Volunteer Programs in Ibague, Colombia

What I was met with blew away any expectations that I may have had going into this. Never in my life have I ever felt so welcome, so loved. Everyday was a pleasure. The love they have for each other, and concern, surpasses that of anything I have seen before. There was not an evident existence of loneliness in that place, nor were the people separated by isolation as in much of the western world, for it had been replaced with love, hope, and faith in the future. I was beyond excited that I would be able to live with Colombian family during my stay. The Colombian family that I had became my own. At the end of my stay I had a whole new set of brothers and parents that I care for deeply. As I left Ibagué, my family and dear friends that I had made here, I also left my heart with them. One day I will return to see them again.

I wanted to give something back after my amazing trip around South America. The staff made everything so easy and I felt so welcome right from the first day. My lack of spanish or teaching experience didn't matter at all. The children were so keen to learn and I really felt I was making a difference in their lives. I only came for six weeks and I ended up staying 6 months!