Trip of a Lifetime

This experience absolutely changed my life for the better.This program made me grow and allowed me to enjoy and be thankful for the little and the large things in my life, it made me want to spend more quality time with my family. This is only referring to the volunteer portion. Volunteering with HLD is something you can not experience any where else. You get the opportunity to make friendships with the families you are helping.The medical portion truly helped me decide where I want to take my life and how I want it to be shaped. The things I saw, such as looking through the microscope during an eye surgery, and do still make me smile with joy every time I am able to tell someone new. Finally, the Ecuador tour was incredible, I truly feel like I saw a a great portion of what Ecuador has to offer. My favorite experience was tubing down the amazing river and staying in the middle of the amazon jungle. The next morning we all woke up and went on a hike where I got to see all different kinds of bugs and swing from tree vines. If you get the chance, definitely take the extra week in Galapagos, it is a habitat you will never be able to experience any where else. HLD sure takes care of you there and makes sure you get the most out of the Islands through snorkeling, volcano hiking, and more. As a result from what I have learned, experienced, and saw on the trip my only hope is that other people can do what I did.