If you are thinking about doing a Humanitarian Trip, here is my experience and why you SHOULD do it.
This last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand and Costa Rica with Lift Our Planet. Lift Our Planet is a humanitarian company that travels all around the world to help in places of need. The company has staff in each location they travel to, meaning the staff knows exactly what and where needs help. The company truly changes lives and makes a difference around the world!
In Thailand, we taught english in elementary schools. It was amazing to see how much the kids already knew! They loved interacting with us and learning new words. They were so kind and loving. They would cling on to my leg, and not want to let go! They also loved seeing their pictures. They were the sweetest kids! We also visited an orphanage in Thailand. These children had the PUREST hearts and i will never forget the experience.
At this orphanage, I made a very special friend. Right from the beginning, she clung to me and did not let go. As i filmed the others all day, she stayed right by my side. Although we spoke different languages, we could both feel the love and joy from each other. She attempted to learn some English words, as well as teach me some Thai. She introduced me to her friends and showed me some dances. My moments with this young girl were extremely special to me. She was 16 years old, and reminded me a lot of myself. Although we live very different lives, I am forever changed by her.
While in Thailand, we also helped build schools and other infrastructures that the local people needed. I loved seeing different people and seeing how they live. It’s amazing how different people’s lives around the world are. Thailand changed my life.
Immediately after Thailand, i went to straight to Costa Rica with Lift Our Planet. Costa Rica is the most beautiful country!!! Blue sparkling water, green EVERYWHERE, smiling faces! I loved it.
In Costa Rica, we visited an orphanage where children were endangered there. We could not take pictures of them for their own safety of their parents finding them. The children came from extremely difficult backgrounds, yet gladly accepted the love we gave them. We painted, cleaned, and built a sustainable garden for the orphanage. We planted lettuce, veggies, fruit, and many things that they can benefit from in the future. The kids called us Tia and Tio, and were so sweet to us. I loved getting to interact with them and their sweet spirits will always stay in my mind.
We also visited a Sea Turtle sanctuary! Sea turtles in costa rica are extremely endangered. At this sanctuary, we stayed up from 10 pm to 7 am, keeping an eye on the turtles. Some of us would walk 5-7 miles on the beach with no headlights, looking for turtles who were laying eggs. Others would be at the hatchery watching for the baby turtles to hatch. After they hatch, we would count them, measure them, and ensure they made it safely to the ocean. It was amazing to see these little creatures in action. I LOVE SEA TURTLES.
This experience also gained me 20 new best friends! Just this last week, 7 of them flew to utah to visit me. We are all from different states in the US. Each one of us! I got to show them around Utah and they loved it. I know they will be lifelong friendships and i am so grateful for the experience!
If you have the opportunity to go on a humanitarian trip, DON’T LET IT PASS. GO GO GO.