"#Volunteer Abroad Information: Volunteering, Airlines, Countries, Pictures, Cultures"

Joo Hyun: "I arrived in Nepal, I felt as if I had traveled back in time. Nepali people are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I split up my day schedule so that I could go to the children’s center and interact with the kids in the morning, and then go to the hospital after lunch time. The teachers and staff at the children’s center are truly heroes for what they do for the children. I’m not sure if I had made a significant impact to the patients or the children whom I met, but the local staff and the hospital professionals have sincerely made an impact in my life. If I could have the chance to go back to Nepal in the future, I’d go in a heartbeat". Kathmandu, Nepal March 2013

http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2013/04/10/joo-hyun-volunteer-in-kathmandu-nepal/

My ABV trip went above and beyond all expectations. I was able to work directly with children to dramatically improve their lives and forever change my life for the better. Being able to work with ABV DIrector Josphat to create a new Initiative to implant a successful math curriculum in an impoverished community school and start a hot lunch program was over the top but things just kept getting better. We were able to partner with University of Zambia to create a ‘Young Adult Literacy Program [YALP] that seems to be limitless as it may expand to computer training and vocational job training for its participants. The only thing greater than the needs of the vulnerable children and young adults in Zambia is the opportunities to assist and truly help them have better lives.

There were times that I absolutely enjoyed what we were doing and how the children responded. I was amazed by their singing voices, both at church and at school – The time I spent in the Township was the most unique experience of my life. It was an intense time of learning,of cultural exchanges, and of humility. The warmth and acceptance of our hosts and the people we were there to serve made our time fulfilling and worthwhile.

Second to none! Wilma went out of her way to make sure I was comfortable in every capacity. I felt quite spoiled. Enjoying her delicious and nutritious food which gave me the energy to go off and see the sites after a days work at the orphanage.

Throwing yourself into the pits of anything is the best way I’ve found to face yourself. I would recommend this experience to all. 

Michelle: "From the minute I began to plan this work with my first emails to ABV to my time at the Reserve, I will say that the whole experience was very enjoyable and exciting. I have spoken to those at home about my experience at the Reserve and with ABV and I hope I have generated the interest of others here at home to do what I did. I would love to do this work again. Thanks".

Deisy Suarez: "Everyone want to know about my time in Africa. But no words can’t describe what l experience and felt; It was more than l dreamed of, more of an education for my mind & soul, relaxing and yet heartbreaking. It was Humble, Enlightening, Enriching and up lifting. It further my inner self, I was never so happy. I Can’t wait to be back, working with those children was a joy for me and a real privilege, Overall a blessing ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥" Tanzania, Arusha.

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided at the orphanage? Was all great , I was picked and dropped off to the Airport , I was shown around the city managed to find my around everything was better than expected.

What was your favorite memory of this trip? The dance classes , i have been giving dance classes everyday and now every time I go back to my playlist and listen to the music i can’t help myself but tear and wish I was still there with the most wonderful children I have ever met.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? The most difficult this ever was saying goodbye to the children it was one of the toughest things I have ever experienced , another tough thing was being asked by the children if i had parents and if they loved me because they wish to have parents and be loved by them too that’s why i tried my best to offer all the love i can and being able to speak Swahili was a great way to have a strong relationship with the children.

http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2013/03/20/mina-volunteer-abroad-in-arusha-tanzania/

The personnel of ABV have been very helpful online and in Ecuador. Laura and Vincente Cordova were gracious and helpful in Quito. It was reassuring to be met by someone and definitely a relief that someone was escorting us through the new airport on our trip Quito to Galapagos! On our return, the ride from Quito airport to the Cordova residence was over 2 hrs in very heavy traffic. We were grateful indeed! Both residences (Quito & San Cristobal)where we stayed were clean and comfortable.