Crooked Trails Volunteer Experience

Environmental activist Edward Abbey famously said: “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” Crooked Trails, the non-profit, community-based travel organization whose name was inspired by this quote, joined Andaman Discoveries for a service tour in November seeking their own amazing view of the North Andaman region. They found it at the Burmese Learning Center and in Tung Dap village.

“I have fallen madly in love with some Burmese children. They follow you with their eyes until contact is made and then they might smile at you. Once these two things have happened, you realize your heart is no longer your own,” said participant Noelle, who helped the group paint classrooms at the school. Todd, who led the group of ten, added, "the school project was wonderful and meaningful. The group felt their presence was appreciated.”

You can read Noelle’s complete Blog entry on our website.

The group also spent two days in the village of Tung Dap, where they enjoyed a homestay and helped with mangrove conservation. Of their homestay in Tung Dap, Noelle said “I am listening to conversations in languages I do not understand. The wind talking to the trees. The clucks of chickens and roosters beneath the beams of the house I am sitting in. The scent of onion, sizzling as our hosts prepare dinner. Children's brief calls. The silence of cats and dogs sleeping. The rumble of man and machine. The dash of geckos on the roof. I may not understand them, but knowing them, in this moment, gives me peace.”

Labels: construction, crooked trails, service projects, volunteering

Creating Lifetime Humanitarians

I returned to the energy of Andaman Discoveries after a seven-month absence, eager to resume the role of translator and guide. My first assignment was to help a group of YouthLINC volunteers, varying in age from 17 to over 80, organize in-village workshops.

In Ban Talae Nok, we conducted a health fair and first aid training with more than 40 villagers. Led by YouthLINC members, the events provided information on dental care, hygiene issues, family planning, and emergency medical care.

A personal highlight for me was translating during a cross-cultural ladies chatting session. After a delicious dinner, our time with the homestay ladies turned into an enlightening and amusing conversation – I’m glad the men weren’t present!

YouthLINC, a U.S.-based organization, aspires to create lifetime humanitarians through a strategic Service Year program, and participants contribute through community service projects in the U.S. and abroad.

Villagers recognized the value of the education shared, stating, “As homestay host families, it’s important we know basic first aid. Everyone should know what to do in an emergency.”

Megan Dennehy, a YouthLINC participant, said, “My visit to BTN was simply inspiring. I learned so much about the wonderful people and their lovely culture. I came with the intention of teaching the villagers and left being the one who had been taught by the villagers. They are beautiful people with the most tender hearts. I can’t wait to come back!”

Heather Bagley, a YouthLINC participant, said, “The village was an excellent opportunity to show the cultural differences of the Thai/Muslim people and Americans. Everyone in this village was kind, generous and very flexible. I wouldn’t change a thing about the homestay experience. I was completely comfortable and happy. Thanks for a fantastic adventure!”

Thank you to all the YouthLINC volunteers for your dedication and effort, in the United States and in Thailand. I hope to work with you again on your next journey.

Best Wishes,
Miss Kelly May

Labels: Ban Talae Nok, cross-cultural, humanitarians, Kelly May, service projects, YouthLINC