Tidak apa apa (No Worries)

I'm writing this review from my home in Washington, D.C., and with every word I write my desire to return to Bali grows. I am eighteen years old and currently taking a gap year. The concept of traveling by yourself at such a young age is foreign and unheard of in America, however I had a thirst for new experiences and knowledge that only travel could quench. Considering how young I am, it was important to me that I not only find a volunteer program that I felt actually made a difference, but also a program in which I would feel safe and supported. I considered many different programs taking place in Bali, and I had already signed up with one when I finally came across VP Bali. I was instantly attracted to the non-profit program, and fell in love, applying to VP Bali and changing my flight to Bali a week before I was meant to go. I volunteered for eight weeks at Program Ubud, and for one month at Program by the Sea, and visited Program WG. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I am a nanny at home, and children are my passion. The students crave knowledge and laughter, and give back as much, if not more, as the teachers. The culture is rich and mesmerizing, and more than once you may find yourself caught up in the spiritual magic that seems to envelope the island. The people are perhaps the best part- the locals are always smiling and willing to help and talk, and you create bonds with the fellow volunteers that can only be born out of sharing amazing experiences...like volunteering with VP Bali. I have no regrets about joining this program, and neither would future volunteers. During my time there I felt only happiness, with tidak apa apa (no worries).