Why did you decide to volunteer with Global Volunteers in India?
Joelle: I had traveled to India with a group of friends previous to my service trip with Global Volunteers. Some amazing things happened to me while I was there and for this reason I knew I had to go back to India. But it isn't as if you can say to a group of friends, "Hey, who wants to join me on a trip to India," and a dozen hands shoot in the air. No, many people are reluctant to give India a try. One of my friends happened to have participated in a Global Volunteers service trip to The Cook Islands. She had a wonderful adventure and mentioned that she thought "Global" had a site in India. Hence, I could travel alone and still be in the company of a group while living in a local community setting, where I could build friendships and relationships more enduring than what can ever be encountered merely as a tourist.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Joelle: My main activity for the last four years has been to teach English to the very young children at one orphanage, and English speaking skills to the older children at another orphanage. But it is never as simple as that. As an artist my talents have been put to use many different times, decorating for Christmas and making angel wings for the Christmas pageant, as well as painting with the children. As someone who likes to sing, I could be heard singing many songs over and over again with the children. More than anything - it was to give hugs and make the children feel know how special they are and how much they are loved. Smiling, laughing, hugging the children, singing and dancing with the children, is a way through any language barrier and a means of expressing one's care. We have thrown wonderful dance parties, cleaned bedrooms, practiced brushing teeth and washing with the children. Mostly, when you return as a volunteer, they come to know you as "friend"!
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Joelle: There is one, small boy, whom I'll affectionately call, "My Little Heart" or "Monkey Boy" who thinks of himself as mine. It is for this reason that I keep returning to India and continue to work with Global Volunteers - because I know that I am forever connected to this little boy who has changed my life, and I his.
This past year I had my students at school write letters to the older children at one of the sites. The children who received the letters and the photos of my students considered this their best Christmas present. The older boys who received pictures of my lovely blonde-haired beauties were delighted beyond words as their tanned faces blushed with joy. It was too cute! Some students did their best to write letters back to my students and it ended up being a wonderful cultural exchange for both groups of students.
In closing I'd just like to say Global Volunteers is a wonderful organization. I have seen first hand how their presence has impacted the quality of life for individuals and for communities. Because I think so highly of this organization at my urging, my niece joined me on a trip and has since returned herself two more times. India is a remarkable place with remarkable people. If one goes with an open heart - amazing things will happen! This is my promise.