Cook Islands Testimonials

"The most touching moment was at a local food festival with lots of music where Global Volunteers, local young schoolchildren and a group of disabled children joined in a celebration of dance - all spontaneously. I also was moved at being so warmly received into people's homes and (seeing) both aging parents and new moms with babies-seeing family taking care of family. We learn so much from each other as volunteers and from our hosts." ~ Bettie Peterson, Hudson, Wisc.

"I learned that children around the world are pretty much the same. They enjoy the same things. I also found that games are universal with a twist. Songs are universal as well." ~ Linda O-Neil, Mill Valley, Calif.

"I developed a close personal relationship with the midwife at the hospital. Friendships were formed easily and the sharing of the local culture was abundant. I was struck speechless by the warm, caring outpouring we received from the people we worked with. The Cook Island culture is a giving culture - unconditionally. The bonds that formed between the midwife and a laboring patient were phenomenal. A baby was born on my birthday and the parents allowed me to be part of that special moment in their lives. The pictures they allowed me to take of them will always be cherished."
~ Rhonda Corbella , Cupertino, CA

"I would have to say the highlight was how much I learned about the people and, through them, about myself. When you're practicing medicine, it's enlightening and humbling to have the opportunity to work intimately with people. They were very open to us. For all one's desires to do volunteer work and give to people, you always end up receiving so much more than you have given. You approach wanting to give and you come back feeling like someone gave you a gift."
~ Dr. Lynn Black, Melrose, MA

"I feel that I became a Cook Islander. I became known to the people in the community on a first-name basis. This experience showed me the 'joy of slowing down.' My most memorable event was assisting the teaching staff to help a 4-year-old with cerebral palsy sit up in a chair for the first time. Her smile was not to be forgotten." ~ Margaret Caldwell, Crystal Lake, IL

"I was speechless when, at the party for our hosts, the assistant principal thanked me so graciously for helping in their school. I felt they gave me so much more than I was able to give. They took me in and accepted me as one of them."
~ Jeanne DiMaria, Harwinton, CT

"The experience helped me realize that the only important thing in being an inhabitant of Planet Earth is the genuine sharing of basic survival needs (food, shelter, clothing) and life experiences. All else is superfluous."
~ Gloria Gibbs, Crescent Lake, OR

"This was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. It was phenomenal to work with such a kind, caring group of people. It's a beautiful part of the world with kind, beautiful people." ~ Dr. David Barash, Melrose, MA

"I developed an excellent relationship with the local people. I found them to be very pleasant and giving people. I love to travel and I love to help and work with people, to grow as a person while helping others, to see a new place - to work with a team. Most importantly, this is along the lines of some of my life goals which include traveling the world and providing service to those less fortunate than myself and to the environment."
~ Katherine Jacobson, New York, NY

"The kids were so incredibly friendly. They liked that I wore a necklace with a small container to make bubbles. When they asked what to call me I told them they could call me Carol or Bubbles - they chose Bubbles, and that's how I was known to them. Before I left the Cook Islands I was in town and several children I had never met greeted me happily by calling me Bubbles. You could say I now have an international reputation as Bubbles. I have never had such a rewarding and interesting trip. The Cook Islands is a part of the world I had always wanted to see. I've always traveled as a writer doing an assignment. While it provided me the opportunity to ask questions and get to know the local people, it felt like work. But traveling as a volunteer meant that all the groundwork was done, and I could just enjoy my time. It was a real luxury." ~ Carol Easton, Venice, CA

"I enjoyed getting to know the doctors and nurses I worked with, learning about their lives and how they care for people. And they were so generous. It was mango season, and several times I came home with armloads of mangoes, papaya, bananas and pineapple they had given me."
~ Laura Foerst, Duluth, MN

"Cook Islanders are extraordinarily friendly, greeting strangers cheerfully. Their low-key, almost languid lifestyle is very different from what we experience in the United States. Of many highlights, a few in particular stand out: One has to be the spontaneous, hearty singing at the island church services. Many of the melodies and all the rhythms and Maori words were new to me, although obviously old and familiar to the island men and women. The extreme brilliance of the stars at night; the intense red-orange of the flamboyant trees; the swift, brief thunderstorms followed by sunny blue skies - all reminded me I was in a totally different world." ~ Joan Fairey, East Lansing, MI

"The staff at the school were gracious and hospitable. The children looked for, and recognized me throughout the island. Waiting at the bus stop they would walk or ride by, yelling, 'Edie, Edie!' They all wanted their pictures taken and some wanted personal letters from me. It was gratifying that my small service was recognized. The tutors were honored by a special tribute at the school's Kia Orana Day cultural celebration. We were feted with dancing, food and drums involving the entire school of several hundred children. We were asked to join in the island dancing, and the students were rolling on the grass, laughing at our dancing skills." ~ Edie Cook, Half Moon Bay, CA

"My head was reeling when I came home. I sat down and said to myself, 'What did I do? Where did I just come from?' It was such an interesting and exciting opportunity. I felt I gained more than I contributed. I hope I left something worthwhile with the Cook Islanders too."
~ Fran Ferguson, New York, NY

"I was introduced to a local delicacy - raw fish, freshly caught and eaten right off the bone. By opening myself to new experiences common to the local people, they began to open themselves to me and shared their insights of 'island life' in the South Pacific. The more experiences I share with people of different backgrounds, the smaller the world becomes. Scuba diving with a team from the Ministry of Marine Affairs was a highlight. On a dive boat for the better part of a day, the crew shares everything - island stories, fish stories, life stories, family stories, personal goals, love interests - and raw fish and coconuts for lunch! This was a great experience! I'd do it again in a heartbeat."~ Mardi Ringling, Eden Prairie, MN