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Thank You For Volunteering Abroad

Picture of Randy LeGrant Randy LeGrant : Nov 27, 2006 1:53:00 AM

Reasons To Volunteer Abroad Thank You To Our Volunteers

At this time of year, the Northeast United States has the “look and feel” of major change. The weather goes from hot and humid to cool and dry. Shorts and t-shirts give way to long pants and bulky sweaters. Trees change from green to red. It seems this happens as quickly as overnight, and that adds to the feeling of impending change.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending some meetings in New York where I managed to steal a few hours inside the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium. Where I used to take my five year old almost monthly (he’s now working here and 24 years old), I now take my six and eight year olds. The special exhibits are riveting, but not so much as the wonder reflected in the eyes of children and the sharp questions (never-ending and without pause) on the subway home.

Crowds walking down 5th Ave. in New York City.

A walk down Fifth Avenue humbles me, and keeps me grounded at the same time. GeoVisions' newest program in South Africa saturates my mind as I contrast the wealth on some of New York’s streets against the memory of round, mud huts and villagers foraging for food in Africa’s Wild Coast. Here, Microsoft has donated 50 computers, and we will be sending computer-literate volunteers to show the students how to use them.

I am thankful for the volunteers contacting us about our projects and how well people all around the world are responding. We have been contacted by new volunteers in Brazil, Singapore, Germany, China and Jordon along with many from the U.S. GeoVisions now has 80 projects operating in 20 countries. This is where need meets inspiration. And that makes an enormous difference in lives and communities around the world.

November reminds us that the holiday season is approaching. For all those inspired enough to make a difference with GeoVisions in upcoming 2007, all of us here thank you. Your emails and phone calls, your applications, and your enthusiasm to leave a place better than you found it inspires us to to go that extra mile to make sure you meet that goal.

Have a wonderful November.

Randy LeGrant

Executive Director

GeoVisions