There are times when a person has a little time on his hands and would like to be of help to someone, somewhere, but does not know where to start. Many volunteer organizations ask for large amounts of money, just to work for free. I think there is another way.

There are many places that could use some help for a good cause...across the street or across the sea. Many of these causes, if not most are not sponsored by any group or organization, Their missions are worthy and many have as hard a time finding you as you have finding them. If you see someone who you think needs help, offer it. I fully believe we can start helping others without being overly cautious. If it feels right, help out...You will probably be right, and let your reward be the smile of thanks you receive.

Here in Ecuador there are a lot of opportunities to lend a hand. For Example, English teachers are in short supply, even though English is a required course.

Monday, May 09, 2005

Visitor from D.C.

In April we had a visitor from the Washington D.C. area of the United States. I am happy to say that she made the trip, looking for a place to do a little volunteer teaching, solely because of one of my postings on the AARP message boards. We had been corresponding for several months and I was pleased to meet her in person. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Ellen, a young retiree, who has served in the Peace Corp and will be returning to Baños at the end of the year to help in the English department in a local high school for two months.



Photo by J. Walker

Thank you Ellen and thanks for visiting. We will be glad to see you when you return. (Below you will find her comments.)

posted by Roberto at 8:58 AM

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, Roberto. Thanks to your blog and Jay's pictures, I was enticed to visit Baños in April 2005. It was fun exploring the town, soaking in the mineral springs, riding horseback in the hills overlooking the town, having a massage, taking the "chiva" with cable car + hiking to waterfalls, relaxing with a mud bath and sauna...and even finding a volunteer opportunity! Next January and February 2006, when it's snowing at home, I will be back in Baños, to revel in its springtime climate and to help English teachers at a local high school. Your portrayal of the town and environs, San Francisco and Margarita Ville is not exaggerated. I was impressed by the physical beauty of the landscape and struck by the "community" feel of Baños, and Ecuador in general. A 55-year-old female, I traveled solo in various parts of the country (Riobamba, Cuenca, Otavalo) and felt safe and not really alone. It was easy to meet people and strike up conversation with those at internet cafes, shopkeepers, the guitar maker, market vendors, tour operators, travelers on buses, passengers on the train and teenagers watching a Baños parade. The Ecuadorians I met were polite and inquisitive and harbored no anti-American sentiment. I hope other readers, who may be bored in retirement, as I was, will pack their bags and see for themselves what Baños has to offer and what they might offer in return. Sincerely, Ellen

12:19 PM  

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