I'm a Teacher?! ~ by Janessa Hefler

8/26/201110:34:02 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, teach, Volunteer

Teaching in China was an incredible experience-an amazing opportunity to see firsthand what running a classroom is really like. Nowhere in America can a 21 year old, undergraduate college student teach an entire classroom of children all by herself. At times it was overwhelming, frustrating, and just plain tiring. But overall my 5 weeks of teaching English was so rewarding, inspiring and fun! And, being that I want to become an elementary school teacher in the future, the insight it provided into the teaching world was priceless.

Merely TWO DAYS before classes began, I was assigned to teach Class 1, Level 1. The ultimate beginners. Supposedly to enroll in the program the kids had to have at least some English exposure, but, needless to say, my students’ would be very low. However, Level 1 also meant the kids would be the youngest in the program, and since I have a lot of experience working with young children and I really enjoy it, I was very excited to hear that.

I prepared my Day 1 lesson plans, including some fun games and icebreakers, still unsure how it would work out if the kids didn’t understand a word I was saying… But I was prepared and excited. I wore a cute pencil skirt and sweater to help make me feel more like a teacher and marched into my classroom, ready to go! I started by writing “Hello. My name is Jenessa. I am from America. I like dogs, flowers, and ice cream” on the chalkboard (complete with drawings). Kids in China learn written English in school so I figured some writing visuals might help with the language barrier. I was pleased to see a few of the kids were able to read many of the words on the board. But most didn’t understand what the words meant and how they worked together as a complete thought. Then I found out two of my students didn’t know any English or Mandarin at all, because they were from Korea. So my TAs (native Mandarin speakers there to help translate) were at a loss as well. In the following weeks, we worked together to express concepts as best as we could to these two Korean students. This included some birthday cake drawings to convey “When is your birthday?” and lots of guessing how old they were by holding up 8, 9, 10, etc fingers. What a challenge it was! But they were incredibly smart, diligent workers, and one of them ended up being awarded as my “Most Improved Student.”

Teaching involves a lot of trial and error, but thankfully, many opportunities for redemption. My teaching methods involved a lot of group work and games to get the kids up out of their seats and
talking (in English, hopefully!). I probably looked like a fool most times with my crazy charades and awful stick figure drawings. But, really I had SO MUCH FUN! It was like running my own Kindergarten
classroom, as we learned many things the average American learns in early elementary school. I even got to decorate our classroom with the things we made—such a paper rings of the days of the week, poster biographies, family trees, etc.

I think I was most proud of my kids when they performed our class skit in the All-School Play Contest.They all loved practicing the skit every afternoon during the days leading up to the performance. It was a fun and practical way to get the kids practicing and speaking English without it feeling like a chore. Overall I feel like I learned just as much as my students did during our five weeks together. Now I have real experience that I can reflect and comment on when applying for teacher credential programs next year. Even better, I have wonderful memories, pictures and experiences to look back on! Thanks for a once in a lifetime experience. Cultural Embrace!

On the Hunt - by Tracy Guthrie

7/19/20111:13:10 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today Zach, the Manager of the local orphanage, and I went hunting for a dairy cow.

Let me explain why. I raised money for the trip from my family, friends and church group (see list of donors at the top of my blog home page). And by God's doing and the generosity of my friends, I exceeded my goal. I promptly started praying and asking God how He wanted me to use the additional money. It is VERY important to me that I be a good steward of the money, which is really all God's money anyway. Yes, my friends and family were the contributors, but in my opinion only God can inspire someone to give money. About a week after I arrived, God answered my prayers.

Due to a lack of resources, the kids don't drink milk. Right away I knew that is where God wanted me to invest the money. As we all know, calcium is extremely important to a healthy diet. I shared my thoughts with Zach to make sure I was offering a hand-up not a hand-out. I have read too many stories of Westerners coming into a third world country and assuming they know what is best, but actually end up creating more issues. Zach was excited about the idea and said the only option was to buy a dairy cow. Not only would the heifer provide milk, but her manure could be used for their bio-gas system.

Our hunt began with a trip to meet Mr. Wachira, a very successful farmer in the village. Apparently, Mr. Wachira is the only farmer outside of Nairobi who has heifers producing 35 litres of milk a day, the amount needed for each kid to get a glass a day.

When we arrived to his farm, it became very apparent how successful he is. He owns countless cows, goats, pigs in addition to a fish pond. He also has his own bore hole, a car, a garage for his car, running hot water, 1500 chickens, advanced bio-gas system, 40+ acres of land and all the resources to keep the farm in working order.

Mr. Wachira was not at home when we arrived but his farmhands said he would be back very soon. We waited for what seemed like hours and were just about to leave before we heard is car come down the dirt road.

He sat down with us and listened to our needs. Unfortunately, he was not ready to sell his cows. He told us that they need to birth a calf first. Strike One. But he called a friend who had some for sale. Unfortunately, we were too late; he had already sold his. Strike two.

Mr. Wachira asked Zach some questions about how the orphanage takes care of their livestock now. After hearing Zach, he said he wasn't so sure buying a cow right now is the best option. He thinks we might need to get some operational things into place before we invest money in a heifer. I asked him to come to the orphanage, meet the kids and advise us on what to do. He said he would be there on April 30th, 10am.

I don't know what to expect, but I am excited to find out.  

'You Want to Buy Machete??' The Market and Other Guatemalan Experiences, With Pictures!! - by Haley Price

7/13/20114:31:47 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

So today me and my neighbor were walking through the market and that we are convinced Guatemalans are raised to sell! Children have great marketing skills and are pretty sly about it. One really cute little boy asked if I wanted to buy some handmade fabric and I said no but kept talking to him just because I was waiting for my bus and he was pretty adorable. I had my nice camera around my shoulder and after I told him no, he said "pues...por un beso?" hahaha and then after I laughed he said he could use my camera to take a picture of me for me....sneaky little kid...I know he would have run off with it. So I told him oooh nooo haha and he had this little smirk and walked away.

Children here don't go to school, they are shining shoes at 7 years old and selling on the streets all day. Few do go to school, but the schools here are privately owned so it is rather expensive for families to send kids to school. 

In the market they really do try to sell everything and anything. I was looking at some things and this guy comes up to me in two seconds and asks if I want to buy a machete! I do not look like the kind of person who would buy a machete...I thought it was hillarious. 

An other distinct Guatemalan thing I've found is their fascination with fireworks! 4 am and all day and all night fireworks, or bombas, are set off. They are either firecrackers or a huge mortar that sounds like a war is going on. The tradition is to wake up someone at 4 am with firecrackers outside their door if it is their birthday....but I'm having a hard time believing that it is someones birthday nextdoor EVERY morning. So with the fireworks, rooster, barking dog, and loud children around the house, sleeping is a challenge. If you ever come, bring earplugs to sleep with. 

Yesterday I went to Lake Atitlán and explored by boat the villages of San Juan, San Pedro, and Santiago. San Pedro was definitely the best and was really very beautiful. The lake is also gorgeous, there are 3 volcanoes and about 12 villages total. Besides hiking Volcan de Pacaya, Lake Atitán was definitely one of my favorite things I've done since I've been here. 

Local life is easy going. Everyday we wake up, go to class or volunteer, drink a lot of coffee (BEST COFFEE EVER), run some errands, hang out at the cafe or bar, always meeting new people, and then watch a movie or go out that night. I love this lifestyle. Life moves slow and simple. I could definitely get used to it. I got offered a job at the local bar! haha we have gotten to know the bartenders of Cafe No Sé really well! More people have moved into the house. So right now we have one Canadian, one guy from the UK, one from Korea, and another from Australia. Talk about a cultural experience!!! 

So far, I LOVE it in Antigua, it really is different from the rest of Guatemala I've seen. It feels the safest, and the people are really friendly to tourists, and the vibe is very welcoming. 

PICTURES FINALLY! 

 

 

Cha'Ching - by Tracy Guthrie

7/12/20114:08:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Our last stop on Safari was at the Massai Market, the equivalent to a flea market in the United States. There are about 100 vendors selling anything from purses to bananas. Most of the vendors use a blanket as a booth and lay their merchandise on top.

Being the only white people around, we stick out like a virgin in the Playboy mansion. Therefore, the minute we walk in we are surrounded by "personal shoppers". They want to know where we are from and at first I thought they were sincerely interested. Not so much. Stanley told me later that they want to know if you are American so they can set the price accordingly. I get why they do it, and I would probably do the same thing if I were in their shoes, but it still feels like you are being taken advantage of.

Daniel, the name of my "personal shopper", followed me around and put anything I touched in a bag. I told him I was just browsing, and wouldn't be buying everything. He said "No worries! I will hold all your items and help you pick at the end. We'll get you a good price." Pretty slick, huh?

Once I was done, Daniel escorted me to the "Negotiator". This guy's sole responsibility is to bargain with you until you crack. The "Negotiator" asked the same question "Where are you from madame?" I considered telling him I was from another country, but I didn't want to lie. So I opted to just say "I am from everywhere."

At that point he calculated all of my items and came up with a price. I tried to counter with confidence, but like any good sales person, he knew I wanted it all. He knew I wouldn't be able to walk away. And he was right, I have a hard time walking away from something I want and I don't just mean material things. Which makes me think, is that tenacity, or stupidity? 

Balancing Act - by Tracy Guthrie

7/11/20114:53:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

It is interesting how taking one step forward in the journey of life reveals more about the journey you used to be on. I came on this adventure with the hope of learning about the Kenyan lifestyle, people, and most of all how I can serve Kenyans in need. But during the process I am learning what defined me before and what I want to define me now. Basically, I am learning the definition of "Tracy".

Until this trip I never realized how much and how often I taper my feelings to accommodate others. In stead of just owning my emotions, I worry about the other person's feelings. I am terrified of rocking the boat. I am terrified that if I express my feelings of anger, disappointment, or annoyance I will be seen as combative, thoughtless,selfish, difficult, or offensive.** In my head I know you can show grace, mercy and love even when expressing feelings of anger, but in my heart it freakin' scares me. I am slowly starting to realize I am only responsible for my feelings and actions. I have no control over anyone else and how they feel. I pray that I can work towards balancing validating others feelings while acknowledging my own.

** Since I struggle so much with defining what my emotions are I had to use http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/assess/feelings.html. I am thinking I need to carry around a copy of that list for awhile. 

Welcome to Thailand - by Alyssa Russo

7/11/20114:40:09 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, India, teach, Thailand, Volunteer

 I am not sure whether you all have heard yet or not, but I have had an unexpected change of events.  Unfortunately, I was not able to stay in India.  While I really did love the country, and my kids were fabulous.  I was not able to get paid there.  And as I am sure all of you know, getting paid is a very important aspect.  Thus, after having talked with Cultural Embrace a couple of times, I decided to move down to Thailand.  This was the best decision for me as it ensured that I got a placement and a paying job.  I am happy with the decision so far  and hope all will work out.

In terms of my travels to Nepal and around India, all turned out pretty good.  I was super stressed during some of it as I had my wallet stolen, but at the same time, India has a way of making me rather stress free, as there is not much one can do about issues.  I absolutely fell in love with Nepal.  In fact, I think I may have liked it better than India.  It had a similar culture but less of the craziness that comes with being in a country of 1.3 billion people. I also felt it was the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen.  I ended up taking the mountain flight around Mt. Everest and that was really cool as well.  It was amazing how once you get up at that height, all you could see was a sea of snow and mountains.  They were as beautiful as one imagines and I felt as though it was a true example of how nature is in charge of everything in the end.

I am now in Bangkok for the orientation period and I am having a ball.  It seems as though Thailand is really not comparable to the other two countries in any way. Bangkok is probably the most modern city I have seen since I left NY.  It really shocked me how big the buildings were and how clean the city was.  I go to my town on Friday and am very excited.  I will be working with two other Americans to the town of Chonburi, which is about 100 KM outside of Bangkok.  It is a little beach town but I expect it to be pretty rural and hopefully a cultural experience.

I hope you all are well and enjoying the spring.  I will be posting pictures and explaining more as soon as I get to a permanent place. 

Pre-Departure Reflection: Teaching in China ~ by Lucila Tijman

7/1/201111:39:24 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Summer Camp Counselor, teach, Volunteer

 I can’t believe this trip has finally arrived!  It feels like just yesterday when I applied to this program with Cultural Embrace, had my interview and found out that I would be teaching in China.  I am beyond ecstatic for this experience and cannot wait to meet my fellow teachers!  I started to become nervous today as I was heading to the airport with my dad.  All I could think in my head was: what did I forget, will I be able to handle the culture shock for such a long time, and many more thoughts.  Now as I sit in the airport in Chicago waiting for my connecting flight, I can’t wait to be there!!

I recently travelled to South East Asia this past December.  I travelled to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and completely fell in love with the culture.  I was desperate to go back and knew that this is what I wanted to do.  We visited a hill tribe in Chiang Rai and went to visit their local school.  The little kids were so excited to see us and we got to take pictures with them and see what their classrooms are like and that is the moment I knew this was what I was going to do next.  I have also travelled to many countries in Europe and South America.  I am originally from Argentina so I go back every year for Christmas and New Years to visit my family.  My parents now live in Maryland, which is an awesome state if none of you have visited it yet.  I went to undergrad at the University of Miami and got a degree in business management and organization.  Now I currently live in New York City, where I graduated from grad school in December with a degree in Fashion Marketing at Parsons School of Design.

As for myself, I am an extremely outgoing person and I love adventure.  I will be the first to sign up for any activity.  I am also the most relaxed person and down to earth as everyone who has met me told me this so I take this as a compliment because I am never stressed out in situations.

Pre-Departure Reflection: Teaching in China ~ by Deana Tourigny

7/1/201111:13:36 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Summer Camp Counselor, teach, Volunteer

My thoughts before I leave for China consist of several emotions.  First of all I’m excited to travel since I’ve never stepped foot outside the United States. I have a strong desire to travel and experience different cultures. I chose to start with China because the country and culture has a personal importance to me. My mother is Chinese and throughout my childhood I was raised with a mixture of Chinese American culture, so I think it would be awesome if I could learn more about the background of my native heritage. I am really excited for China and this 21 hour flight ahead of me :) Luckily my friend Rebecca Qiu will be accompanying me on this exciting journey.

Second of all I am extremely nervous. Since I have never travel outside the US I am worried about the typical things such as find the bathroom, or ordering food. But most of all the thing I’m most nervous about is communication. Since my Chinese consists of two whole college semesters of Elementary Mandarin Chinese I feel that I will have a pretty difficult time with the language barrier. haha.

And my emotion at the current moment is stressed! I now have four hours until my first flight. I believe I have everything packed and ready….but I’m worried I’ll be forgetting something extremely important. I’m stressed about the flights and once I get to China. But I can’t wait for this awesome experience.

This is truly a life changing experience for me. I intend on majoring in International Business with a minor in Chinese. I’m excited to learn about the Chinese culture/China and start this path of my life! :)

Off to Antigua Tomorrow! by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Haley Price

6/30/201110:50:23 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

Bright and early, I will FINALLY be on my way to Antigua, Guatemala. I am extremely excited and nervous at the same time. The 5 weeks since my last post has gone by so fast! I can't believe June 28 is finally here and in less than 12 hours I'll be on my way to DFW airport! Air travel has always made me nervous, which is crazy, but I'm still new to the whole traveling completely alone thing. I have been brushing up on my spanish all week, although I hear that in Antigua a lot of people speak English. I have been keeping in touch with people from and living in Antigua right now and have arranged coffee dates with locals. I'm excited to see who is living in the volunteer housing when I'm there, I'm hoping at least a few people! This is going to be such an adventure, I don't think I've ever done something that is so independent! I am packing light, and layers because it's rainy season right now, and storms are expected all week... hopefully it will only rain a few hours in the afternoon or at night. Things have been going really smoothly with Cultural Embrace and the planning, I made a lot of specific requests and organizing things for certain times etc, and they made it all happen :) call me high maintenance I guess haha

The things I'm most looking forward to:
1. THE FOOD (I pick my destinations for the food, gotta be honest...haha)
2. Perfecting my Spanish
3. Volunteering
4. Adventures
5. Meeting new people
6. Returning with great memories and lots of pictures :)

So definitely stay posted! I'm sure I'll have some great stories!

Hasta Luego,
Haley 

Flashback 4.20.10 - Thank God for Butter by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/27/20111:05:17 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today was a hard day. We woke up at 6am to watch the sun-rise and prepare for a stroll around Lake Nakuru traveling to a hot spring. Well unbeknown to me, it wasn't a stroll it was a 10 mile hike lasting 3 hours. I was mentally complaining the entire time so much so that I couldn't enjoy the beautiful scenery. Once we finally arrived at the hot spring I started to lighten up a bit. I don't know if it was the fact that we made it before I turned 34 or if it was the naked man we saw bathing in the hot spring. Unfortunately, we didn't see his "jewels" but I did get to watch his six pack glisten in the sun. Soaking in the hot spring was amazingly relaxing and perfect after our long hike. After soaking in the water for about an hour we set out to Hells Gate. 

Our plan was to see the wildlife on Lake Navisha (flamingos and rhinos)then take a bike ride through Hells Gate to the Hells Gate Gorge and go for a hike. My first mistake was imagining our bike ride would be similar to pedaling a beach cruiser along the Newport Beach boardwalk. I have been in Kenya long enough to know that nothing here is like Orange County, California. Let me rephrase that. Nothing in the world is like Orange County, California. Good, bad or indifferent it is the truth. My second mistake was letting my negative thoughts control my day.

When we arrived to the Hells Gate National Park, Stanley took us right to Lake Navisha to seek out rhinos and see the pink flamingos. There were so many flamingos it looked like a lake of Pepto Bismol. And while I am on the subject, Pepto Bismol has saved my life on this trip! Anyway, after taking some pictures by the Sea of Pepto, we drove around looking for a rhino. Not only did we see one we saw a BLACK rhino. There are less than 50 black rhino left in the world, which makes them officially extinct. My day was getting better! The excitement of seeing something so rare re-energized me. I was ready for the next leg of the day, the bike and hike of Hells Gate Gorge. 

We rented three bikes because Stanley and Esther had to take the Safari van to get the transmission fixed. The debacle of the broken transmission is another story that I have chosen to forget. Since Stanley wasn't with us, Kathy, Mike and I were left to fend for ourselves. No big deal, it is just five miles to the gorge and on a bike it would be a breeze! Not so much. The bikes we rented were so old I think they were made during the cold war. The handles were placed in a weird position, the seat was a piece of metal with leather over made to look like it was padded, which it was not. Thankfully we had rubber on the tires. I quickly realized my "beach boardwalk" was a path-o-rocks. After about 30 minutes of riding and only going one mile, Kathy's bike broke. She was pedaling, but the tires weren't moving. Our choices were to walk the bikes the rest of the way to the gorge, or have Mike take the bike back to get another. Kathy and I chose the latter. I can't tell you how long it took, but while Kathy and I were waiting we saw tons of zebras and a mama with her baby giraffe. That made up for the bike fiasco. Finally, Mike arrived with the new bike and off we went.

Once we reached the gorge we hired a tour guide to take us thousands of miles down to the inside of the gorge. Okay, it might not have been thousands of miles down, but Hells Gate Gorge is like a baby Grand Canyon. We told our guide we wanted the 45minute mini tour, not the five hour tour. It was quite an experience hiking in the gorge. We had to build a human chain to get from one rock to the next. By the time we made it to the bottom of the gorge, what the locals call "hell", we were already at the 45 minute mark. And of course to get out of the gorge you must climb up to "heaven". By the time we got up to "heaven" we had invested four hours on this journey and we still had to go back. I would like to say the bike ride back wasn't as bad as the way in, but it was worse. We got caught up in both a rain storm and a dust storm. Seriously!?!?

I will admit it, I am being a tad ungrateful but it was a hard day. Deep down I am very grateful and know I will look back on this day with humor but right now the only thing I can be grateful for is the half a loaf of bread and butter I ate to comfort myself :) 

The Most Beautiful Sight You Will Ever See! by Volunteer in India and Teach in Thailand Participant Alyssa Russo

6/27/201112:41:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, India, Teach, Thailand, Volunteer

I hope all is well with all and that the spring has finally arrived in the Northeast.  Things on my side of the world are going rather nicely.  The weather has quickly warmed up and it is now around 85 to 90 degrees during the day.  Last night was actually the first night that I felt it was a little to hot to sleep, which as you all know, is never a good thing.  I am hoping that keeping the door open at night will help to cool the room off. My friend Sarah was in town for the weekend and that was very nice.  She is currently working in New Delhi with a TB NGO and it was great to see her.  The only bad repercussion of a busy weekend is that I somehow contracted a cold.  I feel that the colds that I get here last so much longer because of all of the pollution that is in the air.  On a normal day, there are always little specks of soot that often show up on your tissue when you blow your nose.  Thus, you can imagine a day when you are sick.  However, I am slowly healing myself and am very happy that I will not be travelling anywhere this weekend.

Now, I am sure that all of you are wondering why I gave this post the name that I did.  Well, there is really only one possible answer...the Taj Mahal.  That's right, this blog is about the majestic building that is considered one of the seven wonders of the worls.  Let me tell you, when you see the Taj in person, it is even more magnificent then you can imagine it to be.  There is something about looking at the building from the main courtyard, that makes you want to never take your eyes off of it.

The actual excursion to the Taj Mahal was done in one day.  It is in the city of Agra, in the state of UP, which is about a 5 hour train trip from Jaipur.  From previous volunteers having gone to Agra before, we knew that other then the actual visit to the Taj, there is nothing much to do in the city, thus the reason we planned it as only a day trip.  We started out the day at 6AM and took the 5 hour trip to Agra.  We arrived in the city around 11:00AM and got a Tuk Tuk to the center of the city.  After a short breakfast, we set out on our way.  Since India has such a high pollution rate, there is 200 meter area surrounding the Taj Mahal that is blocked off from any cars or Tuk Tuks.  The only things that can get in are battery operated buses and cycle rickshaws.  This is so that the beauty and whiteness of the Taj Mahal can be preserved.

Getting into the actual Taj was an adventure all it's own.  For a foreigner, the ticket to get within the compound is 750 rupees, which is equivalent to about $18.00.  This includes foot covers for your shoes, to be used once inside the actual building, and a bottle of water. After collecting your ticket, one follows a long line of people to the lockers where you must lock up your personal items as you can only  take in a camera, cell phone, and wallet.  We are then herded towards the long line of guests waiting to get into the compound that holds the gardens, secondary buildings and the Taj Mahal.  This is perhaps one of the only places in India where it helps to be a women, has there is a ladies only line that moves significantly quicker then the gents one.  After going through numerous metal detectors, we finally entered the main compound.  Now this is not the the compound where one can see the Taj Mahal, this is the pre-area that houses two secondary mausoleums.  However, one can clearly see where the entrance to the garden that houses the Taj Mahal is, as there is a giant crowd around one doorway.  As you slowly make your way towards the entrance of the garden, one can see that there is a lot of commotion going on; thousands of people trying to get to and from the entrance and take pictures while moving at a rather slow pace.  It surly was pure madness.  However, as you enter the garden, things get significantly calmer and there are numerous photo-ops.  Basically the entire walk up to the Taj Mahal is a slow stop and start of trying to get the best picture. Upon arriving at the front of the building, one puts their shoe covers on and ascents the giant stairs to wait in the 1 hour line so that you can enter the Taj.  I have to say, the actual inside of the Taj Mahal was rather unimpressive, particularly for the hour line.  But of course we had to say we actually went into the Magnificent Taj Mahal.

Here are some interesting facts about the Taj Mahal:

1) It is actually an Islamic structure despite the belief that it is a temple built for the Hindu God Shiva.
2)The Taj was built by Shah Jahn, the Mughal Emperor at the time, in honor of the death of his second wife who died giving birth to their 14th child.
3) The construction for the Taj Mahal began in 1631, the year of the wife's death, and was not finished until 1653.
4) Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahn was overthrown by his son who imprisoned him in Agra Fort.  From the fort you can see the Taj Mahal, thus reminding the Shah what he would never be able to visit again
 

The Entrance Gate to get into the Inner Courtyard that houses the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal from the Main Entrance way.

View of entire courtyard and Taj.

All those people are part of the Giant line to get inside the Taj. 
All in all it was a fabulous trip that could not be missed!  Hope you all enjoy the photos and talk to you soon! 

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/8/20111:02:03 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

A-Ha, Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

For me, traveling to Africa on a volunteer service trip was something I dreamt about for years.  But due to limited resources, time and money, I didn’t think it would ever happen. However, in February of 2010 I was laid off from my job which gave me the availability to go to Kenya for an extended amount of time but made the money part even harder. I immediately started to pray asking God that if His will was for me to go that He help get me there. About two weeks after my prayer, my Dad called and said he got a random check in the mail for the amount of $1350. The money actually came from a savings account my Grandmother set aside before she died in 2003. No one knew about this money. The plane ticket to get to Kenya was $1400. That was my “A-Ha!” moment.  I knew God was leading me to Kenya, so I took the leap of faith and spent six weeks volunteering WWB orphanage. It was the most amazing time of my life. 

Good Will HUNTing by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/8/201112:13:30 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Emlyn's Expressions, Love, Volunteer, Work

"A good companion shortens the longest road." This Turkish proverb is so fitting for my final LOVE series blog because I am featuring a couple that will soon take a looooong journey ahead. Meet Bryan and Jillian Hunt, a delightful couple from College Station, TX that are heading off for a six months mission trip in Uganda, and then spending the second half of the year on Cultural Embrace’s Work and Travel Australia program.

The two were high school sweethearts, and both are graduates from Texas A&M University. They have always wanted to travel abroad, and took the past two years to work, save, and plan for their international adventure. Their plans fluctuated for awhile since they had a long list of places they wanted to go, but their final decisions are to: serve local children at orphanages in Uganda, and have some fun surfing and traveling around while working to make ends meet in Australia. 

I asked if they had any advice to give other travelers. Jillian shared the advice that she received from her cousin to “Just go and do it!” Bryan advised wanderlusts to “never count any option out, but also don’t be completely sold on just one option.”

Flexibility and patience are the keys to happy trails. The main reason most people travel is to experience new things, right? We want to see new sites, taste new foods, dance at new clubs, buy new things at markets and street bazaars that you couldn’t get at home. Realize that it will get frustrating and things don’t always work out as you anticipated. That’s okay, it happens! You are out of your comfort zone, and in a new environment, but that is the beauty of traveling! Embrace the world, discover the similarities, and share the differences.

I invite you to watch this awesome video that their friend produced (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbFA_7oZogI&feature=player_embedded), and you will see two lifetime companions and best friends who are passionate, humorous, patient, and respectful people--not only to each other, but to the communities that surround them. Jill works in the hospitality industry and Bryan is a history teacher, so serving and helping others are natural gifts of theirs. I can’t wait to follow this Good Will HUNTing Adventure, as their companionship will shorten their long journey, and their love will help to make the world go round ..

FAQ: Why Pay to Volunteer Abroad by CE Coordinator Julie Dean

6/8/201111:50:38 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Volunteer

I love my job.  Preparing great people to travel abroad and finding the perfect match for them with an international non-profit or school is uplifting.   However, as an international coordinator, the one thing that will get me down is when participants are frustrated that the service we provide is not free.  The most common question I am asked is, "so, why do I have to pay to volunteer?"  My best answer is you aren't actually paying to volunteer, other than with your greatly appreciated time and effort.  But, your trip abroad is not free.  You are paying for our service in setting up the placement, housing, meals, airport transfers, international medical insurance, tours and support from our local coordinators for the entirety of your time abroad.  Since we are a non-religious, non government agency, we receive 100% of our funding from program fees.  Program fees are what enable us to remain in business and offering our services. 

My great grandmother always used to tell me, "pack half the amount of luggage you think you need and double the amount of money."  For better or for worse, she was right!  When I traveled to Australia on an exchange trip, I took a huge backpack filled with everything I thought I couldn't live without for 6 months.  As it turned out, I could have left my sheets at home (they weren't the right size), half my clothes (laundry was easy to do and I wanted to shop for cute clothes from local shops), scuba gear (a pain to carry around and it could be rented), tent and camping gear (hostels are cheap) and laptop (internet cafes were everywhere).   Mid-way through the adventure I was seriously considering swimming across the river to campus so I wouldn't have to pay the ferry fees as I had blown through my savings by taking surf lessons, hiking in the Blue Mountains, visiting Uluru and scuba diving in the Whitsunday Islands.  But, I have no regrets and would go broke again to have my head spinning by the awe of learning and experiencing something so new and different.   This poem sums up how I aspire to live life:

Life should not be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in an attractive and well preserved body
But rather to skid in sideways
chocolate in one hand
wine in the other
Lover right behind you
body thoroughly used up
totally worn out and screaming
Woo Hoo what a ride!

Travel is a big part of the ride, at least for me!  Costs you should save and prepare for in advance when planning an international trip not only include your program fee, but your visa fees, airfare and personal expenses like souvenirs and going out for a coffee or drink with friends.  Here are some great ways to financially prepare for your adventure:

1.  Work and save money in advance
2.  Choose a program where your dollar will go far (i.e. traveling to Latin America is cheaper than traveling to Europe due to the exchange rates and cost of airfare).  Here are links to our cheapest volunteer programs: Volunteer in Latin America and Volunteer in Southeast Asia
3.  Let your support network know what you are doing and ask for financial aid
4.  Choose a program where you can earn money (like teaching or working abroad).  Here are links to our paid programs: Summer Camp Counselor in China, Work in Australia or New Zealand, Teach in Guatemala, Teach in Mexico and Teach in Thailand
 

5.  Apply for scholarships at your school or online

 

 

 

Discover China by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/8/201110:00:56 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Culture Classes, Emlyn's Expressions, Teach, Volunteer

I'm rounding the corner for my final stretch in China, and heading to Shanghai before my return back to the States. I just spent the past 5 days in one of my favorite areas of China- the Guilin/Yangshuo area. This is one of the most aesthetically beautiful parts of China that provide inspiration to many artists, poets, and is printed on the 20RMB Chinese currency bill. Yangshuo has been known as a backpacker and adventure travel haven for years, and the infamous West Street has developed even more to be a hub for bars, cafes, restaurants, vendors, and discos to appeal to the Chinese and foreign markets alike.
 

The beautiful Guilin/Yangshuo area

The reason I came out here was to meet up with and check on our Discover China - Travel, Volunteer, and Cultural Exchange program. Cultural Embrace has partnered with a local non-profit to provide a wonderful blend of Chinese cultural, educational, adventurous, and humanitarian aspects in the area. We have created weekly programs to offer a diverse opportunity to experience the 'real' China, allowing our participants to: integrate within the local village, learn more about the Chinese culture, including several ethnic minority groups that live in and near the area, embark on some fun and adventurous recreational activities, and give back to the communities.

Our local coordinator, Isabella, is a delight, one of my favorite coordinators that we work with around the globe. She is a former English teacher in the Northern region, and genuinely cares about the community, participants, and village people. Plus, she's fun, adorable, and has the most pleasant 'hao de' (translated okay or alright) and smile that will make anyone reciprocate her happy demeanor. My brief description does not give justice to the a la carte week options you may choose, so go see for yourself, to gain a better understanding and experience of fascinating China.

Isabella!

Cultural Week: Participants will fly or take the train in to Guilin. You will be met by a local representative, and depending on the time of arrival, you will either overnight in downtown Guilin, or go straight down to Fengyan village. The gender divided bunk bed accommodations is a highlight of the Fengyan experience. Our base is home to an ancient building, over 100 years old, that has been recently renovated to include wi-fi, Western toilets, and hot water, yet preserves the ancient old ambience. All meals are included and cooked by a private chef and served family style. This cultural week orientates the traveler with Chinese culture, basic and essential Chinese phrases, social habits, and expectations of our participants in China. The week is filled with sight-seeing excursions, such as: Confucius and Buddhist temples, farm lands, ancient Chong Shen village, Li River cruises, and much more. Participants will get a chance to have tea and visit local homes and families, and a chance to meet local farmers, students, and decide what type of work they want to do if they are on the volunteer week.

Yangshuo Adventure & Travel Week: As I mentioned earlier, Yangshuo has been a backpacker and adventure traveler refuge in China. Rock climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting, tubing and much more are available during this weekdays, and your evenings are at leisure to relax your muscles, or check out the hip nightlife scene of Yangshuo. Our accommodations in Yangshuo are upgraded dormitories in a local private school. All of the foreign participants are situated on the 3rd and 4th floor of a hall, and have wi-fi, Western toilets, hot showers, and included meals.

Trekking Week: Three hours North of Yangshuo is Long Cheng, home to the Yao minority, and a spectacular area for trekking and hiking. We include a week-long trek, led by local minorities to maintain sustainability within the local community, and they will take you through farmlands, local villages, and the backroads of China. These spry older ladies, aka as Longhair villagers, will wear their minority clothing (not sure how they don't get hot), skipping along the steps without catching their breath. These ladies are also known as Longhair minority, since they do not cut their hair after 18 years old, and wear their floor-length hair in an unique bun. Every day's trek ranges 4-8 hours of leisure-paced hiking. You will overnight in comfortable, clean and conveniently located hostels/hotels each night, with all meals included.
 

Me with a Longhair villager

TaiQi/Kung Fu Week: There are two kungfu and tai qi academies located near Yangshuo district. Participants that want to learn, practice, and discover the beautiful art form and disciplinary workout will love this opportunity. Be the "Karate Kid" during your time in China, and learn from nationally praised kungfu masters. Participants will live on site in clean, comfortable, and Western friendly accommodations, with all meals included and instructions in Chinglish.

Volunteer Week: Giving back to the community is a major part of our mission and passion at Cultural Embrace, and we provide several opportunities for our participants to volunteer in China.

If you wish to stay in the Yangshuo/Fengyan area, you may opt to:

1. Tutor and teach basic oral English at public elementary, middle, or high schools (depending on your age preference)
2. Help local villagers and farmers during their harvest season (seasonal). 

I recommend joining our Teach in China programhttp://www.culturalembrace.com/4444669_24622.htm if you are able to commit 14+ weeks, as we may be able to offer you a paid stipend for your longer-term teach placement.

If you wish to spread your wings and visit other parts of China, we have a fantastic opportunity for you to work at a Panda Conservation Reserve in Chengdu, and help at a local orphanage in Henan Province. There is a local coordinator in each destination that will inform you of your duties, schedule, and expectations, and assist with all ground transportation, language translations, etc. Both sites have shared clean and comfortable accommodations for the foreign volunteers with all included meals.

All of these weeks are available throughout the year, and you may choose the weeks and types of travel and program you want to do. Come and join us to Discover China!
 

Flashback 4.19.10 - The Secret Service of Safari by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/7/201111:57:56 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today is the first day of Safari. Mike, Kathy and I are doing a 5 night/6 day safari to Massai Mara, Lake Nakru, Hells Gate, and Amboseli. Mike and Kathy are volunteering at the orphanage while on their honeymoon. Pretty selfless to spend your honeymoon in a orphanage! I am not so sure I could do it. Giving up your "flower" on a cot with a two inch mattress underneath a mosquito net while geckos are crawling up the walls just doesn't sound romantic to me.

Anyway, Stanley and Esther, our Safari guides, picked the three of us up from the orphanage at 6am this morning. Some of the kids were already awake, so they grabbed our bags and carried them to the safari van. No one asked them to do it, they just like to help out. After they loaded our bags and pushed our van out of the mud, we were off!

Our first stop was actually Nairobi to go to the bank and get food from the market. Just like any other road trip you need junk food and lots of it! I think we finally left Nairobi around 9am, and didn't get to Massai Mara reserve until 4pm. Since it was so late in the day we only had about two hours to drive around. But were still able to see cheetahs, lions, lion cubs, lionesses, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and wildebeests.

We pulled into the campsite, Flamingo Lodge, about 6:30pm. The campsite is kind of like a ghost town. The only people here are the five of us (Stanley, Esther, Mike, Kathy and me) and four staff members (a cook, a helper and two Massai Warriors for security). I tell you what, being on Safari is a dream come true, but taking a hot shower and eating a real meal is a close second.

After I stuffed myself with spaghetti and meat sauce, green beans and carrots, fresh mango and bread with butter and jelly, I made my way to bed. Just as I was starting to feel relaxed and comfortable in these new surroundings, I realized the Massai Warriors were stationed 50 feet from my tent. On one hand it is reassuring to have protection from the wild animals, but on the other hand I am a totally spooked that the only thing separating me and two strange men with weapons is a canvas door with a broken zipper. I guess if they were to come after me I can use my bible to beat them over the head.... 

Final Entry by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20114:19:49 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Teach, Volunteer

What are three months in China like? Well, it’s an assortment of feelings and experiences. I started my journey in the city of Guilin. The first weekend was spent there, and I met a few people that I plan on keeping in touch with for some time. Along with meeting people, I discovered Guilin Noodles, a simple noodle dish with rice noodle, a few vegetables, and some meat.
 

I also had the chance to see some caves. I was on the tour with only one other English speaker. We saw some amazing caves and also stopped at a waterfall. This is where I saw the kindness of Chinese people. I also got a chance to be in about 30 high school aged children’s pictures.

After that first weekend, I left with Brit Chris, Georgina, and Julie. We headed to an incredibly small village called Fengyang. This was an experience that I will not forget. When I say small, I mean around 200 people. We lived in a 100+ year old house that was once owned by the wealthiest family in the village.

While in Fengyang, we went on various tours and even taught English to the village children for a week. That was a far cry from the teaching that I would be doing at the end of my trip. The kids were a mix of crazy little hellions, star struck girls that looked at me with longing eyes, and children that actually were interested in learning English.

The things that I will take away from those first few weeks are my first encounters with Chinese people in their own country, the crazy party that the local government officials held for us, and it was complete with an absorbent amount of Bijou. It is the drink that I would later grow to despise. I also met Isabella, a very sweet Chinese lady that was in charge of the whole program that we were a part of.

Next in the adventure was Yangshou. This was a rough time because of the weather. It is a great town and I highly recommend that people visit and stay at Monkey Jane’s hostel. It rained almost the whole time. We got to do some rock climbing, bike riding in the rain, that looking back was a lot more fun than it was while riding. I have funny stories about a motorcycle taxi driver trying very adamantly to get me to buy a massage from a girl, only to drop me off at the whore house. I walked home in the rain from there.

The time I spent at Monkey Jane’s will be some of the most memorable. I met quite a few good people there and had great times playing beer pong with people from around the world.

After the first week in Yangshou, we headed off to the rice fields. It was a long bus ride, but I was with my crew, so it wasn’t too bad. The one thing about traveling alone through China is that you have to be somewhat careful where you fall asleep. Not that everyone is out to steal your stuff, but I didn’t take out anything of value on a bus when I was alone. In the off chance I fell asleep. That takes me to this, while in China, for the most part, I felt incredibly safe. Many people I talked with viewed me as a guest in their country and therefore felt responsible for watching out for me.

Back to the rice fields. They were amazing and I really enjoyed myself the first and second day. That was despite that storms that kept rolling through. I still got some good pictures, but for some reason halfway through, I jacked my ISO up to 3200, and everything after that was really grainy. Not cool when you are excited to see what you shot and you get them on your computer to discover most of them are garbage.

On the third day, Brit Chris woke up with a swollen infected eye. I have no idea what happened, but it was pretty red, and he said it was painful. I went to the pharmacy and got him some medicated eye drops. Upon my return, I ran into Georgina, who had spent half the night vomiting. After talking it over with the group, we decided that it would be the best idea to head back to Guilin. Anyway, the World Cup was on and we didn’t want to miss it.

That was the group’s last weekend in Guilin, and we all parted our own ways. I met some new friends at our hostel that were headed to Yangshou, which is where I was headed for the following week. I got them set up at Monkey Jane’s and got a free shirt out of the deal. That week I did two days of rock climbing, though the first day was rough. I was a bit under the weather due to some overconsumption of spirits the night before. Regardless, it was fun

Halfway through the week, I took the British couple with me to Fengyang for a festival that we were invited to. I met Vicky and Lee in Guilin and they were the two that I took to Monkey Jane’s. This little festival was ridiculous! I was on some Chinese news station, and I saw Lee drink more bijou than I knew was humanly possible. He was also quite possibly the most hung over I had ever seen anyone. It was a great couple of days!

The next week was spent in Hunan Province at an orphanage. This part of the trip had the most impact on me. When I got there, I was sooo out of my element. I would say that there was about 60 kids there when I arrived, but some left throughout my time there. To clarify, this was not a normal orphanage; it was more of a boarding school for very poor children, that is subsidized by an American non profit. That being said, the conditions were still not very good.

Around the third day there, I had a little breakdown in my room. I couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair life is, and how these kids really had nothing. It wasn’t until after that little episode that I realized these kids had it much better here than at their homes. Even though to me the food was incredibly minimal, it was better than nothing. I started to feel better about the situation as time went on. I realized that I wasn’t sent there to feel bad for them, I was sent there to make their lives a little better for that one week. It was a little rough because of the heat. Most of them went to school during the day, and the rest kept retreat in their rooms to stay cool.

When we did play, it was all about basketball, and I had a great time with them. I will remember a few of the kids specifically. One came from a mother that had lost nine children before him. She couldn’t speak, or maybe she could, but I was told that no one could understand her. The boy, had a pretty bad mental handicap, but he loved hanging out with me. He never said one word to me. He would just smile and look up at me. Another kid was a girl that followed me a lot and always wanted to hold my hand. She was about 6 and just cute as a button. She knew that I didn’t speak Chinese, but that didn’t stop her from speaking it to me. She loved to talk. That was a great week looking back. My parents and I donated enough money to buy all the children a new pair of shoes, so hopefully they will enjoy them.

Once I left the orphanage, I headed to Changsha to catch a flight to Chengdu. I was informed a few days before my departure that Isabella would be joining the group. Georgina was also going to be there, so I had a few familiar faces to look forward to.

When I got to Chengdu, I had a chance to relax for a few days. I tried to buy a new camera, but failed when they didn’t take visa. This was actually a blessing because I wasn’t paid my GI Bill for that month and would have been in the hole a good amount.

Looking back, there were more photos that I wanted to get, but shooting stuff everyday kind of burned me out at the time. Like right now, I spent the weekend in Beijing and took around 600 photos. I guess I love taking them, but without a place to sit down and go through them, it gets to be a little much. I think when I get back I will be much more into it. I just need a break after getting these last pictures edited. I took around 10,000 pictures in 3 months, and have deleted about 7,000. Although, I’m on a plane right now from Vancouver to Portland, and I wish my camera weren’t packed away because some of these islands have amazing cloud formations around them…

Back to China… Working with pandas outside of Ya’an, near Chengdu, was absolutely amazing! These creatures had such funny personalities and I am still shocked at how they were all so different. I was very fortunate that I got to feed them, play with the little ones, and clean their cages. Well, maybe not the last part. I also had the chance to hang out with some really cool people. I took a lot of pictures there, and even got some great waterfall shots.

After Chengdu, I flew to Yantai, via Beijing. Yantai was also awesome. About 10 minutes walk from the dorm was the beach. We discovered a great little restaurant that looked sketchy, but was awesome. They had the best eggplant I have ever had.

On this adventure with me were Katherine and Catherine from Middlebury College in Vermont. It is a small private college in Vermont. I found the to be much less stuck up than I had imagined kids from small private schools. Also, there was Kristin from Seattle. Her parents are from Hong Kong, and everywhere we went, people thought she was our translator. Truth be told, her Chinese was about as good as the K/Catherine’s, which is about 20 times better than mine. Then again, I have never studied Chinese.

Our purpose was to teach kids from the ages of 5-25 English. Most were Chinese, but I had some Korean students as well. In the upper class were some Brazilians. My kids were awesome. I really think I had the best class. They were well behaved, but just a little shy. My star student was Tom. He really stepped it up and volunteered for everything I asked.

I am not a teacher, so everything was trial and error. Many times, I thought I had a good idea, only to take it to the classroom and have it fail miserably. One such example was teaching the kids about the 7 natural wonders of the world. I even had plans to take it to other natural wonders. They just didn’t care. I made them suffer through it and came up with something different for the next class. It was all part of the process.

During our first few weeks, there was a group of Russians that were staying at the hotel. They ended up being really nice and we all hung out from time to time. I even learned a few Russian words. I’m not sure how the girls felt about them, but I enjoyed going out with them.

Yantai was a great place to be for five weeks, but as the end of my trip grew near, the more I was ready to get back to my routine in the states. That is one thing in life I need to stay sane, routine.

After leaving Yantai, I went to Beijing for the weekend. While there, I went on a tour of the “ancient” part of the Great Wall, went to Tian Na Men Square, and the Forbidden City. The low point of this trip was forgetting to bring enough water to the Great Wall, and being severely dehydrated the next day. I had a headache that may have been the worst I have ever had.

The tour of the wall was great. I’m sooo happy that I went on that specific tour because there were no crowds or even other people to move through the tour in a herd-like fashion. Some of the views were just amazing.

The Forbidden City, honestly, wasn’t that cool. I had scene many temples, so it wasn’t that great to see more of the same types of buildings. It was cool to see Mao’s painting at the entrance. Walking through was just a barrage of harassment. People wanting to give me tours, or sell me crap didn’t want. I never blame people for trying to make money, but when they are sneaky about it, I despise them. For instance, the two girls that wanted to practice their English. If I would have gone to get tea with them, they would have scammed me into paying a ridiculous amount for a few cups of tea. This happens all over the world though, and I’m sure it’s nothing new.

Beijing is a cool city that I would love to go back to. I really saw very little, and since the Olympics, many renovations have happened throughout the city. The air even seemed clear and clean while I was there. I was a big fan of the modern architecture that has gone up all over the city too.

When I got back from the Forbidden City, I checked my flight itinerary. I noticed that the date was incorrect for my flight back to Yantai. It said the ticket was booked for the 19^th, and at the time, it was the 16^th. I hopped on the internet and looked at the flights for the day. The last flight to Yantai left two hours from that time. I was already packed, so I grabbed my bag, and headed to the airport. When I got there, I went to the ticket counter. She had told me that there was one ticket left, so I bought it. I even got a refund on my other ticket, jackpot!

When I got back to Yantai, I checked into the Ramada. I had booked a moderately priced room, and when I opened the door, I realized that when it said “king bed suite,” they meant a full on suite. The bed was in a loft area up a nice set of stairs. It even had a full living room and kitchen. Though the bed looked like it would be comfortable, it was pretty hard.

The next day I got up at 7AM and finished packing everything up. After that, I headed to the airport and went home.

That’s it. For more information and details, visit my blog atwww.cschave.blog.com and for pictures go towww.flickr.com/photos/cschave

Thanks for reading… 

Beijing, Beijing, Beijing! by Volunteer and Teach Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20114:17:41 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I guess Friday would be a good place to start. The weather leaving Yantai was horrible. It was raining pretty much non stop all morning and we were nervous about not making our flight. The taxi ride was pretty sketchy.

So I made it to Beijing and the weather was great. It was a little warm, but better than rain. I was incredibly exhausted, and after dinner laid down for a bit. After feeling really lazy, I got up and walked around for a while. I made an attempt to buy deodorant, but it was unsuccessful. I bought something that the lady at the store thought that I wanted, but I think it was some kind of perfume. I sprayed it in my armpit, and it burned badly.

For dinner, I had some pizza and talked with some Canadian girls, but succumbed to the sleepiness that had been haunting me all night. It was only about 9 when I laid down, but it took me a while to get to sleep.

I had booked a Great Wall trip for Saturday and had to get up at 6. The taxi picked me up at 7 and made a stop to pick up another guy. Then dropped us both off at another hostel. We met up with about 18 other people and hopped on a bus.

The ride took about an hour and a half. I tried to sleep for some of it, but the seats weren’t that comfortable. On the way, we passed various sections of the Great Wall that were incredibly crowded and I was beginning to get a little nervous. If you know me, you know I hate large crowds. Luckily we kept driving, and eventually turned off onto a dirt road.

It seemed like we were going down the shabby road, through small villages, for quite some time. We eventually popped out of the trees and went through a nice set of gates. When we got to the end of the road, we were faced with a “Great” wall. It shot up the hill side, and appeared to be very steep. Even the walk to the wall was steep. It turned out that we were at the ancient, non restored part of the wall. The only other people that I saw there were a couple of workers painting hand rails.

The total trek was 10 km. It was all up and down hill, steps and otherwise. At one point the nice part of the wall stopped and we were faced with over grown rubble. Half way through, I ran out of water. The wind was blowing pretty strong, so that probably saved me from dying. I was very happy with this tour though. We got to see parts of the wall that had been knocked down by Mongolian invaders, and other parts that had just collapsed over time.

The guy that we picked up from the other hostel was named Bradley, and he was from South Carolina. We chit chatted the whole time and he was a pretty cool dude. He had also been in China for three months, but had stayed mostly in Xian, where the Terracotta Warriors are. While he was there, he was doing a co-op, which is similar to an internship.

We also walked with some girls from Germany, a couple from France, and a girl from Holland. They were all really nice and shared their water with me when they saw I was out. I keep running into really nice people on this trip.

I failed to mention how incredibly tiring this trip was. As I would lift a leg walking, it would shake until I put it back on the ground. I don’t think my pictures will do any of it justice, but it was steep, and really amazing.

For some reason, two other guys and myself decided to run down the last section. Looking back this was pretty stupid considering how tired my legs were, but it was fun, and I didn’t get hurt. We were jumping over things and stepping off of boulders that may not have been stable. Wooo!

When we got back to the bus, I bought two waters and chugged them without hesitation. That might have been the thirstiest I have ever been in my life. We took a ten minute drive to a restaurant and ate some pretty awesome food. As usual, the tofu sucked. I’m not a fan of the stuff, and I find that the only thing it takes the flavor of, is the bad components of each other ingredient. That and the texture is strange to me.

The rest of the ride was filled with on and off sleep, note passing, and talking with Bradley. When I got back, I hopped in the shower to cool my fresh sun burn. It wasn’t that bad, but the cool water felt good. After showering, I met up with Bradley, a British girl, and the Dutch girl.

We went to a bar called 37. Sitting outside is always interesting in China. People think you’re a display, and in a way, I think the restaurants try to draw the others in with westerners. I don’t blame them. The German girls ended up walking by and sat down with us. We all had some good conversation, some beers, and eventually went to grab a bite to eat.

At dinner, a man from Argentina joined us. It turned out that he is an artist. I asked him what type of art he does and he told me meat. I thought maybe there was something lost in translation, but it turns out that he really does carve various types of meat. Interesting… I guess there is a meat sculpting event here this week.

After dinner, we parted ways and Bradley and I walked back towards our respective hostels. We walked next to Tian Na Men Square. It really is just a big square. I know very historical events took place there, but it really isn’t that great to visit.

When I got back to my hostel, the Canadian girls were in the bar drinking, so I joined them for a quick beer. We ended up talking about politics, and though I sway towards their point of view, I played devil’s advocate, so they could see why people feel the way they do. It was fun, but I was tired, so I went to bed. I awoke around five in the morning with a massive headache. Normally, I would attribute it to the beer, but in this case, it was dehydration. I guess the beer did play into it, but it wasn’t a hangover. Apparently, from the time I got home, to the time that I started drinking beer, there wasn’t enough water consumption. The headache really didn’t go away until around two in the afternoon.

I was supposed to wake up and go to the Forbidden City with Bradley, then meet up with Floortja, the Dutch girl, for a bike tour. That didn’t happen. I went and got some Chinese medicine for my pounding headache. It didn’t help.

Around 11:30, I walked about 4 km to the Forbidden City and did a self guided tour. People are sneaky around there. I had people telling me that they wanted to go to a tea house to practice English, then when the bill comes, it’s an outrageous price and they threaten to call the police if you don’t pay.

When I got inside the walls, a man was very intent on giving me a tour. Then he said the line was really long and if I had a tour with him, we could bypass the line. After much talking, I got him to leave me alone. When I got to the ticket counter, there were about 5 people in front of me. Bunch of scammers. Luckily, I’m not into falling for these things

The Forbidden City itself was pretty cool, but my headache and the heat distracted me. It is old and had big buildings, with big open spaces. It had a really “forbidden” feel to it. The Imperial Garden was probably my favorite part. I walked through a gate to see more, and realized that I had exited out of the back of the city. A sign behind me read, no re-entry.

On my way back to the hostel, I stopped by a book store and found the three English books that they had, and bought something by Faulkner. I might find more tomorrow in the international terminal when I get back to Beijing.

The big news for the weekend is that I booked my flight back to Yantai for the wrong date. Not sure how that happened, but it did. I got online and looked at my flight info. Today is the 16^th, and the flight was booked for the 19^th. I hopped on the China Air site and saw that the last flight they had of the day was at 5:45. It was 3:05. I was already packed, so I grabbed a cab and hauled ass to the airport. It turned out that there was one ticket left for the flight, and I got it!

I’m now sitting in the airport waiting for my flight, which is delayed by 45 minutes. Now I just need to see about a refund on my other ticket. 

Final Day Teaching by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20114:15:56 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Teach, Volunteer

So this is it. I just got back from graduation and saw the kids for the last time, maybe ever. It is pretty sad to say goodbye to them, even the few that annoyed me a couple of times. The last day was pretty chaotic, but fun. Nobody wanted to do anything and I don’t blame them. I won’t miss making lesson plans, or even teaching, but I will miss the kids. Most of all, I will miss Tom. He was my star pupil and reminds me of a Chinese version of me when I was his age.

Tonight, we will have a teacher and faculty dinner, which are always fun. I have some more pictures to edit from the graduation and I will do that tomorrow on the plane to Beijing. I will have one or two more post for this trip, and on the way home I will write a reflection of the entire trip and post that. For those that have followed my blog for the past three months, thanks. I’ve had a blast having all these experiences and writing about them. 

Peru Pre-departure Preparations - by the Chisnell Incan Trek and Service Group

6/3/20113:51:35 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Group Trips, Peru, Volunteer

6/29/2010

6/28/2010

6/26/2010

Why Peru?- Steve Chisnell

6/18/2010

6/9/2010

6/6/2010

6/1/2010

Flashback 4.16.10 - Bonding Over Bowel Movements by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20113:34:52 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

A handful of kids have tested positive for amoebas (parasites). I am pretty certain the amoeba is the cause of the high fevers and upset stomachs. My favorite nurse at Don Bosco, Sister Agnes, recommended we test every child for parasites. I immediately envisioned all 35 kids making the four mile trek to the hospital with me and the other volunteers in tow. The villagers have enough reason to stare at us Mzungos (white person), they don't need a parade. But I figured the humiliation would be worth it to keep the kids safe from disease. If only that was the way things turned out. Sister Agnes handed over 35 containers for us to collect the stool samples ourselves and bring it back the next day. OH KINYESHI! (OH SHIT!)

Bright and early the next day we rang the bell and the kids came running. They were so excited because they thought we were calling them to play a game. Well I guess if you call shitting in a cup a game, let's play!

The rules of the game:
1. Take a piece of newspaper and plastic bag
2. Go find a quiet place to shit on the newspaper
3. Carefully wrap the shit in the newspaper and place in the plastic bag
4. The first one done wins a prize!

I have never seen so many people shit on call. It has to be the way they sit. They squat so low, their butts almost touch the ground which allows for gravity to suck the "kinyeshi" out.

The winner if the game was Little Joyce. Not only did she finish first, she had the best presentation. She had carefully pooped in the middle of the newspaper, folded it into a perfect square, placed it in the plastic bag and tied a knot. When she handed it to me she said "For you". You can see her winners glow in the picture. And that is how you bond over bowel movements.
 

Monkey Business by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20113:31:17 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I woke up this morning looking forward to another bowl of porridge. To my delight, it was accompanied by a piece of rice bread. As I looked around, I noticed that some of the children had similar rolls, but with meat and vegetable filling. I was a little bitter, but shrugged it off and dipped mine into the porridge. I tried to get some of the kids to play basketball, but it warmed up early and most of them just went into their rooms where the fans were.  Many of them had their end of year exams today, and it will be interesting to see if any of them leave. To be honest, I wouldn’t notice if a few left, unless it’s one of my two lackeys.

This morning I had the chance to Skype with my parents for a while. My dog Madison is looking adorable as ever. They were just getting ready for bed and it reminded me that I will be in rough shape for the first few days after I get back to the states with the time change.

After finishing with them I just hung out in my room for a while and worked on a paper for my internship. Around noon we had lunch and I got a pretty big portion of rice, so that was exciting! A little while later one of the coordinators asked if I wanted to go on a hike with some of the kids. I had no idea what I was in store for. The purpose of this hike was to get firewood for what I am guessing would be a bonfire later??? The kids kept climbing into the trees like monkey and I was a little scared for them. By the end I was climbing in them too. I guess I really am a child at heart. The goal was to climb up the tree and swing until the others could grab it higher up, then everyone pulls it down and tries to break it. Dangerous? Probably. Fun? Absolutely! For the last, and tallest tree, they needed the assistance of a tall slightly under average weight man. I climbed up about 7 feet and started swinging my legs back and forth. I got it to lean down and some others grabbed the top. I was still a few feet of the ground and started bouncing a little. Finally that bad boy snapped and I hit the ground on my knees. The coordinator was pretty concerned that I hurt myself, but after growing up on the hard streets of Centralia, WA, that was nothing.

*Side note- Centralia is not hard at all…

Anyway, we got our bounty and headed back to the dorms. I took a shower and watched Invictus. Good movie… I’m also trying to figure HDR pictures, so that should add to my photo collection nicely.

Dinner was good. It was rice, tofu and potatoes with some sort of stock. After, we played an actual game of basketball. My team won. I pretty much just got rebounds, didn’t let the other team score, and fed the ball to my teammates. It’s nice being the best player on the team. I’m now back in my room and I’m hoping the AC will stop the sweating.

I’m feeling better today. The kids are just so happy and smile all of the time. Maybe it’s just being around me, but it’s nice to make kids smile. We’ll see what tomorrow holds… Oh and apparently no bonfire : ( 

Snake Day! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20113:28:32 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Today has already been pretty eventful, and it’s not even 9AM! I caught the bus this morning from Yangshou at 6:45 to Guilin. On the way we stopped for gas, I think. My next assumption is that something was wrong with the bus. We got a few miles down the road and pulled off again at another gas station. Isabella quickly told me that we would have to switch buses. This was an issue because one of the buses that I would have taken was canceled, so I had to make the 8:30 bus. The two stops definitely put us behind. Eventually Isabella chalked it up as a loss and told me that I would be spending the night in Guilin. I thought this would be a good chance for me to catch up on some email and organize my Flickr account. A few minutes after the news she told me that there was another bus at 10:30. This also seemed fine with me. When we got to the bus terminal in Guilin, she took off running and told me to meet her at the gate to the buses. Long story short, I made the 8:30 bus. Isabella is so sweet. She reminds me of a Chinese version of my Mom. She’s also a bit younger. After getting me situated on the bus, she ran into a small shop and grabbed me a Coke, Red Bull, mysterious boxed drink that I think is milk, Oreos, and an apple.

It’s already taken about 45 minutes just to get out of the city. A little bit ago, the woman across the isle from me started throwing up into a bag. Her husband was holding her hair. It’s so cute and disgusting at the same time. They then moved to the seat behind me and I think she is still throwing up. I’m feeling fine, but if I get a whiff of it I might take a turn to sickville. Reminds me of France when Rachel Roy threw up in a bag in the seat in front of me and I almost puked from the smell… Enough about that. I’m just glad to be on the bus.

Two hours later on the bus… Not glad to be on the bus, eight screaming Chinese people. I have no idea what is going on, but they appear to be arguing about the price. This is a funny culture. Now there is a random guy that came on the bus and is yelling. Now we’re back on the road. This bus lady is mad!

I am now at the orphanage and it is very interesting. There 88 kids that live here and they range from toddlers to 16 years olds. Essentially, it is not an orphanage, but more of a year round subsidized boarding school. Local families that can’t afford to raise their children have them live here 10 months out of the year. An American Christian NPO subsidizes it. It seems to work out for the children.

I might also add that I am the only person here that can speak English fully. There are three other people that know some, but every conversation involves a little explaining and gesturing.

Being in China is really making me realize just how good Americans, and westerners in general have it. Some of the things that I complain about at home are just petty selfish banterings. I hope once I become reacclimated to the states I can think back to how I feel now. It’s so easy to get caught up in the world around you. It’s now past midnight and I need to get some sleep so I can keep up with these kids tomorrow.

Oh and I’m really craving Rudy’s BBQ right now! 

Battered and Bruised, but not Beaten by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:46:49 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

To start where I left off yesterday, rock climbing was pretty amazing. Our group consisted of Lee, Vicky, James, Hollie, and myself. The guys at X Climbers in Yangshou were very helpful. They set up two ropes for us with a few different routes for each rope. My favorite part of climbing is when you are completely out of strength and some how dig deep down and make it up.

Lee had a bit of troubles his first climb since he has a big build and has never climbed. The first time he fell, Happy, the guide and person belaying him launched up about six or seven feet. After that we always anchored him down. After a few more climbs Lee seemed to get the hang of it and did much better.

I am sore today and I think Hollie and I may go get massages later.

So after climbing we got cleaned up and went to Lucy’s for dinner. As always, it was delicious. Next we went to Monkey Jane’s and watched some of the World cup and played some beer pong. Hollie and I won four of five games. I had to adapt my taunts from America to North America seeing how Hollie is Canadian.

Today has been pretty lazy and I am starting to get ready to go to Hunan Sunday. Staying at Monkey Jane's again tonight... 

Kate and Katie's Excellent Adventure --Turf by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/3/20112:41:59 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

 

Eager to get out of Santa Elena and see the jungle, Katie and I scheduled a canopy zip-line tour.  Two hours later, we had our hard hats buckled, and our belts strapped at uncomfortable and unflattering angles. 

Goodbye Guilin, Goodbye Brit Chris by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:30:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Last day in Guilin. Actually, we’re leaving about 1 or 2, so it’s not even a full day. After the rain slowed up a bit yesterday, we went back to the mall to watch Shanghai with John Cusack. I’m not sure I would have picked him for that part, but he did a good enough job I guess.

Before the movie, we went back to the arcade. It got a little ridiculous. We were on a mission to win tickets so we could buy stupid crappy prizes. It was all about the fans. The fan I won had mugs of beer on it. It’s pretty awesome! We also went back on the bumper cars and I thought Lee about knocked some younger girl out. He hit her straight on. It was pretty amazing, and quite possibly the funniest thing I saw all day. Those Chinese kids are resilient.

After the movie we went back to the hostel to regroup. We met a Canadian girl, Holly, and her English friend, James. They were really cool, so we invited them to go to the Irish bar with us. It was a great addition to our little group. Nothing to speak of at the Irish pub. Just watched the game and headed back to the hostel and watched the next game in our room.

Now it’s morning and I’m leaving Chris here when I go back to Yangshou. He’ll hop on a plane to Mongolia tonight. I have been really lucky to have him on my program here. We were talking about it this morning and both of our trips would have been drastically different without the other.

Now I have to get ready to catch a bus.

Also, my Dad pointed out that I had a sentence that just ended in a previous post that didn't make sense and a misused "than" or "then." Sorry for that, but I can't find it in the blog to change it. 

USA!!! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:27:29 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Got back to Guilin yesterday. It is nice to be back in civilization. I’m not ready to move out into the country and become a recluse. We’ll save that for later in life. Our new friend we met the first night in the rice terraces was on the same bus and sat next to me. His name is Thomas and he is from Ohio, but lives in San Luis Obispo, California. SLO is one of my favorite areas in California. He decided the stay in Guilin last night rather that go back to Yangshou. We went to dinner around 7, and after secretly getting everyone lost, I found my way to where we wanted to go. When we got to the restaurant, there were a couple of French girls that sat next to us. They sat in front of me on the bus from Yangshou to Guilin on Wednesday. I tried to explain this to them in French because they didn’t speak English. It ended up becoming a little awkward. They had no idea what I was trying to say. They had a guy with them on the bus that was also French and that is how I knew where they were from. They didn’t know that and I’m pretty sure I was just some strange American trying to speak broken French to them. For the World Cup game we went to an Irish bar. Things got a little crazy. The US game was second. We played Slovenia I think. It ended up being 2-2, but the US went into the second half with 0, so it was pretty sweet that they came back to draw. Two other Brits and a Dutchy from the hostel met with us and watched the games. They ended up being really cool and made a great addition to Chris, Amanda, Thomas, and me. After the US game, Amanda and I ventured out and tried to find some food. What we found was a group of 15, 40 something year olds that were having a sort of class reunion. Ken spoke the best English, and when we sat down, they ordered a crate of beer. They thought Amanda was my girlfriend and wanted to know how to get such beautiful girlfriends. I told them they had to come to Texas, or get a lot of money and buy them. It was actually a great experience. They all had their shirts off, and insisted that I do the same. I did… They had a bowl full of horse meat and I really wish I had been in the mood to try it. After missing out on the horse steak in Iceland, I have really wanted to try it. I think the horse is much better in Iceland though. Amanda and I eventually broke away from them and made our way back to the Irish pub. Upon our return we were greeted with popcorn because we had all ordered more than 24 beers. I guess that is pretty awesome, free stuff! At 2:30 AM, England play Algeria. Amanda and I ended up falling asleep on the booth cushions, only to be woken by random screaming from the Brits. After the game we took a taxi back to the hostel. On the way back I had to listen to them complain about why they should have won. They ended up drawing 0-0. Good stuff! 

Again With the Rain China by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:20:05 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

So we’re getting to the end of the first leg of this journey. Much of the experiences that I have had up to this point will be great memories for the rest of my life, or until get Alzheimer’s. We were asked what our favorite moments were last night at dinner. My answer was pretty vague because it’s all been a blast. Something that Chris and I keep going back to is that if you’re not happy in your life at home, you’ll have troubles being happy abroad. We have seen some of that on this trip and it appears to be true. Chris and I both speak very fondly of our homes and friends, and we’re having a all the time here.

I do see myself in Europe over China, but I guess I’m okay going anywhere in the world for work. I just want to get some international experience.

So we’re leaving the bus station now and it is pretty crazy that these buses maneuver like they do. We’re going down the road with 2 buses to our right and one to the left and it appears to be very chaotic, but we seem to get to where we are going fine. A guy just went up to the bus driver’s window and talked to him for a moment, then grabbed a crate off the back of his bike full of some kind of small birds and put it under the bus in the cargo area. Stuff like that happens all the time here. Just so many things that you think to yourself, “what the hell just happened?” I love it!

Later that day…

We’re in a small village now that is home to the Yao minority and tomorrow we are going trekking through the rice paddies. It’s interesting here. When we arrived there were a slew of woman trying to carry our bags for us. They just wanted our money. When we got to the hotel we were greeted by more of these woman.  This time they were trying to sell us scarves. I’m not in the market for a scarf seeing as it’s hot and rainy right now. They kept bugging Amanda because she was wearing a scarf. Before dinner we got our rooms. Ours smells pretty bad, but we have to keep the window open to keep the room cool. The good thing is I don’t see many mosquitoes right now. Hopefully it’ll stay that way.

After dropping off our bags we went for a short walk up the terraces and it was a pretty amazing view.  I’m excited for the hike tomorrow. I’m also hoping the weather is better than it has been in Yangshou. We’re pretty far north of there, so it should be. We’ll see tomorrow. Dinner was great and we even had some local rice wine.  Very surprisingly, it was really good. I thought I hated all rice wine, but not this one.

We played some card games after dinner, and then I edited some photos. We had a kid from Hong Kong and another from California join us. Now I’m in bed and hitting the hay. Gotta wake up early and get my trek on!

Trekking Day 2…

Last night I had troubles getting to sleep on account of the heat. Once I got to sleep I was woken up by the thunder and lightning. Also, by the smell of the pigpen outside my window. Every once in a while the smell would kick up and wake me. It rained a lot last night and our fate today is still uncertain. It still rains. The place we are staying has no power. We will be having a meeting this morning about what to do. Time to eat breakfast.

Actual trekking

Well, we finally made it trekking! We left this morning and it was still raining. Things keep happening right now and it kind of strange. The door sounded like someone was hitting against it earlier and now my bed is shaking…. Maybe this place is haunted??? I forget to mention the rest of the day. We went on a hike after breakfast for a couple hours. On this particular hike, I met a guy that wanted to talk a lot more than I would have liked. The group left me, but I eventually got away and tried to catch up. I ended up going the wrong way and saw the group a few rice terraces above and made my way back to them. Once I met back up with the group we took some pictures on top of a hill. On the way back down I ran back into the talker and he had a snake in a trap, so I took a lot of pictures of that.

-Bed still shaking and fire flies hitting the screen on the window.-

We made our way back down to the hotel and got lunch. After, there was a bit of confusion, and we went on another hike. I got some good pictures of waterfalls. After that trek we got our stuff at the hotel and left for a new village. Dinner was great and they have cable, so we got to watch the world cup! Chris, Amanda, and I played some card games and I took some pictures for a. There was a massive spider and I got some pics of that too.

Now I am in my room and the only thing in English on TV is the Brady bunch movie… Horrible!!!! Goodnight…

Trekking day 3

Well, not really trekking. The night turned out to be not so favorable to some of my fellow travelers. Chris woke up with a very red eye that seems to be hurting him pretty badly. Georgina’s stomach disagreed with dinner and rejected it. Amanda has a cold, probably stemming from going barefoot all yesterday. Our fearless leader, Dorah, has sore shins from yesterday’s hike, but in all fairness, she doesn’t strike me as the hiking type. Julie has to catch a flight tomorrow morning and doesn’t want to get her boots wet because she has to wear them on the plane. Oh, and it was raining again last night, surprise surprise… As for me, I just have damp boots. Not a big deal, but I know after watching countless Vietnam War movies, keeping your feet dry is very important. The air is very damp here, so nothing dries.

The three girls leave tomorrow and Chris leaves Monday. I will go back to Yangshou Monday and then go rock climbing Tuesday and Thursday. The rest of the time I am going to spend working on the 16 page paper that will be due when I get back for my internship.  YAY!

Tonight we will go out to celebrate Julie’s birthday, which isn’t for another week or so. Then after we will watch the World Cup. US and England play tonight at 10 and 2 respectively. 

Rice Terraces or bust! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:11:44 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I’d like to think that this blog is for the most part an insight into what I am doing here, as well as some feelings that I experience. With that being sad, today is pretty boring. Last night there was a big thunder and lighting storm and we awoke to a good amount of rain this morning. We didn’t have to meet for rock climbing today until 12:30, so I went downtown to pick up some hiking pants and get a quick bite to eat at Lucy’s.

Isabella came downstairs while I was eating and informed me that rock climbing was cancelled because of the rain. I’m really starting to hate the rain and clouds here! Ruined my day! We opted not to make other plans. Mostly because there really isn’t a lot to do here indoors. I used the time to edit some photos and catch up on other random tasks. Hopefully we will be able to climb tomorrow.

Wednesday we will be leaving for Guilin then go to the rice terraces. The weather is supposed to be better up there and I really hope that is the case. We will be hiking for 3 days, so no internet. I will take my computer with me so I can write at night. This weekend I will spend in Guilin. A new group also arrives this Saturday, but I will not be staying with them for long. They will go to Fengyang village and I will be in Yangshou.

I am supposed to rock climb a few days next week, then do tai chi. I may pass on the tai chi and try to do some extra climbing. After that I go to an orphanage for a week in Hunan province, then to Chengdu for my final week with Greenway. After that I am going to Yantai in the central east part of China. It is on the coast, so it will be good to see completely different scenery.

It’s a funny thing, I really like to keep busy all of the time and when I’m not, I get really bored and a little lazy. That being said, time to eat!

Also, my friend, and former girlfriend, Lauren is leaving for Africa in 7 days for the Peace Corps. Good luck to her!!! 

Captain's Log- June 11- by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:08:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Still raining... We were suppose to ride bikes out to Dragon Bridge today, but that has been cancelled. We may go this afternoon. It is actually pretty nice because I have to catch up on editing photos. In other news, Percy, our Chinese guide’s grandma is sick and probably not going to make it much longer so he is going home for three weeks. He will leave today and this will be the last time we see him. This means that the trekking week that was planned for next week has been pretty much cancelled. We will still go see the rice terraces, but we will be rock climbing Monday and Tuesday. No complaints from me on that one. I really am just taking everything as it comes on this trip, and I think that is the best attitude to have.

Last night I went downtown to get a better internet connection, which ended up not being the case. After struggling to load any pics, I decided to talk to a few French guys that ended up being tres cool. One of them was named guillaume de Raffin. He was the most French person I have ever seen in my life. They were from Paris and living in Shanghai for 5 months working on a management master's degree.

I was suppose to meet Chris and Amanda there, but they were MIA. Eventually, I went to see if they were at Lucy's and when I walked out I saw them walking towards me. We all went back upstairs and rejoined the French guys. Along with them, there were 3 Irish girls upstairs, so we all moved to one table and had some good conversation. The Irish lasses ordered dessert and I think Chris ate more of it then they did combined.

Chris and Amanda left, but I stayed for a bit longer. The French guys wanted to go to a club and dance. I was pretty tired and said I would pass. They weren’t having it, so I said I would go. While they were paying their bill I used the men’s room and when I came out I told them that a girl had just texted me and I had to go meet up with her. I think they were more excited than I would have been. Just to be clear, there was no text, or girl. There was however a bed waiting for me, and this fictitious girl was an easy way to get out of going to the club. All in all, it was a good night. Now I’m going to edit photos and listen to the new Ratatat album that I downloaded a few days ago. Until then… 

Flashback 4.15.10 - Dog Bites by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20112:06:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today Priscilla and I took a trip to a private hospital, Don Bosco, to help one of the sponsored girls, Mary. Mary was bitten by a rabid dog on her leg three days ago (April 12) and hasn't received any medical attention. The reason she has not been to the hospital is not because her mother is neglectful, but because they don't have money to pay for the immunizations. The good news is that the orphanage pays for the sponsored kids medical needs. Mary and her mother walked five miles (10 miles round trip) to the hospital, and have to make that hike four more times over the next two weeks to complete the immunization. I am not a doctor, but I am certain walking 10 miles to and from a hospital with the excruciating pain and numbness in your leg from a dog bite is no walk in the park.

Makes you appreciate the things we take for granted, like immunization shots. 

Kate and Katie's Excellent Adventure --Surf by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/3/20112:02:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

Flashback 4.11.10 - Letter of Love by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20111:22:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Right after dinner tonight Anima, whom I have mentioned before, sheepishly and quietly handed me something. She smiled and whispered "don't read this until you are alone."

So I came directly back to my dorm room to read it. She handmade an envelope with a piece of paper, and put a note inside. There are no words to describe the feeling that came over me. The letter was an answer to one of my prayers. I have been doubtful if I have a purpose at the orphanage and think maybe I should just throw in the towel. The minute I started to read the rainbow marker colored words on her note, I knew this was God's doing. He knew I was doubting, and needs me to stay. I am still not certain why or what I am supposed to do here, but I have to find faith to do so. Wouldn't it be great if we could find our faith in a lost-in-found box? Or nail a sign up on a tree with the words "LOST FAITH. IF FOUND PLEASE CALL 512-788-4749. REWARD."

I hope you enjoy the letter as much as I do. 

You're welcome Yangshou! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20111:18:38 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

This weekend was kind of a break from technology for me. I went to the city of Yangshou, and it proved to be quite a great weekend. Upon arriving I ran into Hannah and Hughie, along with two others that are in the same program that I am. I had thought that Hannah had already gone to Africa, so it was a wonderful surprise to see her again. The four of us that are staying in the village all went into the city on Friday. It was suppose to be a one night trip, but Chris and I got talked into staying an extra night. We ate a lot of great food and enjoyed the gangs company. We went a club on Friday night, and some how I got on a stage and was dancing and getting the crowd amped up. It apparently worked because a lot more people started dancing. Saturday the two girls staying in the village with us headed back, so Chris and I saw them off and went to get another hotel. We found one for 40 Yuan, or a little under $6. Everything is so cheap. Somehow I got pen ink on one of the two shirts that I took with me, so Chris and I bartered and got a couple of knock off Lacoste shirts for around $8 each. They look very real though. Saturday night we kept it much more tame. Chris and I went to an Aussie bar and met a kid from Wales. Eventually, we met up with the others and went to another Aussie bar and then back to the night club that we were at the previous night. A Michael Jackson impersonator performed an almost good impersonation. It was pretty cheesy though. The DJ at this club is a dorky Chinese guy with big white 80’s style seeing glasses and a wicked sweet bowl cut. Every time I saw him it just made me laugh. Hannah and I went upstairs which overlooks the rest of the bar, so we could see the MJ performance better. Chris and the Welsh kid came up and sat next to us. The next thing that happened was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. They both grabbed two ¾ full beers that were sitting there and chugged them. Then the Welshy looked behind and saw a half drank beer on a table. He went over and chugged that. Then they both spotted a couple of untouched shots. Down the hatch those went. This was all without saying hi to us, and took place within one minute. Hannah and I ended up leaving to get some food, but Chris told me today that they found an almost full bottle of red wine and drank that. Crazy kids from the UK! The very cheap hotel we stayed at ended up being a horrible idea. We could have spent a little more and got the same room we had Friday. The new place had AC, but no remote to work it. I’m pretty sure there were bed bugs, and an endless supply of mosquitoes. Needless to say, I am not happy with the ridiculous amount of bites I got last night. Adding to that, I shut the window to keep out the bugs, and then it got to around 85 degrees in the room. That would have to be one of the most uncomfortable nights of sleep that I have every had… Ever! It’s all good because the whole weekend was great fun and I will not remember the bad stuff in the long run. Tomorrow I am teaching two English classes so I am headed to bed… Until next time… 

Flashback 4.10.10 - Tiger Woods of Kenya by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20111:10:27 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

One of the orphanage staff members, we'll call her Mary, shared a story of heartache and relationship gone bad.

Mary was in relationship (how they say dating) with one man for about a year. This man is heavily involved in his church and respected by the community. The courtship began while they were in University. They saw each other daily, just spending time together and hanging out. She soon fell in love and gave him her heart, but not her body. After about 8 months in she found out he had been cheating on her, and therefore cut off all ties of communication. As any cheating man does, he tried to win her back. He sat outside her dorm room at University for hours on end and sent numerous text messages. He gained her trust back, so she give him one more chance. Just like in the movies, she found out the woman he had been cheating on her with was pregnant. Mary broke it off yet again, this time for good. She didn't want to get in between a man and a woman, because that is not what God would want. Mary says only through prayer and faith was she able to heal and forgive him. She believes the reason she was able to find peace so quickly is because she prayed for him, not herself.

I find it interesting that no matter where you go, even in a Kenyan Village, people suffer heartache and pain because of relationships. It taught me that the desire to be in love and relationship is world wide, and so is temptation and betrayal.

Have you been hurt? I certainly have. Have you tried to pray for the person who hurt you? 

Dress Me Up and Make Me Dance! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20111:07:34 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

WOW, I’m really not sure how to describe my day. It has been pretty amazing. I woke up with a few new mosquito bites and wasn’t sure what was going to happen throughout the day. At breakfast we were informed that a few people from the local government wanted to come and meet us. Basically, it turned into a full-fledged party. The “local government” turned out to be some very high-ranking officials in the national government that wanted to hang out with us. One of the photographers turned out to be one of the highest-ranking people in the media sector of the government and I talked with him about possibly getting me a job after I graduate. He said, “no problem, you come here and marry the most beautiful Chinese girl.”

The whole thing was kind of a dog and pony show. We were the stallions. They even dressed us and made us dance around, but it was a blast.

Last year I wouldn’t have been able to tell you that I was going to Asia for the summer, and up until a couple months ago I had no idea that this was going to happen. I’m so glad that I stumbled upon Cultural Embrace and they set this up for me.

Back to today… I’m sure that the videos and pictures will tell more, but I had an interesting lunch and went rice wine (bie jui) shot for shot with the government officials. It was very interesting. For lunch we had a hot pot of organ meat. It sounds gross, but it was actually fantastic. I also had cured pigs lung, which was probably the best things that I have tried here. I’m still buzzing from the rice wine, so I will stop here, but today has been incredible.

Now it is later in the day and I have come down from my buzz. We had a Chinese lesson and a culture lesson. Thinking back to today, it was really crazy. The place we are staying in has a bar and a couple of the men that came brought some instruments. They played while we drank some beers and talked. I got to ride on a scooter that one of the girls that did the dance for us drove. I was joking, but she took me seriously and had me hop on the back. It was pretty sketchy, but I made it to the house safely. The lion dance is basically what you would think of when you see the dragon with people under it at a parade (see pictures). It was awesome. I got video of it too.

These people just get such a kick out of us being here. I really enjoy the old people in the village look at us with apprehensive eyes, then when we wave and say hi, they perk right up and wave back. The children always yell hello no matter how far they are from us. And, I’m apparently a giant here.

Oh, and I heard a mouse in the kitchen cupboard this, so I told the people here. An older lady that lives here tried to kill it with me. It was an unsuccessful attempt. It almost ran across my foot. Not cool! 

Still Kickin' by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20111:00:52 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Last night I left off talking about my trip to a cave and a mountain with waterfalls. Quite a few other funny/interesting things happened on this adventure. Part of my newfound popularity included people in my group wanting me to eat local food they had bought. One of these instances included everyone laughing at me. A girl gave me a green patty of something sticky and said “you try.” Now I’m not one to turn down free food, so I bit into it. Apparently, these things are cooked on leaves that you are supposed to take off when you eat it. I just bit right through it and started chewing. They thought this was the funniest thing. Then, at a little market we went to on the way home, another girl kept getting me to try random samples a guy had sat out. I think one was a pickled sardine with chilies. Not so good.

Language barriers are a funny thing. I think many people use that as a reason not to communicate to other people, but all it means is that it may take longer to convey a message. Eventually, I started picking up on the meanings of the English words they use. For instance, the word friend is used for someone that you know, not necessarily someone you like. I kept trying to explain that a people would be joining my group and from then on out I was their “friend.” Either that or classmate, even though I’m not in a class right now. It's easier just to say yes sometimes then try to explain the word. Non-verbal’s always make it fun too. It’s like a constant game of charades. I taught a smaller group “on the bus” and “off the bus.” Anytime we were pulling up to a stop they would say “off the bus!”

I am incredibly sore from all that hiking yesterday. Now I have to lug around a 50-pound bag. I’m going to go through it and start getting rid of stuff. I quickly learned that I should have listened to Torry’s dad. I’m just not sure what I would get rid of. I have always had a way of justifying a “need” over a "want."

I really got a kick out of the older men on the trip. After the waterfalls we walked back to the bus, but I got sidetracked taking pictures and got left behind. I walked over to where I thought the bus would be and turned around the front of another bus. About six of the old men were standing there smoking. They all pointed at me and smiled and said what I think to be something like, “oh, there is the funny looking white guy!” I crouched down like I was about to bolt of and ran back around the bus. When I reappeared seconds later, they were all laughing hysterically. I didn’t think it was that funny, but who am I to argue with a group of elderly Chinese guys, so I joined in on the laughter. On the bus they were all clapping trying to kill these gnats, so I started clapping. This got the whole bus laughing. I like easily entertained people. The best part was when I pulled out my camera bag to put some stuff away. I opened up a few compartments and they all were looking at it, nudging one another, pointing, and saying things about this bag. It was like I pulled up in a new car and popped the hood.

A lot of this is pretty surreal. I will probably make more money in my first five years of work than these men have made their whole lives. Now money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure helps facilitate adventures like the one I’m on. I don’t feel bad for most of the people I encounter here because they seem very happy. I do feel bad for the very young kids begging for money and trying to sell random crap to westerners.

I am off to the countryside today. Until then…

I have also started a Flickr account to post all my pictures. I have limited space on the blog... I'm not really sure how you find people on Flickr, but I will find out and let you all know. www.flickr.com then search "chris schave"... that might work.

 

Cavin' in Guilin by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:56:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Today I went to some caves outside the city. I guess "some caves" is a bit of an understatement. It was a pretty grand cave with elaborate chambers. The pictures will tell more than I can describe. On the way I sat next to a girl from Gangzhou, and she helped me quite a bit. Her English was actually quite good. The Caves were amazing and I think I got some great pictures.

Next we went to a small village that had waterfalls coming down from peaks next to it. We hiked to the top of the peaks and it was a lot of walking. On my way up the mountain side I realized that I was the most popular guy on the trail. Everyone wanted to talk to and take pictures with the white guy. Even the people on my bus wanted to take pictures with me. By the end of the trip the old folks on the bus even accepted me as one of their own.

I have to get to bed because I have been walking literally all day long. I will post pictures tomorrow and write more. I am headed to a small village tomorrow, but I should have wifi there, so I will keep updated. Until then... 

And so it begins, Chapter 1 by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:52:12 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Teach, Volunteer

For the third day in a row, Madison woke me up by jumping on me. Since I only see her a few times a year now, I don’t mind. Today I am on my way to China. This morning my mom and I did a little pre trip shopping and my dad went and picked up a new Blackberry for me. Best parent’s ever!
Last night I went to eat dinner with my best buddy Torry’s parents. I had a great talk with his mom and dad, and even took some traveling tips from his dad. He felt I was packing too much, and he was right. After taking some items out of my luggage, I was still six pounds over weight. I purchased some hiking shoes this morning and removed my boots and running shoes. The only thing I ended up leaving in Portland was my soap. Looks like I will have to pick up some Chinese body wash.
The flight from Portland was a breeze. I ate at Gustav’s, a German place at the airport that I really enjoy, then made it back to my gate with a few minutes to spare.
The flight was fairly uneventful until I reached LA. The smog hanging over the city was pretty unbelievable. As we made final approach I looked down and saw something that made me laugh, The Crenshaw Prayer Dome. The name was written in the parking lot and I wish I had been ready with a camera.
Whenever I travel, whether it be domestic or international, I’m always amazed with how many people I meet. I had a 6-hour layover in LA, so I got some dinner. I was sitting at a table and another traveler approached me and asked if he could sit with me since all the other tables were occupied. We didn’t talk for a little while then I asked him where he was going. Turns out he was on the same flight as me to China. His name is Tang and he is going to meet his fiancé to get married. He is working on getting US citizenship and then I think she will join him in the US.
After dinner we parted ways for a while and I went to the bar to grab a pint and make some phone calls. While sitting there I met a guy from Australia that is in the wealth management business. We talked until the check in opened up.
When I was getting my boarding pass I couldn’t help but notice the three security guards. I looked around at the other airline counters and noticed there was no security. I asked the gentleman there and he said that people sometimes get out of hand. I wasn’t lucky enough to see such craziness ensue.
After getting my sweet exit row window seat, I headed through security. Once on the other side, I hit up the Marina Bar for another pint. I sat next a couple of guys about my age that were headed to Australia. One was a garbage man in LA and the other was a construction worker. We chatted for a bit then they were replaced by a couple of ladies. They were travel agents also going to Australia. We talked about all sorts of stuff then I was off to catch my flight. I feel slightly bad, but I cut in line. I saw Tang and I was pretty far up there. Not sure why, but when it comes to lines, I feel that I have entitlement. Always have. So Tang and I hopped on a bus that took us to the plane.
As I’m writing this I am going into hour 12 on this flight. It was incredibly hot for a while. The guy behind me keeps shoving his legs into my back. From the feel of it, he must be about 6’8”. I opted for the non-western style meal and got mystery meat, bok choy, cheesecake, and some other stuff I didn’t eat. The saving grace is the lovely couple that I am sitting next to. He is a Malaysian born Chinese man, and she is Korean. They are going to China to adopt an 11-year old boy. He just pointed out to me that this is the most worthless crew he has seen on a flight. I’d have to agree. The flight attendant fell asleep across from us on take off. They brought us meals, and then I haven’t really seen them. I did go back to get water and it was quite warm. I just hope the pilots are better! Back to the couple next to me. That’s what gets me about the world. Everyone has a story. This is a huge step in their lives. He speaks Mandarin and she doesn’t. The boy they are adopting only speaks Mandarin. Why is everyone on this plane walking around without shoes on? Screw it, when in Rome!

Just got to China. Trying to get the internet figured out. I can't access facebook of wordpress, so my dad is posting this for me. My gmail account and school email work, so to contact me email me at cschave@gmail.com. More to come! 

Flashback 4.5.10 - Someones in the Kitchen with Grace by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:48:51 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today I was on kitchen duty. We started at 9am sorting beans and didn't stop until 2pm. The kids are eager to help and seem to enjoy showing me the difference between "good" and "bad" beans. Grace, the cook, works pretty much all day long. She gets up around 6am to make porridge for the kids and tea for the volunteers. Then she starts to prepare lunch and dinner. In between all that she sorts beans, rice, maize, and peels pumpkin in preparation for tomorrow. Her day is complete after dinner is served, at 8pm.

It was a good first day and allowed me to get a feel for the kids personalities. 

Flashback 4.4.10 - Am I really cut out for this? by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:44:49 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Right now I am not sure I can stay for the whole trip. There is a pig pen right outside my dorm room. The pigs oink so loud it feels like they are in the room with me. Not to mention the smell - gross!

Oh, and the bathrooms. I officially retract my statement about the bathroom at the hotel. It was paradise compared to here. Last night I had to go to the bathroom twice and going to the bathroom here is not like going at home. At home I stumble into the bathroom, do my thing and stumble back to bed. It takes effort and awareness here. I have to get out of bed, grab my flashlight, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Then I put on my jacket, and rain boots. I don't put on the rain boots b/c of the rain. I put them on so the pee doesn't splash on my feet.

I foolishly thought I had realistic expectations about the orphanage. I keep telling myself it is not that bad, and I will adjust. I sure hope so!

I do appreciate the orphanage's attempt to make the toilet/shower more appealing. They named it "The Hilton". I am quite certain Paris Hilton wouldn't set foot in this "Hilton". 

Flashback 4.3.10 - What now? by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:41:30 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Okay God I made it safe and sound to the orphanage. What do you want me to now? What do you want me to do for these kids?

I want to serve these kids, but I don't know how. This is going to be a very interesting 3 weeks. Jesus, show me the way.

Hey all you bloggers out there: Have you ever felt that you know exactly what God created you for, yet at the same time totally confused on why you were put here on Earth?

Share your struggles with me, I need some company in this weird position. 

Flashback 4.3.10 -Talk is CHEAP by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:37:24 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

This morning Martha and Pacomis helped me buy a cell phone just for my time in Kenya.
The whole cell phone issue was a big concern for me. AT & T charged insane fees for international roaming - $5.00 a minute. I wasn't sure how I would be able to communicate with the fam.

Well as most of the things I get anxious about, it was no big deal at all. Pacomis took me a cell phone store, which is basically a vendor on the street to buy the phone, charger and credits. The cell phone, SIM card, and credits came to about 2,000 ksh ($26). After that we were on our way to the orphanage.

If you can get a cell phone and minutes for that cheap, why do we pay so much?? 

Flashback 4.2.10 - Swahili Lesson in Mid-Air by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:33:57 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

It is Friday April 2, 2010 at 5:15pm. I am on the plane to Nairobi with about 4 hours left to go. Outside the window is this amazing view of the Sahara Desert. It seems to go on forever even at 37,000ft. How long would it seem if you were stranded there? Just thinking about it made me push the flight attendant button to ask for water.

I am sitting next to a young man who is from Nairobi, but has been schooling in London. He helped me learn some swahili. I had all the intentions to memorize phrases and such before I left, but it didn't happen.

Jambo -- hello
Jina langu ni Tracy -- My name is Tracy
Jina yako ni ?? --- what is your name?
Asante Sana -- thank you very much
Nina sikianja -- I'm hungry
Wewe ni mrembo -- you are pretty
tafadhali -- please
bafu iko wapi -- where is the bathroom?
pesa ngapi -- how much?
Habari Yako -- How are you?
Mzuri Sana -- very good
kwaheri -- bye
lala salama -- sleep well
benki iko wapi -- where is the bank?
kulia -- right
kushoto -- left
pole -- sorry (excuse me)

Once you get the hang of the pronuciations, it seems pretty easy. 

Flashback 4.1.10 - Excitement comes back by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:28:05 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

The anxiety has gone out the window and the excitment and pure
joy is back.

God, I want the rest of the world to experience this joy and happiness. I know the only reason I am able to feel these feelings is because of you. Before I let you in my life, I was lost and confused. I thought I could find happiness in money, clothes, bars, men, and reality TV shows. I still enjoy all of those thigns, but they don't bring me true joy. I imagine the reason I feel this joy is becuase I am doing what you created me for. Thank you for guiding me to this place. I sure didn't find it on my own.

God, please give me the words to share the story you want to be told. This is your story, and I hope I can introduce you to others this way.

Mom and Marlo are on my mind. God, I pray you put the right job in Marlo's path. I pray she find what she enjoys to do and have the opportunity to explore it.

God, as you know mom is crazy nervous about my trip. I pray you calm her nerves and diminsh her fears. I pray you fill her heart with peace knowing this is your doing and you have me in your hands.

I do want to come back alive and without harm. I want to live more and see what you have planned for me. But I am also okay if something happens and I die. It is REALLY weird to say that, but I imagine if something does happen my story might inspire others to grow in relationship with you. Please don't take this to mean I want to die, but it feels good to know be overwhelmed with anxiety about the outcome of this trip. 

Flashback 4.1.10 - Prayer for guidance on contribution by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:23:34 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

God, I thank you so much for giving me the money to take this trip. I don't know how you got all these wonderful people inspired to contribute, but it is AWESOME!
I think I will have about $1000 to give to the orphange. I pray that you help me make a wise decision on how you want the money to be used, and not just give on my terms. I just want to be a good steward of your money.

Should I tell Geoffrey that I am considering making a donation but want to see how things operate first? Is that appropriate? Or should I just observe and make the decision once I am settled in? I am not sure if it would be demanding or condesending to say "I have money to give, but only if you operate your organization as I see fit." Who am I to know what is the best way to run an oprhanage in Kenya? I guess that is what you are for, God :) It is all up to you! Just let me know which direction you want me to take. 

It's a process - Day 5 - by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:17:12 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Finding myself at 10,000 feet by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:13:34 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I received a great email yesterday from Julie at Cultural Embrace. It was a detailed itinerary. I will highlight some of the things that I will be doing:

Week 1- Introduction in Fengyan Village with site seeing.

Week 2- Culture week in Yangshuo. I get to go caving and visit the ancient city of Daxu that is more than 2000 years old.

Week 3- Village Volunteer work. I could be doing a variety of things.

Week 4- Trekking, including hiking to and staying overnight on a temple on Chicken Foot Mountain.

Week 5- More Village Volunteering.

Week 6- Rock Climbing and Tai Chi.

Week 7- Fly to Chengdu for Panda Volunteer.

Week 8-12 I will be in Yantai teaching English.

I was talking with a friend yesterday and I realized that this trip will probably be a life changing adventure. It's hard to explain how excited I am about this, but I'm sure it will come across in the photos I post.

I wanted to address some questions that have been asked of me...

Q: Why did you choose this destination?

A: To be honest, I feel that China kind of chose me. I had plans to go to France for the summer for an internship. It didn't work out, so I had to make other arrangements. At first I was a little nervous about going to China. I still don't know a whole lot about the country, but the more I find out, the more excited I become. As you can see above, I will have an opportunity to do some pretty amazing things.

Q: What are you most excited to see or experience while you are there?

A: Everything! Specifically, I am excited to work with Pandas, meet the people, the trekking looks amazing, and I am probably most excited about the food. China is such a large country, so it will be very interesting to see the differences in food from region to region.

Q: What are some of the typical customs/traditions of the area?

A: Mostly what I have looked into is about etiquette. I know when you hand someone a business card or a present, you do so with both hands. You shouldn't put business cards in your back pocket because you will be sitting on it. Slurping food is a sign that you like the meal. People don't look at each other when walking down the street. I'd like to think that I am good at figuring out how to act fairly quickly, so I am sure I can address this topic much better when I get there.

Q: What are some of the usual foods eaten in the area?

A: Since I will be in different regions, the food will vary. One thing that I am really looking forward to is something called a hot pot. It's similar to fondue, but much spicier and they put hot peppers in the oil to add flavor. Also, In many areas dumplings are very popular... Just thinking about this is making me hungry.

Tomorrow I will try and write a post about what I am doing to get ready and include some pictures of my new luggage, which I am really excited to have!

I'll leave you all with a picture of the Temple on Chicken Foot Mountain that I will be going to. Until next time...

 

Preparation for the flight by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:05:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I am getting ready to leave for the airport. Because we didn't have electricty on Tuesday and Wednesday, I haven't showered since Monday. Without electricity to boil the water, it is a very cold shower! So I opted to wait until today.

The "shower" is an outside stall the size of my linen closet with no running water and I have to calculate each move when preparing for a shower:

1. fill up hot water kettle and plug in so it can boil
2. Put on flip flops
3. fill my randall's re-useable grocery bag with towel, change of clothes, shampoo and conditioner, loofah, and sometimes a razor
4. grab my bucket and cup
5. Take the bag to the "shower" and turn the sign on the door to "busy"
6. check on hot water to see if boiling
7. start filling up bucket with regular water
8. take boiling water and combine it with the bucket water
9. fill up kettle again so I can have hot water the entire "shower"
10. carry bucket full of to shower - about 30 yards away from where I fill the water

Once in shower -
1. get undressed, except for flip flops
2. make sure towel is hanging on the back of the door so I can easily wipe my eyes
3. throw loofah in to the bucket along with a cup
4. put soap on loofah and start to wash
5. rinse off soap with cup
6. fill cup with water and pour over my head to wash and condition my hair
7. dry myself off, and step into the bucket without flipflops on to clean my feet
8. while standing in water, put clothes on (which means I have to balance on one foot at time
9. wrap towel around my head
10. put flipflops on and wash them in water

I will need to do all of these steps before leaving for airport, which is no big deal. I have been doing it for 5 weeks. HOWEVER, this time I have to add a few more calculated steps. My clothes and shoes are dirtier than an XXX rated film. Fortunately, I kept one outfit and pair of flip-flops tucked away in my suitcase for this occasion. They will not be brought out until I leave for the airport. I am so EXCITED to put these clothes on!!! The clothes I will put on right after the shower are different than my airplane clothes. I will also take extreme caution when washing my feet (they are so dirty it looks like I have a tan line). Once I get them as clean as possible I will put on a pair of socks and my tennis shoes. I won't change into my flip flops until I get the Nairobi Airport. 

Unbelizable by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/3/201111:51:44 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

 

 

Last day in San Mateo by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/3/201111:41:30 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

I have avoided writing this blog because I knew it would be hard--to relive the day, to see pictures of the kids, to once again feel all of the love in that little house.  It would mean that I am accepting closure, that I am acknowledging the end of my travels.  That now, I am sitting around filling out temp agency applications instead of making sand castles in the Caribbean.  But having been home for a week, it's time to embrace the time honored cliché:  All good things, especially the best things, come to an end.

The only thing wrong with the bus ride was me.  I rode the entire way in a daze, going over in my head what I wanted to say (in spanish) and prepping myself for good byes.

Leaving the kids, Juan and Judith, and my life in San Mateo was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Luckily, Juan and Judith made my last day as upbeat and positive as possible with games, smores, and lots of dancing.



As when Nick left,  Juan and Judith shared kind, eloquent words and then the kids got in a long line and each handed me a note coupled with a big hug.  Then of course, it was my turn to speak.  It is hard to be articulate in spanish when you're choking back tears, but I did my best to express to Juan, Judith, the kids, and the other volunteers that they have changed my life, that in three short months I have learned so much—

—to approach every opportunity with an open heart and an open mind—

 

—to live simply, and to appreciate the beauty in simplicity—

 

 

—to always be prepared for tomorrow—

 

 

—to live not solely for yourself, but also for those you love—

 

I know my future is capricious, but one thing is certain: I will be back to San Mateo.  I will once again laugh and cry under that worn tin roof.  And I will be at home. 

Prep by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201111:31:08 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Today I woke up at 5:00 AM to drive down to the Chinese Consulate in Houston... It was a 6 hour drive round trip, but I got my visa paperwork submitted. Most of the people there were Chinese and a lot of them were yelling back and forth across the room at each other in Mandarin. The whole time I was thinking to myself, "I'm in for a big culture shock!" I couldn't be more excited though. Unfortunately, I have to drive back Wednesday to pick up my passport and visa. Not looking forward to that drive again...

In related news, I received my pre departure kit from Cultural Embrace yesterday, and it had all sorts of good information in it. It seems like no matter how many times I go over my packing list, I always forget something. Luckily, I could compare what I had written down with what they suggested I should bring. As usual, theirs had stuff I forgot to put on my list.

Until next time... 

A little about me by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201111:28:10 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Teach, Volunteer

I grew up in Centralia, Washington and after graduating high school and going to two years of college, I joined the Air Force. While serving I was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho, and Keflavik, Iceland. Upon getting out of the military, I moved to Austin, Texas and am going to school at Texas State University- San Marcos. Currently, I am an International Business Senior and will be graduating December, 2010.

Last summer I had the opportunity to go on two study abroad programs through my university. One to Florence, Italy and the Rennes and Paris, France. This was an amazing experience, and since I have been back I have been looking for another reason to go abroad. This chance came about when I was looking for an internship abroad. I will be going to China this summer to take part in two programs that Cultural Embrace set up for me. Along with that. I am fulfilling an internship with them in Marketing. If you are interested in going abroad, I highly recommend going through Cultural Embrace. They have programs all around the world, and take care of most of the leg work for you.

The mission statement of Cultural Embrace is “discover the similarities, share the differences.” This hits pretty close to home for me because, as anyone that has traveled can tell you, the world is a diverse place. With that being said, we can all find commonalities within each other as human beings. When I was in Italy last summer, I had a great time with people that I couldn’t really speak to. They didn’t know English, and my Italian is pretty bad, yet we found common ground and made it work.

To me, traveling is everything, it’s what I’m good at. My life motto is, “the world is my oyster, shuck it!” Meaning, grab life by the horns and make it happen. So, if you are slightly interested in seeing the world, check out Cultural Embrace online at www.culturalembrace.com and see what they have to offer. 

City Girl Meets Wildlife Cheetah Conservation Project by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/3/201111:24:19 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, South Africa, Volunteer

I was born and raised in the outskirt burbs of Washington, DC, so I'd consider myself more of a city girl. So, working on a farm, tracking animals, or cleaning feed stations never really ranked high on my priority list of things to do. However, there is something about being in Africa’s bushland that makes me reconsider portraying Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa”.

Less than an hour outside of Johannesburg, Cultural Embrace has partnered with a local wildlife rehabilitation center, that is home to over 40 cheetahs (including a king cheetah), wildogs, honeybadgers, storks, blue heron, meerkat. The farm is over 120 hectares (~300+ acres) filled with love, passion, and dedication to rehabilitate, breed, and DNA-tested the animals to ensure inbreeding.

Today, I met with Craig, a former naturalist at Kruger National Park, who will be the on-site coordinator with Cultural Embrace’s volunteers. Craig energetically described how many of the cheetahs were rescued as injured cubs from the bush or from other farms. The center tracks, researches, breeds, and cares for cheetahs and other endangered animals. Some of the animals are bred for zoos around the world.

Volunteers will work with Craig and the center’s staff to clean and maintain the cheetah enclosures, attend school presentations to teach about wildlife conservation, put up and maintain fences, feed the animals, and assist the researchers with recording information and tracking the animals.

Volunteers start their day around 7:00am and work for ~2 hours, and then have a half hour breakfast break. Then they work until noon, with a two hours lunch and siesta break. There is internet access in the volunteer’s room at the center to connect with friends and family back home. Then they continue on at the center for another 2-2.5 hours until about 4:30pm. Then the group of volunteers will return back to their lovely volunteer house, located down the road from the center. About twice a week the group will go in to the city to shop for groceries, and to connect with 'civilization'.

All meals, housing, and ground transportation are included with our program, that is available all year round for a minimum of two weeks. It is a fun and wonderful way to interact with the animals, as well as make friends with staff and other volunteers from around the world. All of the volunteers cook and eat dinner together, and share a wonderful family-communal setup. Craig usually lights the barbecue pit up at least once or twice a month for a typical South African braai. There are plenty of fun and social activities to do during the weekends, from going to Sun City, Pretoria, Johannesburg, or the Elephant Research Center, hiking, mountain biking, and so much more.

After I spent the morning with the cheetahs, I fell in love with Scarlet—an 8 years old cheetah who acts more domesticated than my cat at home. Perhaps the land of Robert Redfords, cheetahs, and South African braais aren’t so bad for this city slickette. 

Cultural Embrace's Volunteer in Eastern Cape, South Africa Projects by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/3/201111:19:30 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, South Africa, Volunteer

You can fly in to East London (quick 1-1.5 hours from Capetown and Johannesburg respectively), or do what Liz, Dex, and I did on this trip and drive up, or take one of our partnering hop-on, hop-off buses, which takes you along the breath-taking Garden Route and Sunshine Coast. Cultural Embrace’s local coordinator, Mike, and his crew will pick you up from the airport or bus station, and take you to your volunteer lodge. Housing is included, yet varies depending on the project, occupancy level, and season, but are clean, comfortable, and exceeds my expectations. All meals (delicious by the way, with plenty of fresh fruit) are included, and are able to meet special dietary and allergy requests. Private ground transportation is included to transport volunteers to and from your project site and accommodation, as well as any cultural and social activities that volunteers opt to do over the weekend. However, many volunteers choose to walk to their project sites since it allows them a chance to exercise, walk on the beach, and it’s very safe. I visited each project’s sites and housing, and they are awwwesome! I’ll write a brief description about the volunteer and housing arrangements in paragraph form.

Schools Projects-we are working with three local schools to help fundraise and facilitate a computer literacy program. Small computer labs have recently been built, and Mike (who has degrees in education and English) has created a full curriculum to teach the students computer skills matched with life skills. If you are fond of sports, there is an Interactive Sports Development project, where you will train, coach, and play with the children at school. We are trying to encourage health, nutrition, and exercise at a young age. Group sports like football/soccer, basketball, and other team-building games are taught.Creche Projects are equivalent to at-need nursery schools and preschool education back in the States. Many of the local crèches are not meeting the standards enforced by the Ministry of Health (usually because no one is enforcing them), so we need individuals and groups to volunteer in maintenance, renovations, painting, gardening, cleaning, playground building, and other fun and rewarding physical work. All volunteers will live in a lovely volunteer home that overlooks the water. Double and triple rooms are available, with shared bathrooms, kitchen, patios, living and dining room. Self-catered breakfasts and lunches are included, and family style dinners are prepared daily.

Holy Cow! by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201111:14:56 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I might be buying a cow for the orphanage!

The kids get three good meals a day, but only get milk once a week. A local nurse strongly recommended they drink at least one glass of milk per day. Solving this problem is not as easy as one would think. The orphanage doesn't currently have the funds to provide milk each day for all 34 kids. Even if they did have the $$, they don't have a refrigerator big enough to keep the milk from spoiling. In addition, the electricity can be unreliable. They have it, but there are many days when it is off for hours at a time.

So I started discussing with Zach, the orphanage manager, ways I can help resolve the problem. I told him investing in the children's future is important to me, and I feel a glass of milk a day is necessary for the kids to grow strong and healthy.

Zach just came to me and said it would be best to buy a cow. He said buying a cow is not only a long term resolution, but better for the kids. If they have their own cow, they can ensure the milk will be safe to drink. So tomorrow we are going to look at cows. The requirement is that the cow will produce at least 10 liters a day.

I will keep you posted on how the purchase is coming along. In the meantime start thinking of names for the cow! 

HUG Project with Appalachian State by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/3/201111:00:37 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, Featured Participants, Group Trips, Guatemala, Volunteer

 

From the first day, I could tell that this group of volunteers had great chemistry, big hearts, and a good sense of humor—all useful characteristics in combatting the daunting work that lay ahead.

 

 

To get to know each other and Antigua, we went to Frida's for some Mexican flavor on Sunday night.  Not quite typical Guatemalan food, but all the staples were there—tortillas, black beans, chicken and rice.  Plus, Frida's fajitas are divine.

 

 

Before we started

 

Early Monday morning, everyone greeted the first day of hard labor with the good spirits and positive energy that I would come to expect.  The week's primary goal was to lay the foundation for a library on the second story of the orphanage.  The construction area, however, was closer to a junk yard than a library.  When the volunteers got there, the upstairs was littered with toys, donated books, trash, and an unused mattress.   

 

Photo, Kristin Johnson

 

The mess didn't phase the volunteers though.  They were ready for any and every task Juan assigned: a guerrilla war against arañas (spiders),  or naranjas!! (oranges), if your spanish is rusty; two hours to carry 555 cinder blocks into the orphanage; or, an overhaul of the trash collection that had become the backyard.  In groups of five, the fifteen volunteers attacked every corner of the orphanage, including the dance floor.  

  

The volunteers completely reconfigured the back yard, itemized and organized the existing makeshift library, and prepared the construction area for its cement foundation. 

 

 

Photo, Kristin Johnson

 

Although there were two strapping young men in the group, not one of the thirteen girls shied away from the dirty work.  Las chicas took turns sieving sand, mixing cement, and plastering the walls.  

 

 

New Blue Walls—Photo, Kristin Johnson

 

Library walls afterwards—Photo, Amy Johnson

 

While a group of five was constantly working hard on the library, the other two groups helped the rest of San Mateo by cleaning and painting seven homes of children who attend the orphanage.  By the end of the week, the locals recognized and greeted the volunteers.  And the kids, well, they had fifteen new best friends to play with. 

 

 

 

 

One of the most memorable events of the week was Thursday's lunch.  To show their appreciation for the work that Appalachian State did in the orphanage and throughout the community, local women prepared Pepian de Pollo, a Guatemalteca specialty. The women prepared enough for all of the volunteers and 46 children.  Although half of the group was incapacitated by stomach cramps, the volunteers did their best to digest the generous gesture. 

 

 

Pepian de Pollo Recipe

 

Ingredients:  

3 Pounds Chicken — in large pieces
4 Cups Water
1 Teaspoon Salt
2 Large Tomatoes — chopped
5 Medium Tomatillos — chopped
1 Large Pasilla Chile — chopped
1 Large Guajillo Chile — chopped
1/2 Cup Sesame Seeds
1 Tablespoon Squash Seeds — optional
1 Stick Cinnamon
2 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Cup French Bread Crumbs — moistened with broth
1/4 Teaspoon Achiote
1 Tablespoon Flour

 

Directions: Cook chicken in 3 cups water with salt for 30 minutes. Cook tomatoes, tomatillos, both chiles in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Toast sesame and squash seeds, cinnamon stick and hot chile flakes in a dry skillet over low heat for about 10 minutes. Careful not to burn them. Process toasted ingredients to a powder, then add to tomato mixture. Process this mixture to a smooth paste. Add bread, achiote, 2 cups chicken broth and flour. Process this to a smooth paste. Add this sauce to the chicken. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes or until sauce is a thick red paste. Serve with tortillas or rice.

 

 Despite the long, hot, and duro days, the volunteers were always ready for the afternoon activities.  Every evening we experienced a different element of Guatemala—tours of a coffee plantation, macadamia farm, and jade factory; salsa and meringue lessons; and lots of artisan markets.  

  

"Top Quality" Beans Drying 

 

Jade Mask at Carlos's One-Man Fábrica- Photo, Samantha Lane

 

Fun, if not effective, salsa lessons- Photo, Kristin Johnson

 

In just a week, each App Stater became part of a family in San Miguel and part of the community in San Mateo.   At the going away dinner on Friday night, the host families provided dinner, the coordinators offered speeches and the volunteers supplied saucy dance moves. 

 

 

App State's many quirks and personalities made it hard to say good bye on Saturday, but as a consolation, we started planning my visit to Boone, North Carolina this summer.  I hope that the HUG projects continue to be this successful, but the open minds and open hearts of App State will be hard to beat.  

 

 

Sudor y Amor: Rendezvous in Guatemala

6/3/201110:51:19 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

I have been going to the gym religiously in Antigua, but no amount of time on the elliptical could have prepared me for this hike. We stayed at the head of the pack, crossing the hardened lava with the more experienced explorers, but the people to our left and right didn't break a sweat nor skip a beat in conversation.  

And here's the mouth of the monster where Chris made himself useful and roasted some marshmallows, melting his shoe soles and charring his leg hair in the process. 

A Quick Trip to Lago Atitlan

6/3/201110:37:41 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

This weekend I went to Lago Atitlán to enjoy the enchanted forests of el pueblo, San Marcos.  San Marcos is one of many towns bordering the lake and is known for its mystic atmosphere, but definitely not its nightlife. Although San Marcos did not offer much other than meditation after dinner, there was plenty to do in the sunshine.  

We stayed at hotel La Paz in a thatched roofed cabana with bathrooms showered in foliage, a traditional Mayan sauna, and yoga available at all hours of the day.

 

The walk way to La Paz

 

Our outdoor shower, equipped with a verdant roofing system.

 

After practicing yoga in the fresh morning air, Rachel and I climbed rocks and navigated steep mountain paths to find a quiet place to sunbathe.  We jumped from cliffs overlooking the clear water, swam amongst miniature crabs, and sunbathed near nude swimmers.  We stayed on the rocks until dusk, befriending both locals and travelers as they passed by.  

  

The edge or our perfect sunbathing rock

 

Despite its peaceful ambience, the empty town became a little eerie in the evenings.   Rachel and I got the impression that San Marcos could be a dangerous, albeit beautiful, place to get lost in at night. 

 

  The largest street in San Marcos

After dinner Saturday night, we went looking for a bit of revery, but only found deserted gardens and some wandering locals; the winding dirt paths were empty, all three restaurants were closed, and the hippies must have wrapped themselves in their fair trade ponchos and retired to meditate.

 

Locals doing their thing

 

When I have a long weekend, I plan to return to Lago Atitlán. A day and half was not nearly enough.  

A Taste of Rio Dulce and Livingston

6/3/201110:30:48 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

 

 

After the tour, Anne and I were dropped off in Rio Dulce, the city.  While the river is a majestic force of nature, the town absorbed little if any of this beauty.  Rio Dulce is primarily a launching pad, where you grab a lancha and get out.  It consists of a maniacal market street where Guatemalans bark out discounted prices and black smoke pumps out of passing buses.  

 

 

 

Our place of residence was pleasantly located across the bridge and far away from the market mania.  We spent the night at this sweet refuge, books and licuados nearby, before starting the (this time) seamless ride back to Antigua. 

 

 

Un Aniversario Muy Especial by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/2/20111:34:38 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

Considering the constant crowd in and around the language school, Cultural Embrace thought it would be the perfect place to promote its HUG (Hug, Understand, Give) Project. 

First, the kids performed "Instrumentos de Labranza," which is considered a "Working Man's Dance."  It is the traditional dance of los campesinos, those who work in the fields, and features typical labor tools.  Many of the children from San Mateo start working in the fields with their parents as early as age 3,  executing difficult tasks such as grinding coffee, carrying stacks of woods, gathering flowers, or harvesting corn.

While the bride wears traditional Mayan attire, the First Communion recipients dress much like Catholics kids in the United States (above and below). After the ceremony, the families and clergy have dinner together.  Instead of a honeymoon, the bride gets to clean up after the party and host a celebratory lunch the next day.  Lucky gal!

When both dances were finished, we provided a special treat for the kids.  They hired a clown, who frankly, was underwhelming in a bird costume (?) and had a short supply of magic tricks.  However, most of the kids had never seen a proper clown before, so they didn't notice his/her shortcomings.  The look on their faces was priceless.

 

Flora y Fauna by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/2/20111:17:22 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

 To get to Earth Lodge, we took a "shuttle," which was actually just the back of a pick up truck, for a half hour up one of the nearby mountain sides.

 

Happy with our arrangements despite being landlocked, we watched the sun set over Volcán Fuego from hammocks and later enjoyed a freshly prepared organic meal.

Embracing Cultural Embrace by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/2/20111:02:35 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

Having been home for the holidays, I've gained a second wind and am ready for another adventure. I've been working with Cultural Embrace to set up the internship details that will guide my stay in Antigua, Guatemala. Starting January 18th, I will live with a host family in Antigua while simultaneously working with Cultural Embrace's HUG (Help Understand Give) initiative and fulfilling a multimedia journalism and promotions internship.


My job in Guatemala will be two-fold. I will act as a liaison between the orphanage and Cultural Embrace while concurrently documenting my experience, blogging at least once a week, and spreading the word about Cultural Embrace's altruistic initiatives to the curious, like-minded souls that I meet along the way.

Thanks to generous donations, determined volunteers, and CE founder, Emlyn Lee's passionate vision to "Discover the Similarities...Share the Differences," Cultural Embrace has been able to establish working relationships with communities in Guatemala that are desperately in need of support from the international community. While there are many places in need, I will be assigned to a make-shift orphanage in San Mateo,  a village outside of Antigua. The orphanage supports and educates 46 children who would otherwise be displaced or abandoned. If you'd like to learn more or donate to the cause, read Emlyn's blog. You can also see what Keith Ferrazzi, a New York Times best seller and fervid philanthropist, did during his service trip with Cultural Embrace by visiting his popular blog.  

Lion's Head, Thai Food, and God... Oh My! by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/2/201111:41:40 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, Group Trips, South Africa, Volunteer

My first full day in Cape Town ‘on my own’, without a tour bus, a handheld sign, or passengers to herd around. We walked around the various districts, and then decided to hike Table Mountain National Park. My travel mates and I have been to the infamous Table Mountain numerous times…so we decided to hike the other side of the park, where there were several trails and peaks that we had never experienced. We chose Lion’s Head, and trekked along…and along…and along. I love to exercise, I love the outdoors, and I love beautiful scenery…and today’s hike had all three. The weather was beautiful, and the scenes were breath-taking…overlooking all the different districts of Cape Town, the waterfront, the ocean, Table Mountain, paragliders, helicopter emergency drills, and so much more.

I consider myself to be in decent physical shape, but the steepness of this trail made my heart, thighs and quads scream mercy on me. I don’t know if it was the jetlag, or the fried potato wedges that I ate at lunch, but I was ti-red! In fact, by the time we got back down to town, we stopped at an adorable café called, “The Bombay Bicycle Club” and I needed the waitress to bring me a bag of ice for my knees! We sat around resting our tired bones and muscles insistent that the sea level had dropped in Cape Town and that altitude must have been the factor for our exhaustion, until Dex asked, “What’s for dinner?”

I was like dog hanging out a car window—ears perked, tongue out, drooling to support Dex’s question. Liz was craving curry. Dex was craving more beer. I was craving anything that didn’t look like a mountain. We went back to our hotel, got ready and found a recommended Asian restaurant on-line. Pon’s Asian kitchen—thumbs up by the viewers, and definitely thumbs up by me and my mates! Cape Town is a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and Pon’s menu represented SE Asian cuisine delectably--Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes. We licked every piece of jasmine rice off our plate, had a very pleasant bottle of local South African wine, and had a very interesting dinner conversation about religion, faith, and cultures.

While we had different beliefs and upbringings, we discovered the similarities, and shared the differences of opinions. Isn’t that what life is all about? We are all unique individuals, and we have the capability to bring our gifts to the table and share it with others. The common bond in humans is that we are able to communicate. Even if we speak different languages, dialects, or are mute…we share the commonality of being able to express love, kindness, peace, forgiveness, and understanding. I am striving for this, not only in the mission of Cultural Embrace, but in my daily life.

How ironic is it, that I’m at a writer’s block, not really sure how to end this blog…when I look up from my bed, and see a framed picture of Nelson Mandela on the wall. I guess a picture is really worth a thousand words. 

First Week by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/2/201111:35:05 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Goodness this has been an interesting week. I am at an internet cafe in Thika. Thika is about 45 minutes from Makuyu,where the orphanage is. To get here we walked about 20 minutes to the bus stop to jump on a Matutu. The Matutu bus ride took about 45 minutes. I think we are the only white people in the area. Everyone stares at us as we walk by and kids come up wanting to touch our hands. I imagine it is the same experience as a movie star. The reason the kids are so interested in touching us is because they think we are grown babies. All people are born white, even Kenyans. So the kids think we are big white babies. I hope I am making sense. I don't have much time and my thoughts are racing in every direction.

Overall I have had a great time. There was a bit of adjustment time, but things seem to be getting easier. There are 6 other volunteers from all over. Two from San Diego, one from South Korea, one from Germany, one from Canada, and one from England.

The kids are great. They all have their head shaved b/c of school. So it was hard to tell boys from girls. There are 34 in total, and I have started to get to know a handful of them. I have so many stories and thoughts in my head and so little time!

There have been some frustrating moments. For example, some of the kids have been sick this week and at first it seemed as if the staff wasn't doing anything to take care of them. That was not the case. They just handle things differently than I would. Also, there communication is different. I think because there are so many kids (34 in total), staff (8), and volunteers (7) they have time to make sure everyone knows what is going on.

I have also struggled to stay in the present. When I left I came with the desire to just serve and love others. That is still the case, but I started to feel like I needed to make a difference and change their lives forever. The more I accept how things are at that very moment and remind myself I don't have to make this huge impact. All I have to do is love.

I have been reading my bible, and landed on James today. The entire chapter speaks to what I am going through, and how God wants me to handle these things. If you have time read it. The chapter is not that long.

I have to go now. Hopefully the next time I blog I will be able to make sense.
Love to all!!! 

Heartpangs for Africa by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/2/201111:29:16 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, Kenya, Volunteer

There is something about Africa that warms my soul. As a young girl, I was always fascinated by National Geographic magazines, PBS television series, and readings we had in school about African countries and culture. I would always do (and still do) a double-take when I see African art, get warm and fuzzies when I hear stories about humanitarian work to save Africa, bop my head around when I hear African drumming and tunes. Although each region has it's distinct style, the rhythmic beats, vibrant artwork, and stories infectiously lighten up my spirit, and allows me to embrace the continent from afar.

But then, I scored one of the best jobs in the world, and managed the operations of luxury tours around the globe. Year after year, I would submit my request form to this far, foreign, and fascinating continent. The Okavango Delta, Kalahari desert, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt always topped my "wish list," along with every other colleague in my office. Fortunately, by 1998 my wishes came true with seniority, and a few cartons of Dunhill cigarettes to the travel staff manager--haha just friendly (and unhealthy) reminders to my former boss.

Even though I have visited Southern, Eastern, and Northern Africa several times, my love and interest to Africa never wanes. I am thrilled and blessed to have an opportunity to return back to South Africa in about two weeks. This time, I will meet and work with the communities we partner with at Cultural Embrace. I will get a chance to truly integrate with the people and the communities, like how you will experience it on one of our volunteer, internship, and group programs.

I welcome you to join me and Cultural Embrace, as we dedicate the month of April featuring Africa programs and travel tips. I will be reporting about my experiences and site visits to our South African projects and placements, and invite you to join a C.E. volunteer, Tracy Guthrie, who is currently volunteering at our Kenyan orphanage.

For those that are still dreaming of Africa, we hope to whet your appetite to go explore her someday soon. If you have already visited, then I'm sure you can positively attest the natural beauty and rich culture of this exotic continent, and hope the travel bug continues to itch with stronger heartpangs for Africa. 

Pair of shoes for me by CE Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/2/201111:26:24 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

While I was at the mall getting Martha's shoes, I had another panic attack. I think I need a different pair of shoes than my running shoes. I need something more rugged, especially since it is rainy season over there. I find it interesting that I opt to spend money when I get stressed or feel anxious.

I went to Academy and found some Merrell shoes that are meant for outdoor activity. They have some special material that does well in wet terrain.

I feel a little guilty about buying them, so I hope it was a good choice. 

Dad's House by CE Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/2/201111:21:02 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I drove to Dallas today. My dad is watching Roxy (THANK YOU, DAD!) and because I fly out of DFW. I leave in 30 hours.

My journal entry and prayers for today:
I pray for a safe trip, a trip that will allow me to share God's love and a trip that will not only change my life but others as well. God, I pray you give me the wisdom to know where you want me, how to help someone, where you need me, and the courage, wisdom, love, grace, compassion and faith to make your will be done.

I pray and give thanks for Priscilla. I thank you for her kindness and spirit. You have blown me away with your gifts this season. Please forgive me and my moments of uncertainty. I still have doubts even when you showed your love and power to me.

I thank you for Martha, Pacomis and Samuel. They are kind souls who are willing to help a perfect stranger. I pray you give them the resources they need and you fill their hearts with joy. I ask you take on any burden they may have today.

I thank you for all the support I am getting from friends and family. I pray they get inspired to do something to draw them closer to you.

I thank you for my friendship with Marlo. She and I had dinner tonight at my favorite restaraunt in Arlington, Royal Panda. She drove from Dallas in crazy traffic to see me before I left. Not only that, she contributed some money to the trip. She is not working right now, so that is a total act of love. I pray you give her love in return for her gift to me.

I am still feeling a little anxious. Like there is still so much to do. I guess at this point, if it isn't done I don't need it.

I don't feel like praying for anyone else right now. I hope you understand. Maybe I will feel like praying for them later today.  

Sigh of Relief by CE Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/2/201111:13:15 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Yesterday I started to pack for my trip. It was another moment of high anxiety. I couldn't fit the items for the kids (clothes, toys, shoes, and sanitary napkins) into the allowed luggage. I emailed the director of the orphanage to find out if shipping was an option. He didn't recommend shipping b/c it is not reliable, and you have to pay additional to get it through customs. In addition, things tend to get confiscated. He suggested I buy the items over there as I will get more for my money. BRILLIANT! The plan is still to take some items with me but buy more once I am over there.


Also, I found out that b/c I am flying on a humanitarian ticket I can check 3 bags instead of two.

I still have to re-pack and organize, but all in all it has been a good day! 

I think it is time to pull out the prozac! by CE Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/2/201111:10:24 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I have officially started to stress out. Even though I have been checking things off my list "To Do" for 6 weeks, I am worried I won't get it all done. The clock is ticking and what do I decide to do? Blog.

I still need to do:

Exchange dollars for schillings. no one has them on hand, so I am not sure what to do. I would prefer to not do it at Nairobi airport.

Pack the suitcase with the items for the kids. I still want to get them shoes, but don't know if there is enough room.

Call my credit card company to let them know I will be out of the country

Get a power of attorney

Make sure I have all by bills paid in advance

Get an umbrella, adaptor, pillow for airplane

Create a list of important information and phone numbers for my family

Get a present for the couple that is picking me up at the airport. BTW they are driving 300 miles to get me at the airport. This is another blessing God has given me. My dad just happens to have a friend that is from Kenya. Her sister still lives there and is picking me up. How cool is that?

I don't know what else I need to get done, but I know I need to get off the damn blog.

Anyone have some prozac I can borrow? 

Should I or Shouldn't I? by CE Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/2/201111:07:00 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I am starting to pack for Kenya. My goal is to fit all the essientials into one carry-on travel backpack and check two more suitcases with items for the kids.

But my dilemma at the moment is: Should I bring my hairdryer?

My hair is a hot mess without one, but it's not like I am taking a vaction to a resort on the French Riviera. Guess I'll just make a game time decision.

How petty and vain is this post? 

Kenya or Bust, T Minus 20 Days by CE Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/2/201111:00:11 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

There are just 20 days left until I leave for Kenya. I can't believe it! I have been praying for this for more than two years. The purpose of my trip is to volunteer in an orphanage. I have no idea where the village actually is, nor what it looks like. But I will find out in 20 days!

How I got to this point is really a beautiful story. Even though I consider myself to have a pretty strong faith, I had serious doubts that it would ever happen. Doubt is a powerful enemy of faith and truth be told, doubt was kicking my ass.

Thus the story begins. In October of 2008 I met Emlyn, Director of Cultural Embrace, at a party. We talked briefly about her company and experience with international service trips. I checked out her website, but didn't do much more than that. I simply didn't have the financial means. Doubt was slowly but surely smothering my faith. The only thing I could do was pray. So I armed myself with prayer.

Fast forward to July 2009. I started a new job with a better salary that allowed me to save for the trip. I was planning to go in December of 2009. Well, the timing just wasn't right and it didn't happen. But I didn't give up hope. I kept saving and even gave up highlighting my hair! And of course I kept praying. I even commissioned my friends and family to pray with me. My faith started to make a come back.

On February 3, 2010 I was laid off due to budget cuts. I was devastated. I didn't think I would ever get to Kenya. My faith started to slip away again. So I changed my pray a bit. I challenged God that if this trip was His will for me, then he had to get me there. I somewhat jokingly asked Him to send me a check in the mail. I figured that would be the only way it would actually happen. To my surprise, God not only answered my prayer, but exceeded my expectations.

On February 24, 2010 my dad called with some "good news". My dad nonchalantly told me he got a random check in the mail from my dead grandmother. Well, not literally from my dead grandmother, but from a CD she put away years ago. The amount of the check was the exact amount of a plane ticket to Kenya. I shed many tears of joy that day. That is more than "good news", it was my miracle. It was a faith kicking the S**T out of doubt.

From that day forward things have continued to fall into place. God continues to answer my prayers and blow my expectations out of the water. Thanks to my friends, family and God, not only am I going, but I will be able to take items like shoes, shirts, and sanitary napkins to the kids at the orphanage.

Moral of the day: Faith is the best weapon we have. Never give up your faith. 

The Lesson from Emilio by CE Participant Steve Chisnell

6/2/201110:57:10 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Group Trips, Peru, Volunteer

I am fairly well read. I have a few degrees and certifications from university classrooms. None of that really means anything.

In Peru, I became accustomed to one particular image from which I learned a great deal. This was our guide Emilio. In the image, he is on the Inca Trail, alone, a floppy hat and sunglasses, his hands resting on the top of his walking stick as he waits for me to reach him. I am wheezing from altitude dizziness as we ascend—already my pack is stowed away on a horse. I imagine he must be anxious or tired of me, but he is not. His face shows only friendship, even some pride, and he tells me, "Steve, very few people can do this. Even many from Peru will quit this trail. You, Steve, you can do this."

He will tell me this in various ways a dozen times or more over the four days of our trek. During the first several, I believe he is giving me the "motivational guide talk," but as our companionship grows over slopes and valleys, I begin to believe his sincerity. He speaks honestly to me as we walk about everything—his wife, the edibles of the mountains, money, the coca leaf, Lima, the food preparation.

I can seldom recall the cloud cover roiling over the escarpments across the valleys, the lichens atop lichens scaling the boulders, or the "Dr. Seuss"-like trees bordering our descent without also picturing Emilio's face.

I watch the high school students trotting ahead—though later, even they will be blister-wearied—and I know that the Andes have humbled me, reminded me who's in charge. Several times on the second day I fall on the rocks, once hearing my camera body crack and a lens splinter. Once I become so dizzy that rather than risk taking a misstep down a 1500' slope, I toss my body against the uphill grade and sit, waiting for it to pass. But around that next bend, I know Emilio is waiting with his words.

And here is what I know—parts of this world challenge us, push us to quit, but I can meet them. And I will find friends who will help me. I am not meant to defeat whatever I encounter; I am, though, capable of meeting it and learning from it.

Emilio is the face of Peru for me, but he is also the same face I've met elsewhere. He is the teary-eyed 16-year-old Miho in Japan who led me through the Hiroshima Museum, he is Khagda of Nepal who explained Nepali politics to me on a rooftop in Pokhara, Lucia of China who tried to embarrass me with incorrect translations, Jem of Dominica who reminded me why a treehouse is better than a London apartment, Chief Archie of the Bella Coola peoples who took me to an ancient place, and the Karmapa Lama of Dharamsala who, at age 19, explained to me the critical difference between religion and ethic. There are dozens of others.

The Andes nearly knocked me flat. But I have learned some things.

That there is nowhere in the world that I cannot visit; that there are few people in the world who aren't worth meeting—or who will not welcome me into their community; and that I can meet no one who cannot teach me. 

What's That Smell? Oh, it's Me... by Teach and Volunteer in China Participant Chris Schave

6/2/201110:49:27 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I have just gotten back from taking my new friends to the train station. It was great to meet them, and it’s too bad they have to leave. Today we went to downtown and got some random fried food. I had what the Brits called chips. Sliced potatoes on a stick then fried. Along with that I had two mystery meats. I suspect that it was chicken and pork. Either way, they were good. Even though I am trying to just go wild with the food, I’m not trying to get sick. They had baby squid that looked interesting. I wasn’t sure if they fried those, so I stayed away from them.

After we headed to the grocery store so the girls could pick up some snacks for the train. I got some a couple of things, a small piece of chicken in a package and a pickled chicken foot. I ate the chicken and it was okay. It was odd tasting, but kind of reminded me of MRE’s from the military. I have to wait on the chicken foot. I accidently broke the bone when I was fidgeting with it in the line at the store. Maybe tomorrow I will eat it. I’m down with them being cooked, but pickled is something I’m not accustomed to.

Tonight I am going to get dinner with Persy. He is the local C.E. Coordinator. He seems like a nice fellow. Tomorrow the other three people in my group get here. They are all from England and there’s supposed to be two girls and a guy.

I’m really happy that I took the plunge and signed up for this trip. It truly is an amazing experience. All of the kids I’ve met from Europe are surprised an American would choose to come here. I can see what they why they would think that. For the most part we stick to the safe places. Funny thing is, I feel just as safe here as I did in Paris or Rome. The only thing is, I really have no idea what any of the signs or people are saying. I do enjoy the interesting translations and knock off brands.

Well, Persy has just arrived… To answer my aunt Gaylene’s question… “What does it smell like here?” Well, when I got off the plane it smelled a bit like sulfur. The air is thick and downtown it smells like street food. Similar to a row of hotdog stands. The mornings are clear, but the afternoons seem to get foggy with smog.

Until next time… 

Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Spotlight: Keith Ferrazzi

6/1/20113:34:13 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

New York Times Best-Selling author of "Never Eat Alone" and "Who's Got Your Back," and CEO of Greenlight Consulting, Keith Ferrazzi, selected Cultural Embrace to assist him with a holiday service vacation to help out in orphanages in Antigua, Guatemala.  Ferrazzi is recognized as one of the foremost experts on professional relationship development, and has been described as one of the world's most "connected" people by Forbes, as well as being named by the World Economic Forum as a "Global Leader of Tomorrow."

“We live such sheltered lives,” Ferrazzi says in his blog at www.keithferrazzi.com, “I showed up to Guatemala to care for those who the world has forgotten.” Compared to the living conditions of the children Ferrazzi worked with, our lives are indeed sheltered. Many of these children lack things that we commonly take for granted, such as family, clean water, and the opportunity to go to school. To put things into perspective, $10 could feed a family in Antigua for a week or more, and $300 could send a child to school for a year, giving them an opportunity to improve their lives, and the lives of their neighbors.

Of the children whose education Ferrazzi has sponsored, he noted that “Every one of these kids told me that their future would include coming back to help their village. . . This more than anything else give me hope for the future here.” Keith Ferrazzi’s day job focuses on helping people towards success through their relationships with others.  It is fitting that through his volunteer work, he is able to see the invaluable constructive power of relationships and connections at work in the lives of the people he has touched during his time in Guatemala.

For more about Keith Ferrazzi's service trip to Guatemala, click here.
To donate to Cultural Embrace & Ferrazzi Greenlight's Guatemala projects, click here.
  

Feliz Ano desde Guatemala by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/1/20113:28:25 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, Guatemala, Volunteer

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s a start of a new decade. Since August, I have probably spent more consecutive days living in Antigua, Guatemala than I have in Austin, TX, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to end and start a new year. I’m sitting next to the beautiful private annexed pool in Porta Antigua Hotel, reflecting upon the projects and programs Cultural Embrace has accomplished in 2009, and motivated for a better 2010.

In 2009, we have sent over 40 participants to teach English (and other subjects, such as: history,  American culture, physics, computers, math, etc) in Chile, China, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand for at least a committed semester or school year.

We have organized dozens of volunteers to help at-need communities in Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Austin, TX from 1-52 weeks. Sample projects have included: building schools in Guatemala, helping with reforestation projects throughout Australia, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Thailand, training at health/HIV clinics in Kenya, Thailand, Ecuador, and India, and tutoring kids and orphans in Argentina, Austin, China, Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru, South Africa, and Thailand.

Over 50 students or recent graduates have interned abroad gaining professional development in their field of study. Some of the interns’ needs were to earn academic credit, but all of them were focused on developing practical work skills in the global market. Examples of where and what some of these interns did are: working as an assistant for the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, coordinating events and cultural exchanges for Brazilian students to go abroad, marketing for businesses in the software, auto, language schools, radio/media, engineering, biotech, etc in Argentina, Spain, Australia, China, France, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Interns have also shadowed doctors in clinics and hospitals in Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Peru.

We have had over 25 young adults work in the hospitality and non-technical fields in Australia, Spain, France, and New Zealand. They have worked in hotels, restaurants, chateaus, golf and ski resorts, farms, and families as au pair/nannies. This is a great chance for them to earn a local wage, afford to live, work, and travel abroad, make new friends and professional contacts, and gain a sense of independence, responsibility, and global mindset.

Every business needs to set daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual goals. The New Year is an obvious time to lay down new resolutions and aspirations, and to increase and improve our services to encourage people to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. We plan to build deeper relationships with at-need communities, by ‘sponsoring’ and facilitating their projects. I am starting with Guatemala, and developing relationships with several project leaders to discuss ways that Cultural Embrace may assist with marketing, fundraising, and providing awareness and guidance in building sustainability within their village. Plans to sponsor communities in Kenya, and India in 2010 are in the works.

I encourage you to put international travel on your New Year’s resolution list for 2010. There is no better way to balance your personal, professional, and spiritual state of mind than by going abroad. Cultural Embrace and I are committed to provide you the service that will allow you to have a safe, healthy, and memorable experience to...“Discover the Similarities…Share the Differences” of this beautiful world.  Feliz Ano! I look forward to making this the best year and decade!     

Christmas Part with San Mateo's Community by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/1/20113:23:58 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, Guatemala, Volunteer

It’s hard to believe that I left Austin less than a week ago. I feel like every day is packed with a month (at least) long worth of memories. I have to admit, it is hard for me to express in words some of the sites that I’m seeing, as well as what I am thinking, because it’s hard to digest some of the living conditions of the people in this beautiful country.

One of the villages that I visited on Sunday and Tuesday is called San Mateo Milpas Altas. It is located ~15 minutes car ride, or 30 minutes by bus (about 2-3 buses a day) from Antigua. I met an amazing woman, Judith Lopez, who I felt immediately comfortable with in my broken Spanish (it helps that she is a Spanish teacher and VERY patient), just from our initial handshake and hug. Judith fought (literally, physically) with her parents, as well with social norms, to be the first woman in her village to graduate, let alone attend, University.  She studied socioeconomics, and returned back to San Mateo to use her studies to improve her own community. In 1999, she heard a knock at the door, and there were two poor children, asking for food and a place to sleep. Judith and her husband, Juan, opened their doors to these kids, and haven’t closed it since. Prodesenh was created, now helping over 120 children in a day, as well as the adults in San Mateo, to support and improve their education, life skills, and living conditions.

Many of the children are orphans living with Judith and Juan or with neighbors or relatives. Some have at least one parent, but are unable or unwilling to care for their own children. Financial burden, alcoholism, lack of education and resources are common reasons these children are neglected at home (and school). Many of the parents are not available, either because they are seeking work, or they are alcoholics (prevalent of fathers in the rural areas). However, if and when the fathers return home, many are physically, mentally, sexually, verbally, and emotionally abusive to their wife and children. Many of the children and woman go to Prodesenh to find solace and love.

This past Sunday, Judith and Juan invited two American volunteers from South Jersey, USA, an intern from Quebec, Canada, and I to attend their Christmas party. There were about 60 children, from infants to 13 years old, and about 10 adults from San Mateo all sitting in a room, probably no bigger than my living room back in Austin. Not only was it warm and cozy due to the tight sitting quarters, but you could feel the warmth and love between the children, Judith and Juan. I would have never imagined that I could spend over 5 hours in a roomful of 60 children, but for some reason, time flew by, and I everyone had a great night. The children were so well behaved, eager for the next performance, enthusiastic to hold our hands, and listen to Judith and Juan emcee the program. They put on a whole production--with songs, poems, dances, games, piñatas, gifts, food, and a Christmas play. The children’s smiles were from ear to ear…my smile was spread across my face! 

Mi Casa es Tu Casa by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/1/20113:15:41 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, Guatemala, Volunteer

It has taken me two full days to digest that even though I am abroad, I am “home” for the rest of the year. It's quite ironic because Guatemala was my last 'backpacking' adventure that my former St. Louis roommate and I took, at the end of 2000, before I moved to Austin, Texas. It reconfirms my surreal and time-warped mind frame wondering…how did nine years just go by?!?

However, there are noticeable changes from my ‘backpacking’ days and running my own business. I recall the days of chasing after a crowded chicken bus with sheep tied to the roof, sweating with a backpack over my shoulder, and realizing my traveling companions and I arrived in a foreign country without a guidebook or plan. Or playing ‘rock, paper, scissor’ to decide who had first dibs on the bunk beds, even though the winner wasn’t sure whether the top or the bottom mattress was the better pick. Thus, having an organized airport pick-up (which we include in all our Volunteer programs), and a receiving line of the whole staff welcoming me upon my return to my partnering language school (the one I used backpacking in 2000), with a private apartment with cable modem made me feel a bit older (just a wee), and more mature, well, ok, maybe more professional.

I forgot to pack my guidebook again, but I consider that to be the small stuff not to sweat over, especially since I’m in such good hands with our local coordinators; but as for a plan…that is why I am here! Cultural Embrace currently sends individuals and groups to learn Spanish, volunteer at social projects, embrace cultural activities, such as: cooking classes, salsa dance lessons, bike tours around banana and coffee plantations, and take excursions in Guatemala, as well as many other neighboring countries in Latin America. But now, one of my goals for 2010 will be to “sponsor” a few communities around the globe. I would like to invest more awareness and client participation, and essentially take their needs ‘under our wings’ to provide funding and assistance to improve their living conditions.

I’m starting this plan in Guatemala, and using charming Antigua as ‘home-base’. This is a lovely cobble-stoned town, quaint in size, safe and convenient for foreigners, close in proximity to the new and modern La Aurora international airport in Guatemala City, and only 20-30 minutes drive by car to the project sites. I am going to visit the different communities, and decide which village I feel partial to, and will devise a short and long term plan with their leaders, men, women, and children to improve their educational and social welfare.

Although I am a bit nostalgic being away from my family and friends during the holidays, I am however, excited and anxious to ring in the New Year with meaningful and specific goals for 2010. I am looking forward to developing new friendships and building a closer bond with my Guatemalan family and “home”. I will be sharing my experiences on this blog at least 3x a week, and invite you to provide feedback, opinions, questions, or suggestions to help prepare for my plan. Since meeting Juan Carlos, my Guatemalan coordinator, in 2000, he ends every conversation, email, and telephone call with an expression, that remains so true to this day…”Mi Casa es Tu Casa!”  

Join a Group Service Trip to Guatemala, an Interview with Emlyn Lee

6/1/20113:05:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Guatemala, Volunteer

Cultural Embrace's President Emlyn Lee gives us the low down on the upcoming group trips to Guatemala. Read below to find out all the details and see why you should sign up for this "spring time sunshine and service trip"! ? 

Q: Emlyn, are Group Service Trips something new from Cultural Embrace? 

A: Over the years, we've customized all sorts of trips for groups. We design trips and cultural-immersion experiences for any unique group traveling abroad, such as short-term faculty lead study abroad, private groups, alternative spring breaks, healthcare and service-learning trips, youth leadership programs, environmental-conservation projects, fun family vacations, corporate team-building retreats, mission trips, alumni and associate groups. We obviously design our trips so the travelers will see and learn more about the fascinating and historical sites, but the 'sight-seeing' is secondary, and we try to design itineraries that will offer the travelers to integrate with the local community. One of the best ways to interact and connect with the local community is through service projects. There is no better way to build a relationship than to roll up your sleeves, and lend a hand (and heart) to help others. It is such a rewarding experience to the community, as well as yourself, and lifetime friendships and memories are formed. 

Q: Do you offer trips for individuals who want to join a travel group? 

A: Actually yes! We have several trips in 2010 that anyone can join. For example, the upcoming Guatemala Service trips have pre-arranged dates that individuals, couples, or groups may join. This is a great option for those that want to volunteer and meet other foreigners, while they embrace the Guatemalan culture and people. They are quick, economical, one-week trips, that coincide with Spring Break dates:(March 6-13); (March 13-20); (March 20-7); (March 27-April 3). We hope this offers a more meaningful and alternative travel experience for anyone wishing to volunteer in an at-need community and mix springtime sunshine with service. 

Q: That sounds fun! What is the cost of the trip and what is included? 

A: The trip fee is only $695! We prepare every logistical detail to ensure top quality, safe, and healthy travels. Our expert and knowledgeable staff support all the needs of the group, before, during and after your journey. Services include: airport pick-up and transfer, international and ground transportation, lodging with host families (hotel or apartment stay available for additional fee), meals, a CE staff trip leader, the best local partners for bi-lingual service, travel insurance, excursions, service and cultural activities, service projects, and social activities in Antigua Guatemala. 

Q: What types of volunteer and service projects will take place during the Guatemala Service Trip? 

A: Volunteer projects include: Teach, tutor, and play with children in low-income daycare community centers. Work with street children, handicap & disabled children, and troubled teens. Work in hospice, local hospital/health centers,pharmacies and nursing homes. Help build and maintain gardens and yards in at-need community centers. Contribute to building, fixing, and painting for at-need construction projects in schools and community centers. Groups may work together on one project or be divided into teams to work on different service projects- based on group size, skills, and Spanish language knowledge. 

Q: What are the social and cultural activities you mentioned in Guatemala? 

A: Most afternoons we provide bi-lingual guided activities or excursions, such as: cooking classes, salsa dance lessons, bike tours to local banana plantations, local soccer (futbol) games with local children, hike and visit to Volcano Pacaya, visit and boat ride to Lake Atitlan with a stop at a local market, and much more. We definitely try to 'maximize' your time abroad, especially since there is so many fascinating things to see and do; however, we also want to give you the option to relax, reflect, and rest. We have contacts with yoga studios, spas, and understand the need for 'leisure' time for you to chill.