50plus Voices

The experience contributed to my retirement goal. That was to develop an understanding of people of other cultures beyond what is available to a person just traveling through a country.
Patricia, Age 71, Costa Rica Volunteer

I know that two weeks is a short time, but I have never had such an intense travel experience as the one to Guatemala City through Cross-Cultural Solutions.
Andrea Cookson, Age 60, Guatemala Volunteer

Working with the children, I was feeling helpless not knowing Spanish, and thought that I should be doing more. Then at one point I realized I could participate in a different way. I didn't have to be the teacher; letting the children teach ME was much more stimulating for them. Once I let go of being the HELPER, I could play games on the playground and laugh at myself (as they laughed with me). And there's other ways of communicating without words, like doing crafts and taking photos. I didn't feel like I was doing much, but everyone was terribly appreciative.

Along the way I wondered how the children would ever get out of their situation. The physical environment was so much in need of improvements.

Gradually I began to feel ... who would want to leave a place of so much energy, with such a sense of community and joy? What is most important in life? The children are so loving and happy.
Patricia Burns, Age 55, Peru Volunteer

The trip was my 60th birthday present to myself, and it was a wonderful way to begin this new decade; I got to be selfish and generous at the same time, getting to visit a part of the world I had long wanted to see but at the same time returning with the feeling that I had had the chance to give back a bit of what life has so generously given me.
Linda, Age 60, India Volunteer