in Antigua and exchange stories. The bond I formed with the villagers, with my host family and with Guatemala will stay with me forever.

I completely, 100%, entirely fell head over heels in love with South Africa and the beautiful children of Ikhayalethemba Village. I enjoyed every single moment of the four weeks I spent on this project: the sound of ‘TEACHER TEACHER!!’ each morning as bundles of little children lunged themselves around my legs and dived into my arms, singing (badly!!) to the special needs children who truly stole a bit more of my heart every single day and the incredible knowing that I was a part of the huge difference made to the most endearing and grateful people I have ever met. Each day at the orphanage opened me up to an entire new world and taught me so many lessons about myself.  Those children are all so special and I feel so lucky to have been a part of their huge family.

The experience was more than I ever could have imagined it to be, honestly the best decision I have ever made.  I come away from it with some of the most amazing new friends, a heart full of memories and stories to tell, the passion and ambition to always do what I love in life and the motivation to continue to make a difference. I know that I left a big part of myself in South Africa; it was completely perfect. Yet, whatever happens in my life, I will always remember the children, the country and the people and know that there is forever something to smile about..

This was  my third two week stint. Yes, I'm hooked. First time, I was a tutor in the English program (full disclosure, my daughter was an intern, and my boss!).  The second year, I built stoves for two weeks with my husband and daughter (same one who'd been an intern, Leslie Beach. Most recently, I taught for two weeks, 5th grade curriculum in Spanish. I've loved all three--returning is gratifying, seeing how the kids are growing up, and re-connecting with staff, interns, and meeting, each year, incredible volunteers.  I'm so inspired by Elena, and her family.  With no education herself, she and GVI have created amazing programs for kids, adults, families, the community.  Her love and humor and hard work make me want to do as much as I can, whenever I can.  I am incredibly impressed with the interns who do whatever it takes to make each day a success for the kids and the volunteers.  And then there's other staff--a community who works hard, plays hard, and gives it their all.  And yes, I am intending to go for a fourth stint!