I really got to know the girls at the orphanage

This has been one of my favorite travels of my whole life. I have done a lot of traveling and have had mostly good experiences but my time with A Broader View has been one of my favorites of all of my travels. The host family experience was incredible. My host Mom welcomed me with open arms from day one and was always checking in on me to be sure that I had everything I needed to be comfortable and feel supported.
I really enjoyed my volunteer site- a girls orphanage. I was able to really build relationships with the girls in the orphanage over my month long time with them. The girls were so welcoming and inclusive of me, I really was part of the family. Felt very safe the whole time, a safe neighborhood and a safe city (Cusco and Machu Picchu). I didn’t feel like such a tourist and like I stood out even though I am very fair skinned. I felt comfortable and at peace walking around. The locals are very friendly and many lookouts for tourists. My going away party at the orphanage was so lovely. The girls prepared a big poster with me and some made small gifts for me. I brought a cake, cookies, chips and sodas. The leader of the program did a little speech and then some of the girls talked. I then received the card and through a few tears shared with the girls how thankful I was for each one of them. I really got to know the girls and build relationships with them. It was so hard to say goodbye—which really indicates a lot of love and relationships built.