Transformative Travel

I have been passionate about my work in Sonoma Valley for the past 18 years teaching first grade through high school students and working with teachers on math instruction. I love this work. However over the last few years I have found that the most powerful way to effect change and transform lives is through volunteer travel experiences.

Last summer was our sixth year taking youth to El Salvador with ESNA Village Network to help the build schools, install solar lights, deliver Eco-stoves, build relationships and transform lives. We listened to heartbreaking stories of the war and life today torn by poverty, gangs, violence and a feeling of hopelessness of many citizens of El Salvador. We learned about the amazing power of the heart, the power of love! We were told by several people that the fact that we were there, that we cared to listen to the stories of their lives gave them a deep sense of peace and connection. We all grew together, learning about the healing power of human connection, empathy, caring.

There were 13 youth who traveled last summer. They have been busy all year holding carwashes, bakes sales, tamale dinners, and other fundraising events in order to afford the trip. Even after all of that, we are still short $3,500 from our trip! Your donation will will help those youth finish paying for their opportunity to work hand in hand with people in our world who have very little support by the rest of the world.

At Transformative Travel, we envision a world in which all U.S. youth have opportunities to realize their privileges in relation to people of other parts of the world. They become citizens of a global village, aware of their power to heal hearts and engage in making a difference in the lives of others by working in solidarity for a better world. Please help us continue to work to make this dream a reality!