Local Author Promotes Volunteering Through Her Children's Book

The Story Behind The Book

The new children's book, ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR: DIARY OF A VOLUNTEER lingered as an idea in the mind of Lynn Sanders for over a decade.

Based on her family's true volunteer healthcare mission to Ecuador -- in 2008, 2009, and 2011 -- with the nonprofit Causes for Change International, Lynn mulled over how to best tell this powerful story of how volunteering changed her family's life.

So many experiences filled their busy days. Before the trip, a great deal of preparation was needed. Lynn and her son needed to gather 1000 stuffed animals to give to children who didn't have toys. With their determination, they ended up gathering 1800 toys, and each one was given away.

Joel, Lynn's husband, needed to get donations of dental supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pain medication and more. And then there was packing.... with eight suitcases to carry all their donations.

During The Trip

Traveling to remote locations where no tourists had gone before, the Sanders family was led by Founder/Director Zully Alvarado, who organized each day's trip from her wheelchair.

The volunteers worked from early morning to sunset. Each day, hundreds of people waited outside in 90+ degree heat to get free healthcare for their children. The adults would often need help for themselves too.

Joel served as the volunteer dentist, doing necessary dental extractions that could save lives.

Lynn became the music teacher with a borrowed guitar, leading songs and activities outdoors using simple Spanish.

Andrew served as the toothbrushing teacher. He distributed toothbrushes, and taught crowds of children how to brush their teeth.

Each toothbrush was allotted a small drop of toothpaste, and the children were given tiny cups filled with bottled water to rinse and spit. With Andrew's enthusiastic spirit, he was a popular volunteer. He also played games with the children, and helped out in the dental area, shining a flashlight over the mouths of children because there was no electricity.

When they returned home, Lynn knew she wanted to share the lessons they learned as a family. After writing a few articles, she wondered about creating a book about the experience.

The question was -- How could she tell this story in a meaningful way...?

Reflections Afterwards

Lynn saw how easily her son Andrew was able to build warm relationships. Everyone bonded together like one big family. She also recognized that kids in the United States may not understand challenges faced by those in another country.

How could she convey the fun behind volunteering to children? Beyond the trip details, Lynn wanted to reinforce values that everyone could appreciate -- having respect, compassion and appreciation for one another. No matter how different someone may seem.

The idea of writing from the perspective of a kid's diary felt like a good approach.

"Children can teach us all lessons. They're naturally loving, trusting and caring," Lynn said. "They're also affected by the constant negative media bombarding us. That's why I feel so passionate about spreading stories that uplift, empower and inspire children. I want them to know how much they matter."

ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR: DIARY OF A VOLUNTEER also has educational content at the back. Lynn included a short Spanish vocabulary list, favorite positive affirmations, a bio about the nonprofit leader, Zully Alvarado, and photos from the trip.

Ultimately, Lynn feels her book offers kids valuable lessons...

* Be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

* Believe in yourself. Have faith. Have courage. You can do it!

* You can do more than you think you can -- just be willing to try.

* You DO make a difference -- no matter what your age may be.

To get a free story guide, learn more about crafting your business or create your own legacy story, visit: https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com. Or contact Lynn at: 847-630-1174.

Schedule a complimentary 15-30 minute consultation at: https://calendly.com/LynnSanders