We were serving as volunteers for an international project known as i-to-i, a private organization that gives tourists an opportunity to help people in some of the poorest regions of the world.
Call it ``voluntravel," a growing trend among vacationers who feel they need more than just another luxury experience.
Over the years we have indulged ourselves in many such lavish trips. This time, we decided to try to help others instead of simply pampering ourselves.
An Internet search turned up several organizations that make this possible , and we chose i-to-i. Formed 12 years ago, the Britain-based agency has sponsored nearly 10,000 people in more than 20 countries on hundreds of projects.
From the many destinations offered , we chose Sri Lanka, a tropical island country off the Indian subcontinent that had severe social and economic problems even before disaster hit.
From the start, it was clear that this wouldn't be a run-of-the-mill trip. ``Things will not be the same as in your home country," the i-to-i handbook gently warned . ``Try not to have a fixed idea of what your placement will be like and you won't be disappointed if things turn out differently."
We paid $1,295 per person for our two-week volunteer adventure, not including airfare. We knew our accommodations would be spartan . Who needs hot water, towels , or toilet paper anyway? (We never did have the first, but we purchased the last two items.)
We knew the food provided by our host family would be basic . Who needs coffee or tea at breakfast? (We bought that, too.)
We knew about the prevalence of malaria and dengue fever in Sri Lanka, but hadn't expected the tablespoon-sized cockroaches in the bathroom . (We named them George and Harry and made believe they were pets.)
All the minor inconveniences disappeared when we met the head of our project, the Rev. Michael Catalano, an 81-year-old bundle of Jesuit joy. The moment he gave us his first beatific smile and a squeeze on each cheek we knew everything would work out.
``What can we do to help the poor children we'll be working with?" we asked him that first day.
The answer came immediately.
``Just love them," he said with a smile. `` That's all that matters. Love is our religion."
