A Father Who Helped to Change The World
Many families vacation to resorts throughout the world, but how long does that pleasure truly last? When you take a trip with CCS, you and your family will have beautiful memories along with an impact that will last well-beyond your time volunteering.
MaryAnn Steinberg (left), at 82, proved that there’s no age limit to giving back.
by Peru Volunteer Jeri Russell
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a young stewardess working for Pan American, traveling the world. We flew into Liberia Africa for what was my first time. As we landed the large 747 at midnight, we were met by a crowd of orphans. Not pictures of big eyed orphans but real children; hungry babies alone in the night. I saw how the crew helped these kids, each flight. A little help, a little love, a little time, every time. The power of that experience was a game changer and one all humans should have; knowing we each CAN help.
Way back in 1988, I sat on my living room couch and made a list of what I wanted to do during my lifetime. This was my version of a “Bucket List” long before the movie. On this lofty list of over thirty things, I wrote ideas such as have a baby, learn a foreign language, teach a child to read, make a new friend every year, and run a marathon. My list, now resembling a worn-out piece of paper and barely legible to read resides in my wallet and is pulled out, read and reviewed, often. It has become my life plan.
Recently, my mom, sister, and I traveled to Guatemala to volunteer together with Cross-Cultural Solutions for one week. And although we're an incredibly close bunch, I feel like I got to see certain sides of those two (and myself), for the very first time.
In the Fall of 2011, my daughter decided to volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions in Guatemala. She invited me to accompany her, and though I was hesitant at first, she wouldn't take no for an answer. She convinced me that volunteering in Guatemala would be a wonderful experience. She then said that her two grown children—my eldest grandchildren—were also going.
In December 2011, I volunteered in Guatemala with my family: mom, brother, and grandma. We had volunteered as a family with Cross-Cultural Solutions twice before in Tanzania, but this was the first time that grandma was coming along for the adventure.
When I was in my 20s, I took my first trip as an international volunteer, and when I returned home, my career and priorities did a total 180. So I couldn't wait to find out how volunteering internationally would change my 9-year-old niece.
When my children Emilie and Marc were teens, we decided to volunteer as a family with Cross-Cultural Solutions in Lima, Peru. CCS offered Emilie and Marc the freedom to have their own volunteer assignments. This means that they were able to have their own independent adventures at their volunteer sites during the day, and each night at dinner, we'd all sit down and share our stories.
So, what are you going to do with the kids on their next break from school? The way we see it, you've got a few options...
