Volunteer Voices Archives

“Truly I feel at home here”

“I continue to be blown away by how hospitable and kind our hosts have been. In the South we have something called ‘Southern Hospitality, ‘ but I can confirm that Cuban Hospitality is another beast entirely. It is one thing to say you are glad to have us here, but to actually show it, and […]

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May 24, 2015/by Michele Gran

Grandmother-Grandson Duo Explore Cuba as Pioneer Volunteers

The first Global Volunteers team to Cuba was Glenda Biggerstaff’s fourth Global Volunteers program overall. However, even with her past experience, this was a brand new adventure for her – not only because she would be one of the nation’s first legal American volunteers to Cuba, but also because she decided to share this unique […]

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May 23, 2015/by Global Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Poland

Touched by the Students We Teach

Margaret, a volunteer serving in Poland, talks about how volunteers serving at Reymontówka are touched by the students they teach. We awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of thunder and hail stones hitting the roof. This type of weather made for another chilly day in Poland. At breakfast Bob talked about […]

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May 22, 2015/by Dorota Wierzbicka

Volunteer Voices Cuba

First Week of Volunteering Wraps up in Cuba

You might expect that our English classes at the Community Center on Day Five would be routine. No – every class has its surprises with new students and endearing returnees. Randy, Lou and Marietta introduced our classes to “This Little Light of Mine.” It brought smiles all around. Glenda got all of us moving and dancing in […]

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May 22, 2015/by Michele Gran

Volunteer Voices Cuba

Minneapolis Veteran Volunteer Calls Cuba Program One of the Best

“I knew I wanted to experience Cuba as a volunteer, ” said Sue Surma – long-time Global Volunteer team member and leader. “As soon as my best friend Holly signed up for the first team, I told her I’d go with her.” Sue and Holly try to volunteer together as often as Holly’s work schedule […]

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May 21, 2015/by Michele Gran

Volunteer Voices Cuba

Reflections on a Cuban Volunteer Journey

Snapshots of Cuba – It has been five days since we landed in Cuba. This country has been so close to Miami and so far from the United States for my entire life. Here we are. There are so many snapshots or images that we have experienced that seem to POP our eyes and minds wide open […]

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May 21, 2015/by Michele Gran

Volunteer Voices Italy

Thursday – A Day Of Unity, Joy & Tears

Today exchange students Granada, Spain and Munich, Germany partied and shared tearful goodbyes with their Italian counterparts. They return home after a whirlwind week of visiting Puglia. We were for fortunate to meet some of them and were impressed with the spirit of love and cooperation between students and teachers. But this festa ended our […]

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May 21, 2015/by Global Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Poland

Helping as Many Students as We Can

Today we had a busy morning breakfast. Breakfast included a spread made of farmers’ cheese (twaróg) with radishes and the usual meat & cheese plate. We were treated to hearing two journal entry readings from Bettina and Meghan recounting the events of the week so far. I delivered the message of the day to remind […]

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May 21, 2015/by Dorota Wierzbicka

Volunteer Voices Italy

Wednesday – We Are Blessed!

Our school in Italy, “Polo Liceale “Galileo Galilei” is filled with wonderful works of art. It is a genuine privilege to walk the halls and experience the mastery of Italian artists. We are truly blessed. What a joy it is to walk the hallways of our school. Everywhere you look – first you see […]

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May 20, 2015/by Global Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Cuba

“I Love Cuba!”

Pennsylvania nurse Holly Doll said volunteering in Cuba was greatly preferred over a standard cultural tour. Sewing with senior women and gardening beside a local farmer revealed the “soul” of Cuba, she said, and allowed her to “share and trust her heart to the Cuban people.” Doll manages a program at a residential center for seniors at home in Hanover. She greatly valued the […]

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May 20, 2015/by Michele Gran

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