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"A teammate told of feeling goosebumps teaching her kids the words to the U.S. National Anthem and later, others came close to tears reporting stories of how Polish kids prayed and worshiped covertly during Communism. If the children can touch us so deeply, imagine what we are doing for them." "We are all enjoying the children - they are wonderful! Their knowledge of English is amazing when you consider it has all come from Global Volunteers." ~ Helen Maxwell, Anaheim, CA "We have a memory suitcase full of rain, sun, mountains, caves, Polish culture and food, but mostly smart, smiling, happy, delightful kids with the future of their incredible country ahead of them. We can only hope that they got half as much from us as we got from them."~ Peter Heyler, Missoula, MT "I can't think of a time when I have worked harder or enjoyed it more."~ Ann G. Olmsted, Conover, WI "By now each of us has a collection of special moments. My favorite for today is of a shy boy who rarely says a word, never volunteers in class, and hangs his head to read. Today he slipped his completed worksheet under my nose. Not only is he first to finish, he is the only one who makes no mistakes. I give him a hug and write 'Excellent A+'. He grins from ear to ear. He is not a popular boy being quiet and overweight, but he dares to share his paper with one of the class superstars. I watch knowing there is nothing I can do. But the angels are smiling today and the superstar smiles back saying something in Polish which causes the shy boy nearly to levitate in happiness."
"I definitely feel that in a small, but important way we have brought Poland and the U.S.A. a little closer. Like a stone thrown into a pond the friends we've made here will spread the word that Americans they've met wished Poland nothing but good things." ~ Dave Sams, Bethpage, NY "This was completely different from my previous trips as a 'tourist' in which we were herded around as Americans with no opportunity to interact with the local people. In this project, we all had opportunity to know local people and were welcomed as friends by them." ~ Arlene Braun, Missoula, MT "This has been the best experience I have ever had in my entire 19 years of life. I have completely enjoyed every moment, and I know I have learned and grown a lot. I love Poland and its people, especially the children. I will never forget my time spent in Poland. Two weeks can really make a difference in a person's life, and I know Dobcyze will always be with me in my heart." ~ Farrah Fernandez, Honolulu, HI
"Maybe there should be a requirement that each American, or for that matter each citizen of the world, would be required to participate in some sort of experience like Global Volunteers. It maybe could make for a world of more understanding and peace." ~ Tom Heppe, Milwaukee, WI "The Poland experience was one of deep enrichment for me. I'll definitely keep in touch with my new Polish family and may even return next year. It's amazing howclose we became in such a short time." ~ Joan McInnes, Batavia, IL "This trip reinforced my belief that we are all basically the same, and gave me insight into the remarkable spirit and optimism of the Polish people. I realize it's natural for people to want to improve their lot, but seeing how content they are with the little they had was the best experience of my life." ~ Sue Tierney, North Andover, MA
"I thought you might like a picture of me with my class in the Broszkow School in Siedlce, Poland. I recently completed my first volunteer effort with your agency. Your Team Leader in Poland, Dorota, is a great leader and a wonderful person. The children were absolutely fantastic and I had a very rewarding experience. Feel free to use this picture in your promotions. VOLUNTEER WORK | VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY | ABOUT US Sponsor a Classroom | About Poland | Expressions | Join A Team | FAQ | Contact Us
volunteerinpoland.org is a partnership between the county government of Siedlce |
"At 7:30 p.m. we assembled at the table of the dining room to meet and listen to the Starosta or county governor of this area. He seemed most grateful for our efforts, especially in view of the fact that these children will need the English language to help Poland move forward on the world scene." 
"Before this trip, I was not aware that a heart can actually sing. It can. During the past weeks, mine has sung repeatedly. The teachers among us, I'm certain, have experienced this wonderous feeling when you see the light go on in the eyes of a student as he or she understands a concept you sought to convey. This feeling is akin to the soaring of the soul as you listen to really great music. Yes, we have been handsomely paid for our efforts." 
"I believe that the students we are living and working with represent the best and brightest in Poland. That being the case, Poland has a bright future indeed. To be a part of making a positive contribution to that future feels good to me. Back home, I sometimes must convince myself that what I do is making a difference for our future. But here in Poland, I am assured that it is. The plain truth is, I am receiving so much more than I am being asked to give. I feel a debt." ~ Norm Glenn, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Global Volunteers gets many special letters from their volunteers. Here is one from Edmund Stoy of West Trenton, New Jersey