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#18 “Taking it In”

Be The Change – Episode #18

Carol, an anthropologist and university professor, relates how the experience of working with local people in a non-assumptive way has reframed her daily life in a positive way.

“Just give me a translator and a stethoscope,” Lisa said when she first landed on a Global Volunteers program. She quickly learned that she had to find her “inner teacher” to help make sense of the service give-and-take for those she served, and for herself.

Jeff says the most important benefit he gains personally by working through Global Volunteers is the sense of accomplishment, visibly from day to day, and also on a “heart and soul” level.

Providing direct service in Cuba captured Mike and Elisa’s imagination in surprising ways, and they quickly learned how that experience lays the foundation for future inner reflection and motivation.

Episode storytellers: Carol, Lisa, Jeff, Mike, and Elisa

#3 “Stand-Out Moments”

Be The Change – Episode #3

In our third episode, each of our storytellers recalls one moment in service that they carry with them still today. These are singular perspectives gained in Cuba, Crete, Romania and Tanzania that turned their heads and made them think about how important one individual can be on a volunteer team.

Our first storyteller is Jeff, who talks about service as a channel for understanding and friendship, and says one seemingly ordinary moment pulled it all together for him in a most extraordinary way.

Lynn tells a touching story about helping a young, withdrawn student blossom by taking a personal interest in his musical skill.  The personal connection that resulted typifies the mutual benefit of genuine service.

Caring for abandoned and disabled babies and toddlers has become Evan’s calling. But, in a pediatric hospital ward in Romania, Evan said a breakthrough moment between an autistic child and a talented volunteer left her breathless.

Lisa returns with a follow-up to her story in episode one.  In this episode, she recalls a moment that taught her how true communication occurs when we shed our own conventions and find a common language.

Episode storytellers: Jeff, Lynn, Evan, and Lisa