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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The Power of Light


Photo Credit: Scazon on Flickr
 In this holiday season, light is key. Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights, Christmas trees are lit, and fireplaces spring to life. But there's one more source of light that you should never forget - yourself.

Just by being yourself and spreading good cheer, you contribute your light to the lives of others. Don't forget it - you may never know just how much your light is needed by others. Think about what Albert Schweitzer said:

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." (Brainy Quotes)

Photo Credit: Allison Bernstein
We can all think of times when our light has gone out. Times of sorrow, times of despair, and times of loss have affected everyone. What truly brings us back from the dark is the light of another. Think of the people in your life who have been your light in the darkness. Reach out and thank them this holiday season. It's truly a blessing to have light in your life.

Volunteer Expeditions is proud to have volunteers that are full of light. Through their hard work, many New Orleans residents have rekindled their own flame. Thank you, volunteers, for everything you do. May your holiday season be full of health, happiness, and - of course - light.

Who has been your light in the darkness?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A Testimonial to Remember

There are so many pieces to the Volunteer Expeditions puzzle that are necessary for our continued survival. We need donations, word-of-mouth marketing, the hardworking staff, and our computers...

...But most important of all is you, our volunteers. We certainly can't take groups of no one to New Orleans or Jamaica. But each and every volunteer that has traveled with us is truly a gift. Their dedication, perseverance, and upbeat attitudes inspire us.

That's why we get so excited when we hear positive feedback from our volunteers about their trips. We just got a new recommendation on GuideStar from a volunteer who went on our very first trip, Gail G. Here's what she says:

"Eighteen months post-Katrina, I was privileged to be part of Volunteer Expedition's first trip to NOLA. The ability to reach out and embrace a city that was showing such resilience had a profound and long-lasting effect on me. Through the compassion, commitment, and leadership of Patti Vile and Volunteer Expeditions, what began as a simple trip became a vision for change and one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Patti Vile has gone on to create an environment for learning, growing, and building that is my pleasure to recommend to others looking to make a difference."

Gail, a volunteer and educator, was so inspired by her trip that she just couldn't leave! She stayed in New Orleans for three years and taught special education in a grade school while helping the local community. We salute Gail for her commitment and ability to help others!

 From then till now: our most recent participants follow in Gail's footsteps
while painting a house for a New Orleans homeowner.

Want to be featured in our blog? Write us a recommendation on GuideStar, LinkedIn, or Facebook! We're also open to any kind of feedback--tell us what you would like to see more of by emailing Patti at patti@volunteerexpeditions.org!