Mark Backlin

Mark Backlin is a frequent volunteer in the Adopt-A-Village International (AaVI) trips to Ecuador. He has traveled with AaVI three times as well as volunteering with his own organization (JLMF) numerous more times. Needless to say, he is very committed to helping the people of Ecuador.
As a doctor, Mark states that the people of Ecuador are in dire need of medical attention. He mentions that “on an average day, an AaVI clinic can get anywhere between 60 to 75 patients”; most of whom need dental help or suffer from malnutrition.
Mark says that AaVI's main goal is to give an Ecuador Community a push in order to become a self-sustaining society in five years time. It's not Adopt-A-Village’s goal to be a source of dependence. However, in order to help the Ecuadorian people the best ways possible while keeping with the mission, Mark states that he leaves the dental records of procedures he has done in Ecuador so that future volunteers can see what treatments the patients have gone through.
Ecuador has a very different culture and atmosphere that most people in America aren’t accustomed to. Mark says one interesting fact about Ecuadorian culture is that the people often eat Guinea Pigs. He advises volunteers to “bring a variety of clothes. Ecuador has many climates as well as a broad variation of temperatures.” It would also be a good idea to bring bug spray and don't forget your medication. “Ecuador can be a beautiful place; while there, be sure to view the country, experience the culture, and take a look at the nature”, Mark suggests.

Ann Owen

Ann Owen, a Pediatric Nurse, has volunteered several times in Peru for the past 8 years; 2 of which were with Adopt-A-Village International. While in Peru, She helps the villages improve in terms of sanitation, health, and overall well-being. To do this, she implements “Sustainable Clinics” – meaning she helps cure the patient, and then teaches the patient techniques to prevent the problem from occurring again. In these clinics, she also educates the villagers about first aid, proper hydration, and dental care to prevent infections or illnesses from developing.

These trips have impacted her life immensely. Ann says, “Its always wonderful and brings tears to my eyes”. One of her most memorable moments when volunteering with Adopt-A-Village occurred when she gave one of the patients reading glasses; these reading glasses allowed the patient to read a bible for the first time. “Since religion is so heavily influenced in these regions, it was quite a big deal to her”, Ann states. When asked what inspired her to volunteer abroad, Ann states that her kids “were always volunteers and participated in the community and Cub Scouts”, and she saw how happy her daughter was when she came back from her first Volunteer Abroad trip at 15 years of age. “I wish I had an opportunity when I was young,” Ann also mentions.

One of the most pertinent issues in Peru is the contamination and scarcity of water. “Most every person in the village I help out with has at least one worm in their system,” Ann includes. The villagers often must go to the Amazon River to get water, and that water is heavily contaminated; therefore, wells or a sanitation system are critically needed. The rainforest is very helpful at times for providing clean water to the villagers, some families even place buckets on their rooftops to collect water; however, these buckets are often contaminated as well. Ann states, “I try to bring lots of plastic buckets for them to collect water with.”

Some villagers feel bad for taking all of this help for free, for this reason, Ann tells the patients ahead of time (and if possible) to donate a fruit or something considerably inexpensive so the villagers do not feel bad for receiving Ann’s help. “The medicine provided only lasts for three months,” Ann clarifies; this puts her in a tough position because giving an extra supply of medicine could develop a sense of dependence. She includes that it is very important for the villagers not to grow dependent on Adopt-A-Village; however, it is pertinent that these villages develop a sense of independence over time with the help of Adopt-A-Village. To continue helping the villagers, she leaves a supply of medicine to a responsible teacher of the village to give to whom he or she feels fit.

“I would like more people to come down [to Peru]. I am just trying to figure out a way for more people to go,” Ann says. There are veterinary clinics, and places to help special needs children as well. There is something for everyone to help out in. She feels one of the biggest reasons people do not go to Peru are the generalizations of third world countries such as the crime rate and diseases that could possibly be encountered. “Most people say it’s the most memorable experience in their life. My kids have gone back 4 or 5 times.” Ann mentions that she has not taken any Spanish classes, but has learned a considerable amount after immersing herself in the Spanish Culture. Spanish is not needed for one to volunteer in Peru. Although the villagers do not speak English (they are eager to learn though!), there are always translators there to help out.

If you have any questions for Ann Owen, feel free to E-Mail her at ano88@comcast.net