It was an experience I’d remember for a lifetime.
During the summers of 2009, 2010, and 2011, our family traveled with Causes for Change International, a nonprofit organization, to provide free healthcare to children in need.
Joel, my husband who was a local holistic dentist, served as the volunteer dentist, working in primitive conditions with no electricity. I offered musical games and songs outdoors with a borrowed guitar, playing in the 90+ degree heat, and distracting the children before their first dental exam or extraction.
“What can a kid do?” thought Andrew, our son.
Since the children never had a toothbrush before, Andrew became the volunteer toothbrushing teacher. He passed out toothbrushes to kids who never had one before, and showed them how to care for their teeth. He also invited the children to pick out their own small stuffed animals as toys.
He held a flashlight over the children’s mouths for his dad to see their teeth more clearly. And Andrew led games during breaks. He was highly regarded, and felt the joy of giving.
While gathering stuffed animal toys (beanie babies) before the trip, one little bear stood out. The nametag stated, “Fuzzy Bear.” On his fuzzy white chest was a note, pinned to his chest, with childish writing. The words said, “This is Fuzzy Bear. Please take very good care of him.”
The love behind that donation was quite meaningful. Fuzzy Bear became an important part of the new story. The story is told from the imagined diary of Andrew, and the experiences involved in volunteering — from the preparation to the trip itself.
Adventures In Ecuador: Diary of a Volunteer offers children, ages 5-9, a chance to understand what’s involved in giving of oneself, and the rewards of greater self-esteem. joy, and fulfillment in making a positive difference in the lives of others.
While gathering stuffed animal toys (beanie babies) before the trip, one little bear stood out. The nametag stated, “Fuzzy Bear.” On his fuzzy white chest was a note, pinned to his chest, with childish writing. The words said, “This is Fuzzy Bear. Please take very good care of him.”
The love behind that donation was quite meaningful. Fuzzy Bear became an important part of the new story. The story is told from the imagined diary of Andrew, and the experiences involved in volunteering — from the preparation to the trip itself.
After that, the book will be printed into a paperback and hardcover version. The content includes a variety of Spanish words and phrases (with translations in the back), a “Behind the Scenes” section, a bio and story about Zully Alvarado, Founder of Causes for Change International, two video interviews — with the links, photos from the trip and an empowerment page for kids, filled with positive affirmations.
Lynn's Bio:
Award-winning and bestselling writer, video producer, media host of “The Difference Makers,” and promotional consultant for both cause-focused businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. With 30 years of experience, Lynn’s writing was behind the WGN-TV lyrics for WGN-TV’s Chicago’s Very Own Channel 9. Her work encompasses writing live trade shows for Fortune 500 clients, commercials, print, publicity, videos and speeches. This is her third children’s book.
The others were: Social Justice: How You Can Make A Difference, and the bestseller, Dancing With Tex: The Remarkable Friendship To Save The Whooping Cranes.
To learn more about using the power of your stories for business or personal legacies, visit: Difference Makers Media. You can also email Lynn at: Lynn@DifferenceMakersMedia.com.
“We all make a difference,” says Lynn, “And you get to choose what kind of difference you want to make.”
P.S. My ebook is available on Amazon for free from March 28th-30th. Visit: https://bit.ly/PB-Ecuador