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Al  McElheran(Canadian misionery)
VOLUNTEERS FROM ARKANSAS

 

 

Several years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Quito to work as a volunteer at Camp Hope. I would almost be inclined to say this was a life changing experience in a very positive way. I actually made two trips over the years. Just a quick background; I’m a 50 some year old average middle class accountant, so this was very different from my day to day life to say the least. I do speak a fair amount of Spanish, which helped, but that certainly wouldn’t be required. The staff was very warm and welcoming and some of the children really touched me. I taught some English, painted, worked on some construction projects, helped the children eating and just getting through the day. We took them swimming one day. Let’s just say that was interesting. We took some tours of the city also. One of the very interesting things was working with other volunteers there, many from Germany. I worked with several volunteering soldiers in the Ecuadorian army which was incredibly interesting to learn about their lives also; so young. The children vary in their independence but one can get really attached and one learns to appreciate different things seeing their lives, so different from our own. The friendship with many of the staff still exists after all these years. This isn’t a trip for everyone but for me personally it was one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life. If you like working with kids this is an incredible opportunity, but there are other projects for people of whatever talent. I met several volunteer doctors from the US. I offered this opportunity to my kids for free but they passed it up and pretty soon they had their own kids and the day to day “stuff” just takes over so if this interests you and you can do, just do it, as they say. 

Alan Stokes
(Minnesota -USA)

Last summer I came to Ecuador to do voluntary work in Camp Hope. Since the past seven months that I’m working here I’ve changed a lot through the work. Working with kids with special needs makes me feel happy and extraordinary. I’m already part of their big family and I’m feeling like home here. Still can’t imagine going back to Germany in some months. But I know I will come back to visit them once in a while. In such a little time they changed me so much: my character, my thinking and feelings. I’m more grateful also for the little things in life and I learned a lot from my kids and colleagues. Every day I’m working with them is a gift and makes me feel thankful. For all time I will remember me of my year in Ecuador and of all that experiences I made. Thank you, Camp Hope!!

 

 

Ines Ritgen  (Germany)
Elsa Boykin (Virginia -USA)

I first went to Camp Hope in November of 2004. The minute I set footon Ecuadorian soil, I immediately fell in love with the country and its people. They are beautiful both inside and out! At that time they were a daycare for normal and "Special Needs" children and adults; plus a school from Grades 1-6. They welcomed our team with open arms, and you have to greet them with a hug; that's just the way it was. I worked with the special needs class as well as in the school. I thought I would  be teaching them, but in turn, they taught me!.It shames me to complain, when I saw what these severly handicapped people could do, and even they made me feel welcome. I worked in the second grade, and immediately fell in love with a special needs boy, who stole my heart. I immediately began to sponsor him. He was the joy of my life and I began sending packages, which also was a joy for me. Since 2004, I have seen them build a beautiful new orphanage; but also on the negative side be forced to sell some of their land due to the economy. I went every year as often as I could, and became very close to many people. We still e-mail and send birthday greetings back and forth. My little boy does not go there anymore, so I now sponsor two other children. On  week-end and evenings the team would sight-see. I had been there so much, that I didn't go on the excursion. I was never alone, because the director and team leader took me out to eat and to their homes to meet their families. I became very close with my translator and was invited to her son's first birthday party. On the last day we were there, the team performed for them and they for us. One of the greatest joys of my life was in September 2011, unbeknownst to me, they presented me
with a beautiful glass award, with the emblem of Camp Hope on it, and in Spanish, the inscription: "Thank you for your love to our organization and God bless you" Inscribed in English, in big letter,
Thank You. - September 2011. I cried and so did everyone else. I shall cherish it forever. Camp Hope is my passion, and that is where my heart is!

 

Connie McElheran (Arcansas - USA)

My name is Connie McElheran. My husband and I with one daughter arrived in Ecuador 1971.  We lived in Quito for 38 years serving the people of Ecuador. For 12 years I worked in the mission Hospital, Voz Andes and worked in the area of patient rep/social worker. During those years at the hospital I saw many of Camp Hopes children coming to the hospital for treatment and surgeries.  Seeing these dear children I fell in love with them and in 1994 I got more involved with the staff and the children.  Later I served on the board for many years.  

Having the privilege of helping where I was needed was so rewarding. Through the years we saw a need of a orphanage and I was part of raising funds to have it built.  What a exciting day when we were able to move these precious children to their own home. 

Ecuador is such a beautiful country to visit and taste their delicious food and fruits and most of all be a volunteer helping out at the rehab center or orphanage, Casa Hogar. 

Ecuador will always be home for me and my family and we love the beautiful people and most of all the children of Camp Hope.

I encourage you to try to visit the foundation in Ecuador!  It will be such a experience and so rewarding.

Constanza (México)

My experience in Camp Hope it has been one of the best experiences I ever had. When you arrive to the foundation you are received with open arms, the kids are excited to meet you and the personal is waiting to help you with anything you need. 

I have been there for four months and every day was a different day, as volunteers we have many challenges to face day by day, most of the days you will be so happy, but also some days will be hard days because you will start seeing a different perspective from life, realize how disability is a hard way of life but besides that the kids are always giving you love with a smile in their face. Working with the kids gives you much more personal and emotional growth and knowledge than what you can give to them. Is so gratifying when one of them gives you a hug because what they feel is what they show.

In my experience all my perspective of life changed, I learned to value life and stop worrying about small problems in my life, also I'm more patient now, I understand that when i give the best of me, everything is easier to solve and I'm much more comprehensive than before. 

Camp Hope became a family for me, the best four months of my life were when I was volunteering with them.

 

So don't be afraid, if you want it and feel it , don't think twice, because it will be such a great experience.

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