Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I had the most heavy warming & unforgettable time in Kenya




I had the most heavy warming & unforgettable time in Kenya, & it would’ve never been possible if I didn’t meet Kenyan coordinator Pastor Ian & his very loving family (wife M.s Edith & Children). I was at home away from home! If I could live there w them forever I would! They were accommodating, The house is always clean & Pastor really care for volunteers. Pastor Ian introduced me to happy life & other organization & made my experience more than I have expected. My project “Happy Life” children home is now part of me & I am very saddened to only be there for 7 wks. I am sure to come back & volunteer there with Global Crossroad & stay with my Kenyan family. Thank you Pastor Ian & Ms Edith, I love you both.

Anna Umali ‘Apple’
Volunteer Kenya
I was volunteering at Kings Kids village after my week of Language and Culture and I really enjoyed it. The children were AMAZING and Molly and John were two of the nicest people you could meet. The language and culture course, I found, was very useful because I was able to learn some of the local language so I was able to communicate better and we went into town a lot so I also knew my way around which helped significantly. I was able to know where to go much more quickly then some of the people who had already been there for 3 weeks but who did not do the course. I also found the local people to be extremely willing to help and very friendly. As well, Ian and Edith were amazing and were also extremely kind people. They were more then willing to offer whatever form of assistance they could in order to you’re your trip more enjoyable.

I miss everyone that I was able to meet in Kenya very much and I cannot wait to go back! I am actually planning the same program with Global Crossroad on returning hopefully in the summer of 2011!

P.S. Thanks too, to Cheryl who was very helpful with answering my MANY questions before I left! 

Would you recommend Global Crossroads programs to others? Yes

Would you mind serving as a reference for future volunteers? Yes (I would love to!)

(If yes, please write your email address): sarah-hodgins@rogers.com

Sarah Hodgins
Volunteer Kenya
                                              

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Global Crossroad Review on Guatemala Program




Everyone here in Guatemala is amazing. Mano and Oscar are truly passionate in helping students learn Spanish and ensuring that each volunteer fulfills meaningful volunteer work.
The school I taught at is truly blessed in having such eager students and great leaders. I felt that my students learn and had found interest for math.
My host family the Rodriguez is so loving and kind. Their children and zydia, house keeper really contributed to the experience.
If I wasn’t limited by time I would definitely request to extend my stay here with Global Crossroad

Julia Kong
Volunteer Guatemala


This volunteer project was the first one for me and it was a great experience. The orphanage was fun and helped me very much with my Spanish. The kids are very nice and welcoming. Spanish lessons really helped, and were very interesting. My family was amazing; they were caring and always there for me. The food was amazing. My host mom is an amazing cook. I will definitely do another volunteer Project very soon.

Jasmyne Richard Scott
Volunteer Guatemala


This is the first time I have volunteered or stayed with a host family although I have travelled extensively for over 20 years. I enjoyed it immensely. My first family were wonderful, very generous & welcoming. My Spanish improved mainly because it had to both my host family & Spanish school teachers were very helpful. A lot of the other students complained about the lack of variety in the food but I have enjoyed eating typical Guatemalan food.
The orphanage was a wonderful experience, although we weren’t really informed how we could best be assistance to them. It was a bit of trial & error. The children were wonderful & very quickly attach themselves to the volunteers. It will be hard to say goodbye. The Spanish school was great. First time I have ever started Spanish or any other language so although I found some of the concepts difficult. I have enjoyed it and definitely know a lot more than when I arrived. The teacher is very good at making us speak the language & utilize the words we know. Staff very accommodating & helpful answering heaps of questions.

Will definitely volunteer again on my next travels.

Thanks for a great experience Global Crossroad.

Pixie Fuhrmeister