My beef with the program.

I'm not sure if I've gotten to this point in the excerpts I have posted, but shortly I will and for that, I am going to take a few steps back and talk about the program I went with to Ecuador.

I went with Jacksonville University out of Florida. They had this detailed program that sounded exciting, memorable, and fun. When I got accepted, I was told I would be teaching dance, drama, and English to an all-girls orphanage. Though there was no training prior to the trip, I assumed once in Ecuador the program director would go through all of it.

After about a month in Guayaquil, volunteering at the orphanage, I began to realize what had happened. When Jacksonville University sends representatives to check on the program, they get a glorified picture of what it is really like. They are taken to small, Catholic-run orphanages with planned events and funding for materials. They are driven by the program director in his car, or taken my taxi to the locations they visit. They sleep in the nicest part of town, with the most affluent host families. They are taken to tourist attractions. In their short time there, all they see is an illusion.

Here is reality: my host family lived in the second poorest part of town. This means a lot of crime. I could not take the bus after dark. Upon arrival, I was shown my bus route once, and then set free. Obviously, like many other volunteers after me, I got lost. I happened to be put in a government funded orphanage. It was like a night mare. So much need, so many young girls, and only one of me and no materials to work with. I tried to tell them, but they said I was "doing too much" and needed to come home.

Too much? Someone please tell me what is too much? I was only doing what I had come there to do. I wish I still had the emails with our correspondence. I went through their brochure and pointed out every lie they had told me. I signed off on their program, and continued to do the work and live with my host family.

My host family, The Campoverdes, are some of the most incredible people I've ever known. Talk about a whole lot of love! It was kind of cool to experience the ideal family dynamics. I was there first volunteer ever, so our bond was pretty unique. These are some of the most genuinely generous, kind, sweet, and loving people I've ever had. I had the opportunity to spend five months with them. They truly became like my family. I raised some hell, and they would sit me down, all of them, and tell me they love me and worry and not to do it again. One look at my host Dad and it was understood. 

Don't give up hope! Just because this program didn't meet my expectations doesn't mean there aren't a plethora of incredible volunteer programs out there! I have been on other trips and can assure you, there is one out there for you. Just say yes.