Sporadic Reflections “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 My mother served as a Public Health Nurse and when appropriate I would volunteer at her side. In addition to watching my mother in awe as she serviced her community, I was allowed to witness and experience a world beyond and different from my own. When I commenced my tertiary education, my voluntary service dwindled to nil and did not resurrect until graduation. Upon … [Read more...]
Hope and Transformation
Hope and Transformation Volunteering?…Letting go of old ideas, ways of life, and allowing god to guide my life changing me into the person he wants me to be for the good of myself and others? Change is not easy. It can be difficult, scary, uncomfortable, and just plain different from how we are used to living our lives. However, ultimately change is inevitable. If we are aligning ourselves with god, and open to change, we discover a new beautiful world. It has taken me many years to … [Read more...]
Interesting Dynamics of Intercultural Friendships
Interesting Dynamics of Intercultural Friendships One unique aspect of the Olancho Aid Long Term Volunteer Program is that volunteers get to experience living abroad for an extended period of time. I have lived in Honduras for almost six months now, and one of my favorite parts has been having the opportunity to establish and build connections with Hondurans. The friendships that I have made here have been a huge part of what has made this experience so amazing! That being said, when … [Read more...]
We’re looking for volunteers!
We’re looking for volunteers! In additional to the traditional volunteer program, this year Olancho Aid is seeking experienced volunteers who are experts in their field to serve as mentors and administrators at the Foundation. Our most pressing needs are for an early education specialist, a human resource specialist, and a mission team assistant. The early education specialist will provide support to preschool and kindergarten teachers by providing feedback and … [Read more...]
Memories built after a year of volunteering for Olancho Aid Foundation…
Memories built after a year of volunteering for Olancho Aid Foundation... TRAVELING AROUND HONDURAS Roatan was one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. There was nice weather, friendly people, and wonderful beaches. I also enjoyed visiting Copan Ruinas. Learning about Mayan history was something really intriguing and mind opening. NINOS/AS AT MARIA DE LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S HOME I have enjoyed sharing time with the kids at the Children’s Home. It is a blessing to be able to … [Read more...]
Welcome, Spring 2019 Volunteers!
Welcome, Spring 2019 Volunteers! This semester we are excited to welcome five new volunteers, as well as to welcome back returning volunteers Dani, Stephanie, Jim, Kat, and Karen! Read on to learn about the newest additions to the Olancho Aid family. Gloria Flores, Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Tutor Greetings and salutations, I'm Gloria Flores from Reno Nevada. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching movies. I may be more on the quiet side of the spectrum but … [Read more...]
Stepping Outside Your Community to Make a Difference
Stepping Outside Your Community to Make a Difference Have you heard the story of the Dad and his young daughter walking down the beach and it is covered with starfish? The little girl stops to throw one starfish back into the ocean before the hot sun dries it out. The Dad, impatient for his morning walk says, honey you can’t really make a difference for all these starfish. She stops, picks up one more starfish and drops it in the ocean. Smiling at her Dad she says… I made a difference to that … [Read more...]
Reasons to Volunteer with Olancho Aid!
Reasons to Volunteer with Olancho Aid! Check out our list of reasons YOU should consider volunteering with the Olancho Aid Foundation as told by former and current volunteers. Reason #6: You’ll be immersed in a new culture! “My favorite part of being in Juticalpa is learning all I can about Honduran culture. I love to learn Honduran slang and observe different mannerisms. It is fascinating to realize how different a culture can be from your own, but also how similar.” … [Read more...]
Independence Day in Honduras
Independence Day in Honduras by Karen Wiley, Fall 2018 Volunteer Honduras' National Day is always celebrated on September 15th. It commemorates the independence of the Central American provinces from Spanish rule in 1821. Although September 15th is the actual date, the celebrations continue all month long. Either there is the preparation for a celebration or the celebration itself, so that there always seems to be something happening related to this important event. All of this is … [Read more...]
Jim’s first week
My first week! by Jim Walker, Fall 2018 Volunteer Buenos Dias from Honduras! Our flight from Miami was uneventful, except for the two-hour delay leaving. No worries upon arrival as we had been prepared well. We were greeted by the smiling faces of Jose and Stephanie just outside the baggage claim area. We had a short walk to are awaiting school bus. Seems the short van didn’t want to cooperate that morning so rather than risk trouble, they brought the bus. It made for a much more … [Read more...]