My Nonprofit Reviews

In everyone's lifetime, there are a few experiences that leave a lasting effect. My time in Perú with Con-solatio was one of those.

While in college, I had the opportunity to join a number of students on spring-break service trips; they always left me wanting more. One week, or even two seemed to barely scratch the surface. At the time, I had always hoped that I would have the chance to offer a more substantial amount of time in service to those in need.

Fast forward a few years, I found myself on the website for Con-solatio, reading the stories of the many volunteers who had given fourteen months or more of their time amidst the poor, the hungry, and the lonely. My heart was on fire. I wanted to do the same and the time seemed right; so I took the plunge and never looked back.

Those two years saw me sitting on the streets in conversation with so many different types of people, like Señora Ida, who passed her days in her wheelchair watching others pass her by. She had suffered a stroke and so couldn't speak easily or well and often sat alone. It always brought a smile to her face to see these two 'gringos' walking towards her, with a knowing glance that said "So good to see you!"

Then there was Gloria, who had come to the city with her three children, hoping to find a way to provide for her children while she sought a medical procedure that would leave her recovering without any help for several weeks. Not knowing what to do, exasperated and afraid, she showed up on our doorstep when some of the women in the market next door said we might be able to assist her. Little by little, we helped her put the pieces together, very simply, listening to her, spending time with her kids, as she told us her story. Over the next few weeks we would help her navigate the often inscrutable healthcare system, find care for her children during her recovery, and offer emotional support throughout the whole process.

And then there was... The reality is, there are far too many stories to share. Even after these ten years, I continue to find myself talking about the many incredible people I was graced to serve, who changed my perspective, my heart, and my life in ways for which I will be eternally grateful. I hope and pray that Con-solatio will continue to offer the same opportunity for many other volunteers in the years to come!