Way Beyond Expectations

by David Dorf

What made you decide to step up and go on a RetailROI trip?

I took two of my kids to Plan Escalon in Honduras so that they might experience how less fortunate children live day-by-day. My hope was that they would better appreciate their own situation and think about ways to help those in need. We teach this lesson all the time, but the experience can be so much more powerful.

How did this trip affect you?

My expectations were exceeded. My kids understood the lesson without prodding, and I feel they will be better citizens of the world going forward. It’s hard not to feel good about helping others, and I was touched by all the appreciative people we helped.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about going on a trip but hasn’t “stepped up“ yet?

There’s so much to be gained and so little risk this should be an easy decision. The entire trip was well coordinated and communicated, and at no time did I feel anything was unsafe. The planners did a fantastic job of making everything very easy, and the hospitality at Plan Escalon was fantastic.

Share one thing you learned while on your trip that has stuck with you?

The kids I met weren’t much different from my kids; they were just born into a different circumstance and need a little help bettering themselves. They don’t want handouts forever – they just want the chance to succeed and change the country from within. I was impressed that Plan Escalon’s program is focused on long-term solutions for the betterment of Honduras.