What words would you use to describe your experience in Sri Lanka?

This was an exhilarating adventure, a refreshing experience with each day full of wonder and humor and some frustration too! And always a rewarding feeling by the end of the day, because I found a way through each challenge and made connections with such beautiful people (the local people and the volunteers!). I was able to be as much helpful as I was helped. Traveling and volunteering put together, in my opinion, might just be the very best way to stimulate the brain. This trip was a gift.

How do you think you benefitted from the experience?

I was able to absorb different ways of thinking (such as how people who tried to charge us too much money for an item were most likely only doing it to survive, not to hurt us), and different behaviors that I can apply back at home (I still do the head wobble sometimes when I’m not thinking!!! Haha). I built SOME tolerance to spicy foods towards the end; even if it was temporary, it was still fun to challenge my friends when I came back! And I could enjoy foods that I previously thought were too spicy for me to taste. I also learned some recipes that I could try my hand at later. And most of all, ways to connect and communicate other than through a common language. And I learned words in a few different languages (including sign languages) while I was there!

What did you like about the VoluntEars programme?

I liked how organized and inclusive and affordable this program is. I found this only by searching online, hoping to find a volunteer opportunity for deaf people to lead in ways other than teaching sign language. The website was easy to navigate, there were many feedback videos and itineraries and contact information to make the program seem dependable and not a fraud. I emailed the program Director, Richard Clowes, who responded in detail to each of my many questions, and after a few of these emails, I decided to take the chance. I went alone- so it was very helpful that Richard was at the airport to meet us volunteers with a huge “VoluntEars” sign! And he showed us where to exchange our currency, the names of our host family and van driver, the expectations and daily schedules, etc. he answered any question we had. He really helped us volunteers ease into the program, allowing us to get to know each other before beginning our volunteer work, and giving us breaks in between, with cultural trips and excursions. He checked in with each of us consistently to make sure we were taking care of our health, staying hydrated, etc. and if something went wrong, for example if someone had an infection, he accompanied us to the local doctors. We all felt cared for, and I also liked when I was given the independence to find my own directions a few times on my own before beginning a week of traveling myself, before the teaching add-on. Of course I got lost too hahah, but I never felt alone because VoluntEars staff and other volunteers were easily available when I wanted to contact them. It was an invaluable way to grow.

What did VoluntEars do well?

VoluntEars made connections with organizations that really did need our help, so it was wonderful to see that we could make a real impact with our efforts. We were able to renovate a boys dormitory in the local deaf school that had a wall breaking down- we had the wall fixed, we painted and cleaned the unsanitary room with the materials we had available, and we even were able to paint beautiful pictures for the kids thanks to some of our talented volunteers! (I don’t believe that included me, but the amazing group of volunteers gave me the strength to try! And I learned from that too). In addition to the renovation work, we helped one weekend with a turtle project, where turtles were being rescued and kept healthy until they could be released. We scrubbed their tanks and cleaned the turtles, and holding the turtles in my hands made me feel something deep. They are truly amazing creatures, to survive so much. We picked up a lot of trash on the beach- I wanted to clean even after we were to stop, but there was too much to be able to completely clean the beach in one day. There was another place we went to, a center where we had the opportunity to spend time with people of many different abilities. The kids there seemed very happy when we came to visit them- we played games, drew pictures, and we tried to communicate. Sometimes we had no common way to communicate- this was a great learning experience for each of us. I found that there was a way we could still connect- through laughter. These kids were easily amused, and it was sweet too. After going through so much that I may never know, the kids were able to find humor – and it is humor that we volunteers shared to become what we were each day we were together. This program created a great balance between volunteering, cultural learning, and recreational time/exploring as well. When with the group I was able to jog on the beach, bargain with people and more. The memories we made together were ones I don’t plan to let go of.

How can VoluntEars improve?

I believe that there is always room for a person or a team to grow, but I honestly don’t want VoluntEars to change. The only thing that I can think of maybe adding, would be an additional interpreter for late-deafened or hard of hearing people who are not fluent in a sign language yet. Thank you, VoluntEars staff and Interpreter for taking the time to repeat so much for me – I know that you guys already had a lot of responsibilities and that’s why I’m suggesting this in case there are more people like me, not yet fluent enough to follow signing interpreters but not able to hear some speakers and accents. I appreciated everyone’s help and patience!