Changed my life

I have never imagined going abroad especially to Ecuador of all the other amazing countries out there. I originally wanted to volunteer in Costa Rica but I don't regret going to Ecuador at all. It's a beautiful country that I have fallen in love with. I'm so grateful for the opportunity that ISV had given to me. My experience was wonderful. There really is no word to describe it. I was in Las Flores, a small town in Ecuador for two weeks. I lived in the middle of the Cloud rain forest where I helped plant coffee plants, banana trees, did field work, observed and studied native birds, helped teach English to the local community members (Oh, they love learning!), played soccer with the kids, practiced my Spanish with the parents, learned how to make peanut butter, built a new playground for the deserving kids, and realized how happy one could still be without an ipod or a laptop. We take so many things for granted in America that when I actually saw these kids begging to learn English, something in my heart grew. This experience was literally a gift to me, and in addition to this, I was awarded with another two weeks of just simply traveling around Ecuador, learning how to surf, experiencing whale watching, climbing waterfalls, riding bikes around a beautiful canyon, climbing a volcano, standing at the equator of the Earth, and I took in all the beautiful art pieces at the largest outdoor market. I honestly didn't want to come back home! There is so much to see in an entirely different country that traveling is a must! This trip was worth every cent of the $3500 that I paid. It was worth an entire lifetime! Plus, the trip was so safe, I did nothing but enjoy my time in a breathtakingly beautiful country with beautiful people. ISV will always be a part of me, and Ecuador will always have a place in my heart. I plan to go back soon!