TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you for the gifts of your class last Friday
evening, your book and the 42 page list of website and
info!”
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“Have your ears been burning? It's been ages since
I have heard an inspiring speaker so I've been buzzing
to many friends about you. It takes great courage to go
counter culture. It isn't that you just stopped caring.
You care greatly about how one person can make a difference.
You are living your values. It's obviously a good fit!
And you've moved beyond that so now you're the teacher,
disciple! Your smile, humor and story telling skills are
tops. Your message can snowball!”
Laura J.
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“Thank goodness Martha sent me your book....it
was the perfect companion for a long cruise around South
America. You certainly proved that one is on either a
vacation or an adventure. My husband also loved your book.
You are a wonderful writer and the book dog eared is in
the hands of good friend.”
Cheryl in Woodinville.
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“I hope that you keep writing, you really do have
a gift for capturing the reader.
Many thanks for all of the work you did for our enjoyment.....we
only dream of doing something like this and you did it!!!
Carol M.
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“I'm really enjoying your book! I'm about 2/3 the
way through. It's totally an easy read and I love your
approach to your trip. I love the stuff about what one
can learn about oneself, if we are open. You've got me
thinking about doing different jobs or travels at all
kinds of things, and paying attention to what I love to
do. So all good stuff! Thanks for writing it all down,
and for the class on volunteering through the ASUW!”
Marilou
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“You are absolutely inspiring ..... you left ....
and I kept thinking - if I had the time and money - what
a fabulous way to see the world and help it out at the
same time. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures.
I think you've definitely found your niche in life ....
you must have a very gentle heart to reach out to so many
wonderful causes.”
Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse
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“It was wonderful listening to you Monday night.
You're so enthusiastic – and an excellent speaker.
Janis P
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“I wanted to thank you so much for having your presentation
on your book at Distant Lands in Pasadena Monday night.
I went and had a great time hearing from you.
I totally believe in your idea that everyone needs to
get out and travel and especially volunteer travel. I
can't wait to go on my first volunteer project!
Thank you again for your presentation, book and info.
"
Pam E.
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“I met you at Distant lands travel store and was
captivated by your fascinating tale of voluntourism. I
sat transfixed as you colorfully described your adventures
in detail and at the same time wondering if I would have
the courage to do the same.” Nancy G
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“While I was away taking care of my mom, I read
Smiling at the World! That
was really great and the perfect book to read while at
my mom's. I loved
every bit of it, and am in awe of your ability to so clearly
describe your
adventures and to so honestly express all the complexities
and beauty of
your very lovely and big human heart!
Fran G
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“Your book is so well written that many, many things
in it stick in my mind! Sad things, happy things. It is
a simply written, honestly written book that touches the
reader. I am so glad you did this! You've brought one
reader to both tears and laughter!!! Well done!
Joan W.
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“I attended one of your presentations on Voluntourism
about a year ago in North Seattle. I recently completed
a one month conservation volunteer session with Conservation
Volunteers of Australia out of Brisbane and am currently
working with the Global Volunteer Network in Wellington,
NZ. I just wanted to say thanks for opening my eyes up
to all the wonderful opportunities out there. Have fun
in Bali.”
Andy K.
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“Many of the themes in your book strike a loud
chord in me - the fact that people all over the world
are essentially very decent, kind and loving. I find this
especially true where the people are truly humble - which
is often when they are not rich, famous and powerful.
What a human dynamo you are - I get tired just imagining
all the places you traveled to in one year. Being immersed
in a culture rather than traveling thru as a tourist is
so much more satisfying for me also. And you really have
taken down all the walls in expressing the deepest of
your emotions and fears in the writing -Your big, open,
warm heart shines thru on each page. Wonderful writing.
Thank you for being such a risk taker and showing us how
to walk right into our fears and limitations. As I said
before, your writing is a great inspiration - so heartfelt."
Surya
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" Your book is absolutely outstanding! It’s
even better than Eat, Pray and Love… Where did you
learn to write? Oprah needs to have you on her show right
now! I’m just beginning Chapter 4. (I read on my
elliptical machine for 30 minutes each morning). Your
Italy experience sounds very enticing. And thanks for
putting in your Prologue… it gives me strength when
I catch myself wondering if I’m totally off my rocker
for wanting to leave the comforts of my home. I love reading
your comparisons to Seattle, especially since it’s
also my home town… it’s all very eye-opening.
Laura P.
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“What a wonderful gift…very interesting, thought-provoking,
humorous. It was a great “read”, and you are
to be congratulated! I hope you will continue writing.
Thank you, again,
John C.
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“I am in New Zealand, right now (in your book),
and I think your description of the relationship you had
with John, and your round of boxing with each other, with
his girl friend as mediator, is my favorite. So deep.
I’ve been inspired to try to stretch the limits
and the generosity with which one can smile. I find that
it is very rewarding to smile to people I don’t
know. A big true smile brightens somebody else’s
face so much, especially when there is no common language.
It creates an instant connection. I find that smile and
closeness becomes harder the more I know the person. The
interaction is more complex I guess, but still…
I bet there is some unleashing that can happen.
Emma L.
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“Enjoyed so much your wonderfully insightful looks
at human nature around the globe. You've restored my faith
in what the true American overseas is, and should be.
The Ugly American myth gets destroyed every time someone
like you ventures outside the guided tours. When I got
to the China Chapter it brought back some great memories.
Thanks for taking your experiences to the book, it's a
keeper.
Scotty R.
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“Thanks again for spreading your adventures to
us all.” Joanne K.
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“Thanks so much for all the information. I really
enjoyed your talk at Wide World Books last night. I'm
very excited about all of the possibilities - you have
inspired me to look further into a volunteering experience!
Rebecca D
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