My Volunteer Trip to Ghana

Hello, my name is Sarah Vela, I am 16 years old and I am trying to raise money so that I can reach my dream of going to Ghana, Africa with Global Leadership Adventures (GLA).  It has always been a dream of mine to volunteer abroad and to work with children.  GLA would provide an experience for me that would allow me to achieve both dreams.  The feeling a person gets from helping others cannot compare to any other feeling.  I can honestly say that this passion of mine started when I was 10 years old, when my cousin/best friend passed away at the age of 5.  Candace had an extremely rare and very aggressive cancer.  I wanted to be there for her the whole time but since, I too was a child myself (in my parent’s eyes) but was unable to be with her during her last days.  The memories I have, which I carry in my heart, was to comfort and support her.  At night I would read to her and when we went to Boston for her radiation treatment she would sit on my lap and I would rock her.  That feeling you get by being there for someone who really needs you is like no other feeling.  One that I cannot describe but it stayed with me.  I miss Candace every day; she will never be forgotten as she is a part of me.

I enjoy volunteering whether it is at the food pantry, soup kitchen, taking care of animals, or after school program with Jaguar Buddies.  And for this reason I feel that I have a special connection to children who really need me and it is my intention to work with them.

I sense the world needs more people that think like me, who care about the world that we live in. Our environment is so fragile.  I learned that from my father who is working toward abolishing landfills, which pollutes our air, waters and soil.  Growing up in a country as developed as the United States, it is often difficult to grasp the reality of those who live in such poverty.  By joining this organization, I hope to gain a better understanding of the world around me. 

This would mean the absolute world to me, as this would be my first big stepping stone towards a world that I am looking forward to discover.   Going to help these children read and write, learning their traditions and dances would be the best learning experience for me.  I want to inspire these children but in all sincerity I believe they will be the ones inspiring me. 

Please help me raise the money to get there.  I am working hard and saving all my money too.  The money I am able to raise will pay for the volunteer program, flights, vaccinations (insurance will not cover since they are not required in the US), travel insurance and Visa.  I must have the funds as soon as possible in order to get the process going.  I am already registered and will be leaving in July 2017.  Total cost: $7,000.

Thank you, for any support you can give me.