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EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS: Travel Experiences While Serving Others
THIS BOOK CONTAINS 50 COLOR PHOTOS.
Do you want a unique travelogue that advocates for volunteer adventures around the world as inspiration for serving others? Here is a resource that can provide encouragement for doing different things and motivation to consider the amazing experiences waiting for you.
The book is organized thematically and not chronologically with full details of twenty-seven adventures with fifty color photographs. Chapter One is general information; Two uses trips to illustrate the Magic of First Events and Challenging Changes; Three introduces Friends and Family to the joy of volunteering with two guest contributors each reporting on their individual experience; Chapters Four through Nine cover specific topics- Archaeology, Education, Housing, Senior and Women's Programs, Miscellaneous Projects, and Support for the Cuban People. Chapter Ten describes the process I used for preparation to Start the Journey- (follow the template or use it for ideas to create your personal volunteering goals for serving others) and Appreciation for all who supported my passion for participating in domestic and international opportunities by sharing many of their experiences with me. Finally, the Supplements are a synopsis of highlights for an additional eight projects with interesting contributions. Since each trip is identified by number, location, solo or with a companion, and project type as a mini essay, it is not necessary to read it from page one to the end. Peruse the Table of Contents and select an order that appeals to you. Travel is not required, but it expedites the transformation of expanding your horizons.
Turn Dreams of Volunteering into Reality. I noticed that after I have been to a country and there is a news article, I usually check it out. Reported news is frequently only unfortunate events (weather disasters, political upheavals, etc.), but I recall my time there and wonder how everyone is coping. Extensive time spent together reinforces similarities and minimizes differences.
Now I want to share why I decided it was time to capture these experiences in a book. There are multiple reasons with creating a legacy by presenting a mini memoir for this aspect of my life which shares honors with inspiration and motivation for considering volunteer service including an education component. I have accumulated a repertoire of a variety of projects with destinations all over the world to use as samples of opportunity choices. I'll start at the beginning. My first international expedition is also the description of the first Memorable Event which I think is deposited in a vault in my mind that can be retrieved by a thought. I had never considered writing a book and throughout the journey I never kept a journal or any type of diary. However, as soon as I decided to feature this trip, it was if all these details were as vivid as if it happened yesterday instead of mid-1986. That pattern persisted while preparing all the chapters. The only document that I had was a spreadsheet tracking the forty-six trips in almost forty years. I was fortunate to have a valued colleague agree to be my Content Clarification editor whose job was to identify any situations, topics or words that needed to be defined in the text so the reader wasn't interrupted and required to search the internet for the answer. The goal was to find 100% of these situations and at least discover and fix most of them. Hope we were successful!
I was an active participant during the evolution years of the volunteer choices and opportunities available for ordinary citizens. I continue to use 501(c)(3) designated non-profit organizations which utilize local resources, support the economy, and allow community projects to be maintained after the volunteers have departed; plus schedule tourist events that don't interfere with the volunteer activity.
Do you want a unique travelogue that advocates for volunteer adventures around the world as inspiration for serving others? Here is a resource that can provide encouragement for doing different things and motivation to consider the amazing experiences waiting for you.
The book is organized thematically and not chronologically with full details of twenty-seven adventures with fifty color photographs. Chapter One is general information; Two uses trips to illustrate the Magic of First Events and Challenging Changes; Three introduces Friends and Family to the joy of volunteering with two guest contributors each reporting on their individual experience; Chapters Four through Nine cover specific topics- Archaeology, Education, Housing, Senior and Women's Programs, Miscellaneous Projects, and Support for the Cuban People. Chapter Ten describes the process I used for preparation to Start the Journey- (follow the template or use it for ideas to create your personal volunteering goals for serving others) and Appreciation for all who supported my passion for participating in domestic and international opportunities by sharing many of their experiences with me. Finally, the Supplements are a synopsis of highlights for an additional eight projects with interesting contributions. Since each trip is identified by number, location, solo or with a companion, and project type as a mini essay, it is not necessary to read it from page one to the end. Peruse the Table of Contents and select an order that appeals to you. Travel is not required, but it expedites the transformation of expanding your horizons.
Turn Dreams of Volunteering into Reality. I noticed that after I have been to a country and there is a news article, I usually check it out. Reported news is frequently only unfortunate events (weather disasters, political upheavals, etc.), but I recall my time there and wonder how everyone is coping. Extensive time spent together reinforces similarities and minimizes differences.
Now I want to share why I decided it was time to capture these experiences in a book. There are multiple reasons with creating a legacy by presenting a mini memoir for this aspect of my life which shares honors with inspiration and motivation for considering volunteer service including an education component. I have accumulated a repertoire of a variety of projects with destinations all over the world to use as samples of opportunity choices. I'll start at the beginning. My first international expedition is also the description of the first Memorable Event which I think is deposited in a vault in my mind that can be retrieved by a thought. I had never considered writing a book and throughout the journey I never kept a journal or any type of diary. However, as soon as I decided to feature this trip, it was if all these details were as vivid as if it happened yesterday instead of mid-1986. That pattern persisted while preparing all the chapters. The only document that I had was a spreadsheet tracking the forty-six trips in almost forty years. I was fortunate to have a valued colleague agree to be my Content Clarification editor whose job was to identify any situations, topics or words that needed to be defined in the text so the reader wasn't interrupted and required to search the internet for the answer. The goal was to find 100% of these situations and at least discover and fix most of them. Hope we were successful!
I was an active participant during the evolution years of the volunteer choices and opportunities available for ordinary citizens. I continue to use 501(c)(3) designated non-profit organizations which utilize local resources, support the economy, and allow community projects to be maintained after the volunteers have departed; plus schedule tourist events that don't interfere with the volunteer activity.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 26, 2025
This book reads like a travel log, but with far more depth than a simple chronicle of destinations. It’s a collection of meaningful experiences shaped not only by exploration but also by volunteerism. The author’s journeys weren’t just about seeing the world—they were about giving back, creating a richness that elevates every story. Her goal is clear: to inspire those searching for their next adventure and to guide those who don’t yet know where to begin.
A sense of wonder runs through every page. The author highlights the magic of stepping off the beaten path, the hidden treasures found in unfamiliar places, and the memories formed when travel intersects with gratitude and service. These stories broaden horizons while leaving something meaningful behind.
I’m not an adventurer myself—you won’t catch me trekking through Costa Rica or watching Halley’s Comet from a Guatemalan temple. Yet through the author’s vivid storytelling, I experienced each moment right alongside her. I could imagine lying on a cot in a large tent before an early dig or assisting an instructor in Mexico, which sparked an unexpected connection.
Seeing the world through her eyes was both insightful and captivating. She doesn’t shy away from sharing the challenges alongside the joys. Her adventures, whether solo or with family, reflect both the beauty and the grit of discovery. Practical lessons woven throughout offer valuable guidance for any curious traveler.
I found myself smiling often, pausing at the photos (the ones that were included), and learning things I never expected. By the final page, I felt genuinely grateful for the unexpected thrill this book offered.
This is a perfect read for anyone with an adventurous spirit—or anyone simply open to a gentle push toward exploration. Whatever draws a reader in, they will leave richer in knowledge, perspective, and maybe even inspiration.
A sense of wonder runs through every page. The author highlights the magic of stepping off the beaten path, the hidden treasures found in unfamiliar places, and the memories formed when travel intersects with gratitude and service. These stories broaden horizons while leaving something meaningful behind.
I’m not an adventurer myself—you won’t catch me trekking through Costa Rica or watching Halley’s Comet from a Guatemalan temple. Yet through the author’s vivid storytelling, I experienced each moment right alongside her. I could imagine lying on a cot in a large tent before an early dig or assisting an instructor in Mexico, which sparked an unexpected connection.
Seeing the world through her eyes was both insightful and captivating. She doesn’t shy away from sharing the challenges alongside the joys. Her adventures, whether solo or with family, reflect both the beauty and the grit of discovery. Practical lessons woven throughout offer valuable guidance for any curious traveler.
I found myself smiling often, pausing at the photos (the ones that were included), and learning things I never expected. By the final page, I felt genuinely grateful for the unexpected thrill this book offered.
This is a perfect read for anyone with an adventurous spirit—or anyone simply open to a gentle push toward exploration. Whatever draws a reader in, they will leave richer in knowledge, perspective, and maybe even inspiration.
November 20, 2025
I appreciated how the book divides volunteering into themes like education, housing, archaeology, senior programs, and support for women. It shows that volunteering isn’t limited to one type of person or skill, there’s a place for everyone.
The final chapter, where the author explains how to prepare and choose opportunities, is incredibly helpful for anyone who has dreamed of doing this but didn’t know where to start. It feels like a friendly guide saying: you can do this too.
The final chapter, where the author explains how to prepare and choose opportunities, is incredibly helpful for anyone who has dreamed of doing this but didn’t know where to start. It feels like a friendly guide saying: you can do this too.
November 11, 2025
Really inspiring
This book made me view volunteering in a different light, not as charity, but as shared humanity. If you love travel, purpose, or heartwarming true stories, Expand Your Horizons is one of those books that leaves you inspired to take action and maybe even book your first volunteer journey.
This book made me view volunteering in a different light, not as charity, but as shared humanity. If you love travel, purpose, or heartwarming true stories, Expand Your Horizons is one of those books that leaves you inspired to take action and maybe even book your first volunteer journey.
November 26, 2025
Truly uplifting and educational.
Each chapter captures not only the projects but also the people and cultures encountered along the way. The section on Friends and Family highlights how volunteering strengthens bonds and spreads joy.
Each chapter captures not only the projects but also the people and cultures encountered along the way. The section on Friends and Family highlights how volunteering strengthens bonds and spreads joy.
December 10, 2025
This book beautifully demonstrates that travel and service are two sides of the same coin. The personal reflections are touching, the project stories inspiring, and the insights timeless. It made me pause and appreciate how giving time and energy to others expands one’s own heart.
December 17, 2025
A thoughtful, motivating read
What sets this book apart is its call to action. The author doesn’t just share experiences; they invite readers to dream, plan, and go. The preparation tips and reflections make the idea of volunteering feel achievable for anyone.
What sets this book apart is its call to action. The author doesn’t just share experiences; they invite readers to dream, plan, and go. The preparation tips and reflections make the idea of volunteering feel achievable for anyone.
November 6, 2025
"Voluntoulrism"
An inspiring book full of volunteering experiences abroad. What these people have seen and done for themselves while in the service of others is mind-blowing.
An inspiring book full of volunteering experiences abroad. What these people have seen and done for themselves while in the service of others is mind-blowing.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews