Volunteer programs abroad are more than just trips. They are full days of hands-on service, cultural connection, and community impact. Today, we’re sharing a firsthand look at what one of those days was like from the perspective of Camilla, a publicity officer with the Medlife UCSD chapter. On St. Patrick’s Day, she and her group spent the day in Bendiciones de Dios, a community working toward safer and stronger living conditions.
Starting the Day: Breakfast, Buses, and Braids
The day began with breakfast at the hospital. From there, volunteers loaded up the buses and got ready for the work ahead. On the ride over, friends chatted, helped each other get ready, and enjoyed the quiet before a physically demanding day.
Once they arrived in Bendiciones de Dios, the team received a breakdown of the day’s goals. They were split into two groups and got to work almost immediately. This approach is typical in our volunteer abroad programs for college students. It maximizes time in the field while staying focused on what the community has asked for.
Listening First, Then Building
At Safe Homes, we center our work around the voices of the community. In this case, the residents expressed a need for better roads. This wasn’t just about convenience. It was about making the area more accessible for those with mobility challenges and ensuring emergency vehicles could reach homes during a crisis.
In the last two years, the community has been impacted by two devastating fires. We learned about this on our reality tour, which gave deeper context to the urgency behind the road project. Volunteers spent the morning mixing and laying cement. The work was physically demanding, so regular water breaks were essential. After a few hours, the team headed to the bus for a well-earned lunch.
Round Two and A Bit of Fun
The second half of the day continued with more road work. There is something incredibly satisfying about seeing progress happen right in front of you. As the afternoon wrapped up, the team took a moment to celebrate with a quick splash of water to cool off and share a few laughs.
The workday ended with a team activity to reflect on what had been accomplished. It was a moment of pride and recognition. These construction volunteer opportunities are not just about the task at hand. They are about connection, teamwork, and seeing what can happen when people come together.
Evening Unwind: Showers, Markets, and Sunset
Back at the hostel, everyone lined up to shower and clean off the cement and dust. Once refreshed, Camilla and her friends took a walk to a nearby artisanal market. On the way, they caught a glimpse of a beautiful sunset, a perfect reminder of the joy that exists alongside the hard work.
They browsed the market, picked up a few souvenirs, and made their way back to the hostel for dinner. That night’s meal was spaghetti, simple but comforting after a long day.
Wrapping Up the Day
After dinner, the group gathered for a reflection meeting with their trip leaders. They recapped the work of the past week and shared takeaways from their experience. Later, Camilla and a few friends went out in search of a sweet treat. They returned with soft serve ice cream, a small reward for a full day of effort.
Before bed, Camilla spent time editing a video to share on social media. These moments help spread awareness and keep others connected to the impact being made in real time.
Safe Homes Movement - Paving the Way for Housing Solutions
Days like these are what make our volunteer programs abroad so meaningful. They show what is possible when people prioritize service, community voices, and real-world solutions.
If you are interested in learning more or joining a future service trip, download our Safe Homes brochure. Together, we can build lasting change, one day at a time.
