By FAR the best month of my life

Words cannot describe how incredible the HLD program really is. I went into it knowing very little about what it would be like, but quickly fell in love with the country and the people. My group started our journey at the volunteer site, where 21 homes were being built for 21 deserving families. The fact that we worked with members of the community and the families that would soon be living in the homes made the experience so much more meaningful. The children were always running around and the time we spent playing with them was so much fun. After volunteering for a while, we went to several different places in Ecuador.
Almost every single day of the trip we would say to one another that it was our favourite day yet.. only to find out that the next day was just as exciting, if not more exciting. There was never a dull moment. We did everything from repelling down a waterfall, tubing to our hotel in the jungle, swimming in hot springs (which were right outside our chalets) and the list goes on and on. I was in the Pre-Medical program which was so much better than I expected. We were right behind the surgeons watching surgeries and the things we saw were incredible. We also learned how to do stitches and draw blood. The highlight of my trip was probably the inauguration party, where the completed houses were given away to the families. They were so grateful and I was so happy for them. I decided to end my trip off with the Galapagos and it was by far the best decision I ever made (aside from going on the main part of the trip). It was absolutely amazing and the perfect way to end the best month of my entire life. The friends I made on this trip will honestly be lifelong friends. Those who didn't sign up for the Galapagos had the hardest goodbye because by the end of the trip we were like a little family and they weren't coming with us. If I can give you any advice, don't be the one who's going home while your new best friends are going to the Galapagos (or one of the other optional places).. you won't regret spending the extra money I GUARANTEE it. This program is one of a kind and I would recommend it to absolutely everyone!!!