Monday, February 4, 2008

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Orientation Day

Journal Entry by Rosanna Garrish

Most people who live in the modern “western” world, namely the United States, Canada, Australia, etc, most likely have an ethnic heritage rooted somewhere else in the world. Mine, in particular, are in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Personally, I believe that those who travel abroad frequently do so to learn about cultures rich in history, customs, and traditions that date back thousands of years. People who volunteer abroad are special, kind souls who desire to learn through first hand experience and simultaneously make a difference in the lives of others.

Today, our special group of six learned a little about one another. Most are veteran world travelers, a few veteran volunteers. As volunteers in a foreign country we must all understand what I have found to be THE most important principle: WE ARE GUESTS---------Act Accordingly.

We have each been assigned very important tasks and responsibilities that should be considered a tremendous opportunity to grow------spiritually and otherwise. Stephen did a wonderful job articulating these points to all of us today. We look forward to the next three weeks with a lot of enthusiasm in the hopes that we will return to our “western” lives with a priceless experience that far exceeded our expectations. And……hopefully we will have made a tiny bit of difference in the lives of many or even just a few.

Quote for the day: “Use for yourselves little…..but give to others much”----Albert Einstein

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