24 Reasons To Be Thankful For HBI: Day 4

Last December I found myself stressed out looking for an organization to do my volunteer work as my RN-to-BSN program at Linfield College School of Nursing. My bachelorette program was nearing an end and I needed a placement. I was given a very long list of organizations to choose from. As I started sorting through the list, HBI was pointed out by one of my awesome professors when I shared my concerns, hopes and dreams about what I wanted to get out of my volunteer service. 

Once in touch with HBI, I met with Ben Grass, who was so thoughtful (by bringing 3 Peruvian stuffies for my then 7-year-old son), very informative, and very flexible about where and how to do my volunteer work. I was even allowed to bring my husband and my 7-year-old son with me as I wanted them to be part of this learning experience. I knew right away, after talking with Ben, HBI was the place for me.

Although I had an idea as to what my volunteer work would entail, nothing would prepare me for what I (along with my family) experienced. Everyone from HBI was very friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. They all made us feel at home and always willing to teach us something new. The experience itself was very humbling and eye opening about how much need there is in the developing world and what a great ally HBI is to the people they touch - both for the volunteers and the people who receive their direct services and supports. 

​This year I’m very thankful for Linfield College for making HBI a part of their volunteer program, I’m thankful also to my professor, but most importantly I am very thankful to HBI for all I learned during my volunteer experience. It will be an experience that will live with me and my family as long as we live. (Gloria Goldstein recently  completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Linfield College School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon; as part of her BSN program, she spent time with HBI in Perú immersed in health services delivery in the community of Alto Cayma.)

---

Support HBI