My home stay experience was great. uVolunteer does an outstanding job of ensuring that the volunteers stay with respectable families who welcome the volunteers and treat them as one of their own. 
Program Volunteer Peru
Project: Volunteer in the Shelter for Girls in Peru
It was at that moment that I realized that it didn’t matter how hard teaching the girls was for me. It was the difference I was making in their lives that mattered. Watching how excited they were to have someone take time to teach them-it moved me.
About 2 months ago I volunteered in Costa Rica thru uVolunteer. The organization took great care of the volunteers. They were also significantly cheaper than other organizations. It was a heartwarming experience and I wanted to volunteer again. However, I decided I wanted to visit a new country and continue to learn Spanish. I chose to go to Peru. uVolunteer was very helpful and willing to accommodate my timeframe so I could go to Peru.
I went to Peru to give of myself, but I cannot help but wonder if I’m the one that ended up receiving more.
Unfortunately, my time in Peru was very short so I wasn’t able to tour as much of the country as I wanted. Peru is a lovely country made up of very friendly people. I did enjoy the few cities that I was able to see, though. Some parts of Peru (like in any place) are not very safe, but Cusco was incredibly safe and easy to get around.
The local contact in Cusco did a remarkable job of welcoming me. Upon my arrival, she gave me a tour of the town, shared some the history, discussed the culture, and accompanied me to my project. She made me feel very comfortable and made sure that I knew she would be available if I had any questions or concerns. In addition, she introduced me to the family I stayed with.
My home stay experience was great. uVolunteer does an outstanding job of ensuring that the volunteers stay with respectable families who welcome the volunteers and treat them as one of their own. My family was made up of incredible individuals. The mother of the house made sure that we felt at home and part of the family. We were provided with three meals a day. For the majority of the meals we ate together as a family. It was during those times that we learned most about one another and our different cultures. We also watched television together and sometimes went out to eat together. Living with the family also gave us more opportunities to practice our Spanish. Even though none of us were fluent in Spanish, they always encouraged us to practice and never made us feel uncomfortable. I would have to say that my home stay experience was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Peru. As hard as it was to say 'goodbye' at least I know that I will always have a family in Peru.
Of course, the other highlights of my experience in Peru were at my two volunteer projects. One of my volunteer projects was at an all girls' orphanage. I cannot completely explain what it was like to work with those amazing girls. I went to Peru to give of myself, but I cannot help but wonder if I'm the one that ended up receiving more. Because of them, I learned more about myself in two weeks than I have in my whole life. I also learned about what the true meaning is of volunteering. When I arrived to Cusco, I was asked to teach English to the girls and I agreed. I will admit that I didn't like my first day of teaching English. I had no experience and really didn't know what I was doing. I went home that night wanting to tell them that I didn't think I could do it again. When I arrived the next day, the girls ran to give me a hug and begged me to choose their group to have English class that day. It was at that moment that I realized that it didn't matter how hard teaching the girls was for me. It was the difference I was making in their lives that mattered. Watching how excited they were to have someone take time to teach them-it moved me. I couldn't take that away from them. Thus, I continued teaching English and later discovered that I actually really enjoyed it. In addition to teaching English, I also played volleyball, drew, colored, read, and completed other activities with the girls. I truly enjoyed my time with them. Those girls gave more to me than they will ever know!
Initially, I was only supposed to work at the orphanage, but I wanted to work a few more hours. I was given the opportunity to volunteer at a clinic. The kids I worked with were either mentally or physically disabled. It broke my heart that the kids weren't with their families. They were so happy, though. Several volunteers worked at the clinic and it was evident of the difference we made in their lives. They enjoyed having us there to hold them, play, and just interact with them. Some other duties consisted of changing them, feeding them, helping them walk, and assisting them with brushing their teeth. It was an unforgettable experience. I am forever grateful that I was able to be a part of their lives even if it was only for a few days.
My time in Peru was an experience of a lifetime. uVolunteer is about more than just helping the community. It's also about helping people find themselves and grow as a person. I grew more as a person in two weeks than I have in my whole life. I have my kids to thank for that. I also have wonderful memories off the time I spent with the kids and the positive impact had on their lives.
Mary Gerardo
