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In The Words of a Great Shape! Veteran

July 1, 2009greatshapeincUncategorized


Hey everyone! Check out this awesome blog post from current volunteer Mike Varner…

“When my best friend Cindy approached me about traveling to Jamaica with Great Shape! Inc. I said, “What? Go where?” Four years later, here I am, planning yet another trip to the beautiful country of Jamaica. I couldn’t say no once I found out what Great Shape! has to offer.

Once I decided to go, I got my passport and spent a long time saving up for the trip. The day that I departed I was very nervous and didn’t know quite what to expect. As soon as I arrived, I was stunned by the heat and the people. I have done volunteer work for the City of Spokane, so I was fine with talking in front of people and teaching others new skills, but in Jamaica with Great Shape! I was working with people from other states and other countries. Still, it didn’t take long to get used to the new atmosphere and, after my first day, I felt very comfortable. During the trip, I met some wonderful people and made many lasting friends. After that, I was hooked. The next year I approached Cindy eagerly, saying, “When do we go? What are the dates?”

I also attended the Ashland Fun-Raiser the year after my first trip. If you can’t go to Jamaica you absolutely must go to the Fun-Raiser because either way you are helping the Jamaicans.

This year, I am going to Jamaica for two weeks with Great Shape! Inc. During the first week I will work in a clinic with a wonderful team of dental professionals as part of the 1000 Smiles project. Then, during the second week, I will join the SuperKids project in the schools helping to educate children in a number of different subjects. The children in the schools accept you as if you were one of them. The staff and people in the communities remember you – not just your face, but your name.

I am proud to be a veteran of Great Shape! Inc. To you – the reader – you need to come to Jamaica. A trip with Great Shape! is something that you will talk about over and over. It makes your heart soar to know that you can make a difference. Even though the difference may be a small one, the rewards carry on forever.”

-Mike Varner, Spokane WA

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