Girls on the Run

Ten weeks ago we embarked on a new adventure in the county where we grew up. We took on new roles as coaches at Lafayette School in New Jersey for a 3rd -5th grade after school program called Girls on the Run (GOTR). GOTR is designed to inspire girls to be joyful, happy and confident […]

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Last Day

We woke up on our last day here at the orphanage with heavy hearts. Our time here went by fast yet it feels like we’ve been here for ages. I think it’s from the warm welcoming we are greeted with every morning with the children. It’s Sunday here, so everyone is home from school. And […]

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Balinese Life

Balinese dancing has grasped our attention numerous times this trip. So far, we were mesmerized when one of the older girls at the home performed for us. Then we had the honor of watching four different girls dance at Pinkie’s party. From the makeup, to the ornate outfits and the dramatic dancing, we wanted to […]

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Pinkie Day!

By Dianna Matyola We woke up Friday morning without knowing how exciting the day would be. Due to holiday, the children were all home from school and doing their chores. It was a scene full of giggles and soapy water running down the sidewalk. Instead of joining them and helping clean, we were told by […]

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Valentine’s Day

By Gregory Smith Valentine’s Day started off with a wonderful breakfast. We were cooked the usual fried rice and had the freshest fruit, most of which was grown from the trees at the orphanage. After we finished breakfast it was time to begin finding ways to be helpful! The day before I was looking around […]

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Love at First Sight

We woke up early under our bug net covered, dorm style beds. We all share a large room above the toddler room (how convenient). We wake up to the sound of tropical birds, the right on time rooster and 70+ kids getting ready for school. A group of three get up earlier than the rest […]

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Coast to Coast

Having taken a year away for the holidays I knew in the summer that I wanted to spend Christmas and New Years in New Jersey. Linds and I parted ways in December for the next few weeks to spend the holidays on opposite coasts. Even though apart, we continued our path as givers and found […]

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A Gypsy Thanksgiving Tradition

This Thanksgiving the Gypsy Givers celebrated a tradition of their own.  The Givers were happy to make their way back for a third year in a row to the Healy Senior Center in Humbolt County, California. Being the newest gypsy I was asked to share the experience and it only felt right that my first event celebrated […]

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