“Peace is not won by those who fiercely guard their differences, but by those who with open minds and hearts seek out connections.”

And now our two week adventure comes to an end. We have done what we set out to do—serve the students and teachers of UTEQ in Queretaro, Mexico, and we have done it with love, resourcefulness, commitment and creativity, thanks to a wonderful team of volunteers and our team leader, Pam. We accomplished our other goals of having a cultural experience and having fun; making friends; staying warm; and eating well. In the eating category, a highlight was the Thursday night special, pozole, at La Mariposa last night.

The last two days have been enhanced by celebratory experiences with the students—everything from food at the end (or beginning) of class, thank you comments from the students, presentations, and, most special to me, the songs sung by students for us. I was moved to tears yesterday when the students in one class sang a song for us at the end of class in both Spanish and English, accompanied by a student playing the guitar. The song began “Do you know how much I love you? Do you know how much I care?” These students are sweet and kind; respectful of us, their teachers and each other; committed to learning English and very appreciative of our efforts to help them learn. They are precious beyond words.

After a short morning of classes, our day and adventure at UTEQ ended with a party for the teachers which began with Bill speaking a message of heartfelt appreciation which touched and moved all of us and then us singing two songs composed by Tom to familiar tunes—“Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” and “Anything Goes” which the teachers seemed to love. Then two spokespersons for the teachers expressed words of thanks and appreciation and sang “Ceilito Lindo” for us in Spanish. On to sweets and goodies and informal visiting one on one and in small groups with the teachers, where over and over we were told how valuable we are and what a contribution we make to the students. Then back to the hotel for picture-taking and free time before dinner this evening—our last time together as a team.

I end this journal piece by saying that I can’t find a way to put into words how precious this experience has been.

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

I am pleased that I decided to return to Queretaro because I have been truly inspired by the energy of my fellow volunteers and team leader, Pam. My daily walks in many diverse neighborhoods have truly enhanced my cross cultural awareness as well as another “slice” of neighborhood life.

In the mornings I’m greeted by other walkers/persons exercising; city workers busily cleaning the streets; observing parents walking or driving their children with their colorful uniforms to school; women sitting in the car applying make-up; others taking a taxi or bus to work; while others enter the church. All of these activities appear to be accomplished in a quiet calmness. Last Sunday as I was walking, I stopped to read a posted menu. A father and son asked if I spoke English; I said yes. After some small talk, he shared his Sunday morning tradition/routine. He drove across town to this area to purchase tamales from this location. He purchased both Queretaro traditional tamales as well as the Oaxacan traditional tamales, then returns home to enjoy them with his family along with coffee; Oaxacan hot chocolate and juice. Yes, I sampled the tamales and hot chocolate—they were delicious!!

We began our second day of night classes with breakfast at the Express. We missed smiling Sara, who had to return home for an urgent family situation.

We scattered and then re-gathered for a hearty lunch at Café del Fondo before heading off to class on the van with Antonio. Classes were varied and stimulating. Volunteers again noted that many night students were working, some for international companies. For some, their work intensified their desire to speak English well. Wednesday brought a return to daytime classes starting at 8 am after a van ride brightened by the opportunity to practice songs for our party for the teachers. The songs have “familiar” melodies with lyrics provided by Tom, lyricist extraordinaire.

The volunteers have been energized daily and nightly by eager, enthusiastic students. Today, however, was a more special day in many classes: students came with a multitude of treats—food, food, food, from spicy to sweet, posters, signs, songs sung by costumed students accompanied by student guitarists, even a piñata. Credit for inspiring the students goes to teachers, especially Paty and Paloma. Another excellent day!

“We get to make a living—We give to make a life.”

Our first day of night classes officially began with breakfast at one of the Villemot Creperie locations. We were then set loose until 2:30 when we met at the hotel to go out for lunch. In between breakfast and lunch, we did errands, explored favorite haunts, and bought any provisions we needed. Those of us who rested on benches in the Jardin Zenea were approached by nurses in white uniforms to see if we wanted a blood pressure check.

This was all fine, but the real work of the day was yet to begin. At 4:30, Antonio came with the van. We arrived at UTEQ a little before 5 pm, where we were greeted by Carlos, who spoke perfect English, having lived in LA’s San Fernando Valleyfor a number of years. Carlos led us to the class building and gave us our assignments. After the first class, we were met by Israel—tall, smiling, dark-suited, the program coordinator for the evening instruction. He had started his work day at 7 am in an elementary school but was in good spirits, though tired. Classes 2-4 had a generous component of students with jobs, professionals of all stripes: mathematics teacher, chemist, salesman, human resources workers, etc.

A pearl of great worth, the true essence of the joy of teaching and communicating, was experienced by the team. A great day!

"He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough."

It was a relaxed day in Queretaro for Joan, Tom and Bill and a busy day exploring out of state for Mary, Karen, Carol and Libby. Santospicked up the four travelers for a beautiful drive to Guanajuato. His knowledge and patience enhanced our trip through the fertile valley filled with farms and ranches producing a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and livestock. It was very difficult to resist the “frecas y chema.”

We entered the lovely old silver-mining city of Guanajuatothrough the tunnels after leaving the road. We took the funicular up to the Pipita monument to see the view and then descended for lunch on the triangular “square”—accompanied by wonderful live music. After lunch we explored on foot, visiting the Basilica, Diego Rivera’s house and the large Mercado—enjoying the colorful houses and narrow streets along the way.

We returned to Queretaro city just in time to see the impressive international parade celebrating the diversity of the city’s inhabitants—and to share a pizza and Academy Awards gathering with Pam and Sara, who had returned from their weekend in Posos.

"Be prepared, stay cool, and enjoy opportunities."

Our group disbursed in many directions on Saturday—Pam and Sara to Posos; Lori and Toby were in San Miguel de Allende enjoying water painting classes. Pam (team member) left for the airport Saturday morning. Tom, Bill and Joan stayed in Queretaro and Karen, Libby and Carol were driven to Bernal by our UTEQ driver, Santos.

Our visit to Bernal, its pena, and Tequisquiapon was splendid. In Bernal, Santos threaded his way through the twisted streets, around construction and up the steep hill to the highest auto access and the pena, which dominates the town was right in front of us. The air was noticeably colder and very clear. Santos pointed out hikers far above us on the trail of the “big rock” and then led us through various market stalls where he identified the mineral resources of the area and showed us the villagers’handicrafts. Chilled by the brisk breeze, we drove into central Bernal to explore the busy village square and beautiful silver, pottery and weaving goods. At Santos’ urging, we delved beyond the sales area of the weaving shop to find many looms set up, dye vats ready and weavers busy making the fabrics and hangings we had seen in the sales area. The square’s colorful buildings, lush trees, many shoppers and amusing street performers, with the pena prominent in the background completed the scene.

Our busy day was concluded by a visit to Tequisquiapon, where we enjoyed a late lunch at La Charmusia (the coffee cake company), and a walk through the busy artist’s and goods mercados.

Thursday evening’s dinner was enjoyed at a new restaurant, “Sabrita.” I thought it to be understated class. We relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company.And now it’s Friday and we’ve reached the halfway point in our teaching at UTEQ. Each classroom experience has been unique.When we returned to the hotel we began to part ways as our weekend plans were taking us in many different directions.

Pam outdid herself once again, finding yet one more local restaurant which pleased our palates, including lemonade made from lemons picked from the tree above our table.We said our goodbyes to Tanya and Pam who are returning to their homes after a week of service.

“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.” Jonas Salk

We capped off Wednesday with a delicious dinner at Bisquet where the sauces for the enchiladas went from hot to hotter to untouchable. It was our first mole. The plaza was hopping after supper again—this time with food booths serving up all sorts of dishes to celebrate Ash Wednesdy and “concheros” dancing to the drums.

Yawn! We made it to the bus for a 6:30 am departure. The paved stone streets were empty as we headed to UTEQ. Seen en route: two plaza sitters, two girls walking, four joggers, a few commuters, and a sunrise. The students were completely engaged despite it being 7 am, and we were off to a flying start. A few things we are noticing: a number of girls are pregnant or recent moms—many without husbands. The students help each other without apparent competition. Boys wait for the “lady” volunteers and teachers to go through the door first. A couple of very fluent boys said they learned their English from watching movies and TV shows in English—(a good practice for us to adopt with Spanish TV and radio at home!) A very friendly group of boys were playing“conquian” or our Gin Rummy with baraja Espanola (a Spanish deck of cards which has wonderful pictures and neither 9s or Aces—who knew?)

A group of students came up to us as we sat in the “waiting room”—perhaps we have become a local attraction at the end of the first week—let’s hope so.

Lunch break in Centro was relaxing and delicious. A buffet with sparrows having a few nibbles, was a delightful way to relax after another day at UTEQ.

"Life is Good Today"

Life was good in Queretaro today.

Perfect weather, team survival through all the “firsts:” first day, first meeting, first class. Feeling more comfort and confidence in what we’re doing thanks to tons of support and coaching from within the team. Meeting goals: having fun and serving, proving once again one always gets more than one gives….remembering there is more that connects us than divides us as we listen to the students who want what we have wanted for ourselves and our children—a good job, raise a family, find love, have fun, to be acknowledged and valued.

Life is really good in Queretero today.

“It’s better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness.”

Breakfast was by dawn’s early light in the hotel and then off to school with Santos at the wheel of our white minivan. At school, I am sure I learn more about Mexican culture from the students than the English they learn from me. It’s a good trade.

I want to express my gratitude to the women in our group. I realize that they are about a generation ahead of me. I listen to stories about gallivanting as a young woman in Europe, living in Turkey, and I realize that these women have helped blaze trails, making my adventures seem blasé and so“everyday.” Thank goodness for trailblazers and those who lead by example.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

I would be remiss not to mention again, last night’s dinner, in front of the Santa Rosa Cathedral with over 100’ of fountains programmed into a beautiful sound and multicolored light show—the sound being the magnificent voice of Andreas Bocelli. It was a treat for all.

This morning we climbed into Santos’minivan at 8:15 for what would be our daily drive to UTEQ. A delicious breakfast of chilaquiles verdes and fresh orange juice awaited us. After introductions with the English language teachers and a tour of the campus, we met with Julio to get our schedules for the two weeks. Finally with a certain level of apprehension our first classes began at 11:00. Most of us then had a break from 12:00 – 1:00 followed by our second and last class of the day.

Class time was spent in groups of 6-7 (some 4-5) with each teacher, all within a classroom. At times, it was rather like the noise of the dueling bands on Saturday night. The students were lively and eager to practice their English. Their levels ranged from beginner to advanced within each group.During free time, it is hoped that teachers will chat informally with students in the cafeteria. Some students clearly resisted but many welcomed the opportunity.

Lunch next to the University at Vera Cruz at 2:00 was called a “light lunch”…only three courses! I hate to imagine what a normal lunch would be! We piled into the van a happy, satisfied and tired group for the return trip to Hotel Hidalgo and some free time before dinner at 7:00.

Big breakfast at the hotel. Pam provided general information in her usual efficient, clear and concise way. Carolina arrived and “received” us—expressing her genuine and heartful appreciation for the team. After she left, more team work on goals and team building. And more information.

Another break, another large lunch at a different hotel and an evening meal while enjoying the entertaining and beautiful offerings of the fountain.

I was struck by the similarity of goals of this team as well as the shared enthusiasm in working with students tomorrow. And we already met some of our goals of warmth, fun, cuisine and culture!

Team: Feb 18- March 3

Our first team gathering began with dinner. All team members were present except for Joan, Tom and Karen. We ate a delicious dinner, socialized with each other and listened to music. One kind of music though one ear and another group with the other—different music to the immediate right and left of us—like the battle of the bands.

A Day in Queretaro by 2011 Volunteer Mary

We got up early this morning for a quiet, do-it-yorself breakfast and walked to our bus pick-up point. It was still dark when we left the hotel; the morning air felt cool and refreshing. All was quiet on the street and the Jardín, which had been crowded with people the night before. There had been a band playing, people dancing and enjoying the music, children playing and families enjoying a walk and ice cream on a warm Sunday evening.

I had four classes today. The students were well prepared, attentive, and eager to learn and improve their English speaking skills. Between classes in the cafeteria area I had several enjoyable conversations with students, as did the other volunteers.

At 1:00 p.m. it was off to lunch at the nearby restaurant before the journey back to the Hotel Hidalgo. We arrived warm from the now hot (25° C) midafternoon sun and tired from our work. Many volunteers, myself included, took a bit of time for a siesta, Others bought more food and supplies to keep us all fed and energized.

At 6:15 we had a team meeting, read the journal and inspirational daily thought. Discussion centered on a farewell party hosted by the volunteers for the UTEQ faculty on Thursday. The planning committee has great ideas for food and musical entertainment. First rehearsal Tuesday. After that a pizza and beverage party was enjoyed by all, along with good conversation before ending another day in Querétaro.


Thought for the day:

Tell me and I will forget,
Show me and I may remember,
Involve me and I will understand.
~ Chinese proverb


Shared by Volunteer Mary D.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo — or the fifth of May — commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

~ Information courtesy of History.com

Happy Children's Day, April 30th!!

This coming Saturday, April 30th is Children's Day in Mexico! It is also known as "El Día Del Niño". And in some schools they give the day free or let the kids wear shorts and a colored shirt.

We wish all our host partners, friends and children of Mexico a very happy Children's Day and we look forward to serving your communities again this June, July and October. If you might be interested in joining us this summer or fall, don't hesitate to contact us today!

Remaining 2011 Service Program Dates:
June 4 - June 18
June 18 - July 2
October 15 - October 29

Update on Safety in Mexico

In recent months, certain areas of Mexico have been subject to increased levels of violence leading the U.S. to issue travel warnings for a few states in the nation of Mexico. Our website currently states that the states where our service programs are located are not included in the travel warning - which is still true. We hope this post will serve as a reminder to those considering a program in Mexico this year or in 2012, and we would also like to share some "common sense" tips shared by the Dept. of State today.

Below is a portion of the updated travel & safety information issued today, regarding Mexico:

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.

It is imperative that you understand the risks involved in travel to Mexico and how best to avoid dangerous situations. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Former Volunteer Posts AMAZING YouTube Videos!!

We at Global Volunteers are privileged to work with so many wonderful volunteers, partners, and supporters each and every day.

Last week, one particular volunteer, Graham, truly knocked our socks off when he shared a 9-part video series he had created about Global Volunteers and posted on YouTube!! These videos feature the travels and experiences of numerous Global Volunteers (particularly one tight-knit group from New Jersey) and we welcome you to take a look at these exceptional videos by using the link below.


Thank you, Graham!! And for the rest of you... ENJOY!!


Global Volunteer Retrospective Video (End): http://www.youtube.com/user/endlessmug#p/u/53/1YT9erIK0k4

Pictures from Queretaro with Love!

Many thanks to Volunteer Team Leader Pam Cromer for sharing these great photos with us!! We've had a large team of successful volunteers working with students in Queretaro this February!



If you might be interested in volunteering in Mexico later this year, the following are our 2011 Mexico Service Program Dates, and please note that you can volunteer for a one or two week period (we simply ask that you begin on the set start date):

June 4 - June 18 (Dolores Hidalgo)
June 18 - July 2 (Queretaro)
October 15 - October 29 (Dolores Hidalgo)

We look forward to hearing from you soon!!

Learn about... Queretaro!!!

I thought you might enjoy these words from a team leader to Mexico! Queretaro is one of Global Volunteers' two host communities in Mexico. We currently have four volunteer teams scheduled for 2011, with two of the four headed for Queretaro. Please let us know if you would be interested in learning more about these wonderful teaching service opportunities!



QUERETARO, MEXICO: The glorious past – The dynamic present!



Written by: Francoise, Global Volunteer Team Leader


When I agreed to lead a team of volunteers to Queretaro, Mexico, I had already traveled extensively to more “exotic” sites south of our border, mostly in Central and South America, and I relied on memories of an earlier trip to Mexico - many years before…. This recent service program experience in Mexico gave me the opportunity to re-connect and fall in love with a country that is so close to us, yet so full of surprises and riches!

Queretaro: a fascinating city of contrasts whose quaint “heart” pulses with the memories of an illustrious past still lingering in the many gorgeous colonial buildings of its historic center. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (neighboring San Miguel de Allende is a Mexican national monument) and many defining moments of Mexico’s history come to life in Queretaro’s restored mansions, monuments, and public landmarks. One can discover them along the pedestrian walkways or around the several squares adorned with fountains, statues, and carpets of flowers. From our hotel, located right across the street from the City Museum, we were able to safely explore this compact historic center, visit many of the churches, several museums, markets, while mingling with friendly families as they enjoyed the beauty and liveliness of their public places. But Queretaro – which I found very few Americans have ever heard of! - is also a fast growing, dynamic, and sophisticated metropolis of 1.5 million habitants that boasts a new international airport and hundreds of U.S., Canadian, and European companies with modern facilities that stretch into the mountainous Heartland.

Since 1988, Global Volunteers has been teaching conversational English at UTEQ (Universidad Technologica de Queretaro), and our host there is well organized, appreciative of the volunteers’ contribution, and intent on facilitating better communications and understanding between our two cultures. English as a second language is an important subject at the University, and students who become bilingual speakers will find better jobs. Our students appreciated the opportunity, the only one they have during their time of study there, to practice the language with native speakers. Depending on their level we were able to engage in interesting conversations which turned out to be quite an eye-opener to us. Most of the recent polemic we have been exposed to at home about Mexican/US relations, has focused on poor Mexicans desperate to make it across our borders or hiding from the authorities, and how to deal with this problem. Yet, the students we interacted with (and we were told that the majority came from very poor families) were quite confident in the future of their own country and their own contribution to it. When asked where they would like to travel to, they spoke of exotic places such as Egypt… not Texas or Southern California… Most of them felt confident that they would find employment in this rapidly growing area.

In Queretaro, the contrast between the pride of the past and the pull of the future is everywhere present, yet the Mexicans we interacted with seemed to have found a comfortable balance. We definitively felt a strong sense of responsibility to the family and a commitment for the young to help their elders. Catholicism is a grounding religion for most, and the town’s beautiful churches are often filled with worshippers, yet there are many very progressive social initiatives that “push the envelope.” We saw plays and dance performances sponsored by the city or state that were quite “unorthodox” and experimental, and exhibits that would have been censored in a City Museum here. We were impressed by the sophistication of Queretaro’s cultural scene, the variety of venues that offered high quality events – many free of charge! Our team took great advantage of this. On a typical day, after the afternoon rest following our teaching schedule, when not eating at our hotel, we enjoyed delicious Mexican cuisine at a new restaurant, then attended a show or a concert at a nearby venue. We also could choose to watch a group of young people working on a spontaneous mural or make music, as part of a preventive state-sponsored program for “youth at risk” Or we could join local people in the main square (we especially loved the children in their pretty clothes) to enjoy Latin music, and watch elegant couples perform the traditional “Danzon.” Most of the time we were the only non-Mexicans in the crowd, but everyone was gracious and welcoming.

Hasta Luego!