Amazons, my childhood dream came true

Volunteering has been the best experience in my life so far. I got to fulfill one of my childhood dreams. For the longest time I didn´t imagined I would have the opportunity of living in the jungle, helping endengered species being the mom of a 1 month old monkey. But it really happened!

Working as volunteer made me realize the importance of ones life and what we decide to do with it. It brought me so much closer to my true self and to people otherwise I would have never met. Now they are one of my closest and dearest friends.

When you work, eat, play, chat and even sleep with the same people that share the same ideals as you do. Bonding happens really fast, they become your family and you truly care about each other. One year later we still miss each other, and of course the animals, the jungle and all the great pepole we met in Ecuador.

I will not lie living as a volunteer is hard physical and emoitonal work. You get up at 6 am in the morning and sometimes you don't stop until 9 or 10 pm. As great as it is to work side by side with other volunteers at times you can drive each other crazy.

Also finding out that you did your best but couldn't help and animal can be heart breaking but it also gives you the strenght to keep working to help others.

What I remember the most is those special songs, phrases we had as a group. How amazed I was being so close to the animals and how after a while they got used to me. And suddenly I also was used to having a charango and her baby stealing my soup or my food. But never stopped to amaze me the beauty and simplicity of it all.

I think the hardest part is coming back to your normal life. I miss the jungle, the animals, my friends so much that I wish I can still be back there. The thought that makes me happy is I'm sure I will do it again.

It all started when finally made up my mind to volunteer. Obviously I had no idea how to do it so I researched online and found Ecuador Volunteer.

One of my main concerns was what if something happens to me who is going to know, how will I get out of the jungle, how will I reach my family. So besides having the kind of program I wanted (animal rescue center) and affordable prices Ecuador Volunteer also offered me security and a guide thorugh this whole new experience.

I was received at the airport by Francisco, who was on top of everything. Francisco and his family really made me feel safe and welcome in Ecuador. Before we were send out into the jungle we were prepared for what we were going to face there and when the program was over we were once again welcomed by him and his family in Quito.

I belive that this made my stay so much better, and I'm so glad I met them. They are such amazing people and great friends. Thank you for everything and I hope we see each other soon.