1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Mom: Being able to volunteer as a family (Mom, 18, 16, 12), and to give back - all three kids are adopted from LA, two from Guatemala. The support we had from both the operator and the community was terrific; this is an extraordinarily reflective and thoughtful program and group who have planned both the practical and the relational aspects of working with a rural community.
12 yr old: My experience was amazing by seeing how hard the men and women work and how hard I could work to help them.
16 yr old: Playing children's games in Spanish with the families we helped.
18 yr old: I was shocked at how much one stove could improve an entire family's lives and those of their community. The project held even more importance because I worked with my family to help another family.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

12 yr: Watch our for homeless dogs (translation: the poverty is surprising)
Mom: The work is physically tiring - (very worth it!) so be prepared to sleep, and leave extra time at the end to tour around.
16 yr: Bring hand lotion if you are building stoves.
18 yr: Don't forget your water. Talk and interact as much as you can with the families and village people.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes - the stoves were wonderfully designed.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

16 and 18: Fulfilling! It was heart wrenching to leave the town and the people, and since we've returned home, everything has related to that experience. We would all recommend this program to anyone of any age, but it is especially rewarding to work as a family to help other families.