Volunteer Name: Stephanie Bramlett
Project Location: La Serena, Chile
Volunteered At: Orphanage
What was your favorite memory of this trip? The celebration and parade by the kids for the La Serena's national birthday
What was the most surprising thing you experienced? Everyone we worked with was extremely open and trusting of us from day one.
What was the most difficult thing to deal with? the language barrier
Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) Pack clothes that you wont mind leaving as donations once you are done the project. Also take advantahe of the tours such as Elqui and the Mamulluca Observatory.
How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA? Great How was the local accommodations? My host family, Vilma, made me feel right at home and helped us to become familiar with the city.
Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): I had an excellent experience working with this program in La Serena. When first arriving at the orphanage I was surprised at how much the children and tias immediately trusted us. It too some times for us to adjust to the way things were run especially since Sam and I did not have experience working with young kids. Though we knew it would be no means be an easy job working at the orphanage, we were definitely taken a back by some of things we saw. That being said this has been a life-changing experience and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.Throughout the past three weeks I have learned a great deal about the Chilean culture and about myself all while being able to contribute something to the wonderful kids and workers at the orphanage.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Yes
