Amazon Crossings

“I realized just how closely the state of the environment is linked to the development of the culture and knowledge. I value human interaction so much more because I see this contact gives value to what everyone is doing which makes everyone appreciate what they have as well as learn from others. I think service is not what you give, it is what you leave behind; the memories, the ideas and the respect, trust and warmth. Development is not necessarily modernization, especially in the sense of urbanization, development is moving forward, evolving, respecting what is important yet altering it to the need of today. The environment is the source of development and care for the environment brings us all together. We all show service together to the environment and the people when we learn new things. The service is not really from person to person; it is when we meet, live together, that we show a service to each other and thereby to everyone and everything.” ~ Dinike, 16, Holland

“This was the first time that I learned as well as (hopefully) contributed. There was a great sense of equality in my interactions with the people of Brazil; a sense of mutual respect. This to me was “service” in its best form. A dialogue between you and the community.” ~ Diya, 18, India

“This trip has helped me to understand that service isn’t necessary materialistic but getting to interact with people on a common level generates a great effect. This trip also helped me to understand that in order to change this world, putting knowledge and understanding in your youth to protect their culture and value in others to serve humanity is a great way of achieving that.” ~ Maigoro, 15, Nigeria

“The junior youth who I met here [were] enthusiastic yet shy, full of energy and wonderful in their own ways and created such an atmosphere which was so pleasing. It brings me to tears that I have to leave now but it sure was an amazing experience. This trip was a sure pleasure; having the most cheerful environment and having to meet so many people with whom communication was easy though we did not know their language and they did not know ours either.” ~ Devika, 15, India

“What I remember most was the warmth, open friendliness and hospitality of the people we met and spent time with. No doubt each group will feel, as I do, that their own experience could not possibly be topped. I remember that it was impossible to visit anyone’s house without being offered some food or fruit or drink – and this from people who have very little to start with. This sense of community and sharing was genuine and refreshing to me: me coming from a world much more focused on self. If given the opportunity to live with a family for a week or two, doubtless the participant will come away with an even deeper understanding and respect for the people who form their lives in this place, so isolated from most of the world…” ~ Steve, United States

“I have come to understand some very essential aspects of service, development and the environment. Through this experience I have learned that its not exactly important [to have] physical evidence of any type of service and that valuing one’s culture tradition or heritage is of greater importance. Assenting one to see value in one’s own culture is of great help. It is very essential to practice and enforce sustainable development and ensuring that the resources and the environment aren’t misused.” ~ Ushasthi, 16, India

“One word: unforgettable! It was an experience that changed my life. It changed the way I looked at a lot of things. In the beginning I was scared. Well, nervous. I didn’t know what to expect…I was still excited, the first time in my life I was going out of the country. What really touched me was how nice every one was in the village.  I’ve never experience anything like that! Here, it’s usually just hanging out with family friends. There, everyone knows one another. And we all were together, playing games and eating lunch. I only know three people on my street. Everyone there is so nice and does things together.” ~ Brian, United States

“The boat seemed like a time machine. One could easily imagine this is how early settlers would have arrived in this part of the world a hundred years ago, just replace the sounds of the diesel engine with those of a steam engine and the illusion would be complete.” ~ Chris, United States