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Help us with our many ongoing projects in a semi-rural location one hour from NYC, USA
Last activity
: 6 Jun 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 1 day
Min stay requested: at least a week
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 951477983469
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Feedback (24)
What a delight Liza and Nate were! Not only were they hard-working, enthusiastic volunteers but also genuinely kind people. Their kindness was demonstrated in so many ways--thoughtful to us and other volunteers,tokens of appreciation passed on, and respect continuously displayed. They would melt the hearts of the toughest curmudgeon out there. In
… read more an amazing show of respect, they would not hesitate to let us know when they felt they were not having a job that was demanding enough. They would tell us when they thought the job was too easy and request a greater workload. It is evident that they understand the relationship between a workaway volunteer and host and are not the type to skimp on responsibility.
In addition to a serious work ethic, they were simply a lot of fun to be with. Many laughs were shared, and they were not afraid to show you their true selves. Feeling comfortable with Liza and Nate came quickly, and we were certainly the beneficiaries of their youthful good nature. Honest conversations were standard and in short speed we learned to care about them not as workaway volunteers but as people.
If you have the opportunity to work with Liza and Nate, I would encourage you to do so. They will not disappoint you, and you will be lucky to have them share projects.
Please come back soon, Liza and Nate. We miss your cheerfulness, your energy, and your kindness.
Left by Workawayer (Jelena) for host
It's hard to put in words how wonderful my experience with Sandy and David was, but I will try: They made me feel like a part of their family from the very beginning and cared so much about me, my feelings and my wishes. They made it even possible to live vegan! By the way, David is one of the best hot-chocolate and hot-water-bottles makers, and I
… read more really loved Sandy's chocolate cake! They are both very good at cooking; all the meals we had together were so delicious and varied. I really loved working together because it didn't feel like work but more like helping friends and I really enjoyed their company, they made even "work" fun! :) I think I will not only miss Sandy and David, but also the log splitter... I don't exaggerate when I say they really did everything to make my stay more than perfect: I got so many rides to train stations and even lunch packages or breakfast in the car!! They were always helpful when I was planning my trips, and we had so many worthy conversations. Additionally, they did an amazing job in improving my English. I'm just grateful that I could live in one of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen: It's so big, cozy and there is really nothing missing. Also, the cats are just adorable! And the bed... I slept so well there :) Here's to a long friendship, David and Sandy thanks again for this experience. I'm already looking forward to seeing you again! Lots of hugs and love to you! ❤💛🧡You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Jelena)
Jelena was an absolute joy to host this autumn. She is very easy to communicate with, both with her English language skills and her astute awareness of her surroundings. Always respectful, she is a problem solver and is very willing to put that skill to action. She is a logical thinker who is not afraid of hard work and thrives on completing a job
… read more in an excellent manner. Her work skills are strong, and she is always happy to learn something with which she has not had previous experience. She split a massive amount of firewood, painted a small caravan, aided us in creating Halloween decorations in our village, and made us all happy. A great team player, we have no doubt that Jelena can work alongside anyone, bringing out the best in those she works with as well.
Jelena is a confident, positive person who brings interesting conversation and a sense of humor to the table. There is a strong sense of integrity and honesty in her ways, and she is continually looking to challenge herself. She is an ideal workaway volunteer and those with whom she works next will be very lucky indeed. We were sad to see Jelena move on to her next adventure and wish her much luck. We were only disappointed we didn't have her with us for longer. She is welcome back with us anytime.
Left by Workawayer (Luis) for host
I had 22 wonderful days at Sandy's house in August. As she said, we spent almost 4 years in contact to finally meet and do Workaway. I had great expectations, but they were all exceeded. In relation to everything: the house, the place, but especially the family. Sandy and David are among the most fantastic people I've ever met. They are kind,
… read more cultured and always happy people. They really treated me like someone very close, a friend, and part of the family. Sandy is sweet and playful, always making sure everyone is at ease and comfortable. David is a great gentleman, full of knowledge and always ready to have a good conversation and serve anyone in need. Their house is big and very cozy. It brings peace and leaves you at ease. Cats are very friendly and love affection. Finally, I had two good lucks: one was that Sandy's son, Kendall, was spending a few days at home; a very nice guy, good humored, always helpful and very intelligent. And another is that we had the company of two other Italian volunteers, which certainly made the days more fun, with a lot of partnership and good friendships. Foster Family, you will forever be in my heart and I look forward to your visit to Brazil!Left by host for Workawayer (Luis)
Luis was "worth the wait." We could easily leave our feedback with just those words, but there is so much more to say. We started communication with Luis almost 4 years ago with plans to have him join us for a Workaway experience. Then Covid happened and our plans were postponed. During the Covid years, Luis maintained communication with us, so by
… read more the time we actually got to meet, we felt we were meeting a friend with whom we shared a strong history. To know someone so well before we actually met had given us each the opportunity to define what we were looking for in a Workaway experience and what we could expect. The only surprise that came with Luis was he was even more capable and dedicated than we had anticipated. His gentle leadership skills were invaluable, and he was admired by everyone on our Workaway team. He accepted every challenge that came his way with vigor and determination, often working beyond the agreed upon hours to make sure that tools were put away and the job had been done properly. Luis has strong construction skills and we are incredibly grateful that he has shared his knowledge and time with us.
A very kind person, Luis has a personality that invites discussions on an intellectual and thoughtful level. He is not only willing to share his opinions but also willing to hear yours. He is both a teacher and a student, never believing that he has all the answers but believing we are all here to learn from each other. There is much to learn from Luis.
After four years of communication and plans to make this Workaway happen, it finally did, and as stated earlier, Luis was worth the wait. We are now hoping that our next time spent together does not take as long. We miss you, Luis.Photos
Workaway volunteers kayaking on the local lake.
Our new table, made with the help of workaway volunteers!
Our beautiful white garden made through the help of workaway volunteers.
Our side yard at Christmas. The bay window on the upper floor offers plenty of natural light into one of our workaway accommodations.
Hiking at a nearby state park
One of several sitting areas on our wraparound porch
The outside of the Guest Cottage- accommodation located on the upper floor
The Red Mill Museum in Clinton, NJ
Kendal, Sandy, Morgan, and David
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
What a delight Liza and Nate were! Not only were they hard-working, enthusiastic volunteers but also genuinely kind people. Their kindness was demonstrated in so many ways--thoughtful to us and other volunteers,tokens of appreciation passed on, and respect continuously displayed. They would melt the hearts of the toughest curmudgeon out there. In
… read more an amazing show of respect, they would not hesitate to let us know when they felt they were not having a job that was demanding enough. They would tell us when they thought the job was too easy and request a greater workload. It is evident that they understand the relationship between a workaway volunteer and host and are not the type to skimp on responsibility.
In addition to a serious work ethic, they were simply a lot of fun to be with. Many laughs were shared, and they were not afraid to show you their true selves. Feeling comfortable with Liza and Nate came quickly, and we were certainly the beneficiaries of their youthful good nature. Honest conversations were standard and in short speed we learned to care about them not as workaway volunteers but as people.
If you have the opportunity to work with Liza and Nate, I would encourage you to do so. They will not disappoint you, and you will be lucky to have them share projects.
Please come back soon, Liza and Nate. We miss your cheerfulness, your energy, and your kindness.
Left by Workawayer (Jelena) for host
It's hard to put in words how wonderful my experience with Sandy and David was, but I will try: They made me feel like a part of their family from the very beginning and cared so much about me, my feelings and my wishes. They made it even possible to live vegan! By the way, David is one of the best hot-chocolate and hot-water-bottles makers, and I
… read more really loved Sandy's chocolate cake! They are both very good at cooking; all the meals we had together were so delicious and varied. I really loved working together because it didn't feel like work but more like helping friends and I really enjoyed their company, they made even "work" fun! :) I think I will not only miss Sandy and David, but also the log splitter... I don't exaggerate when I say they really did everything to make my stay more than perfect: I got so many rides to train stations and even lunch packages or breakfast in the car!! They were always helpful when I was planning my trips, and we had so many worthy conversations. Additionally, they did an amazing job in improving my English. I'm just grateful that I could live in one of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen: It's so big, cozy and there is really nothing missing. Also, the cats are just adorable! And the bed... I slept so well there :) Here's to a long friendship, David and Sandy thanks again for this experience. I'm already looking forward to seeing you again! Lots of hugs and love to you! ❤💛🧡You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Jelena)
Jelena was an absolute joy to host this autumn. She is very easy to communicate with, both with her English language skills and her astute awareness of her surroundings. Always respectful, she is a problem solver and is very willing to put that skill to action. She is a logical thinker who is not afraid of hard work and thrives on completing a job
… read more in an excellent manner. Her work skills are strong, and she is always happy to learn something with which she has not had previous experience. She split a massive amount of firewood, painted a small caravan, aided us in creating Halloween decorations in our village, and made us all happy. A great team player, we have no doubt that Jelena can work alongside anyone, bringing out the best in those she works with as well.
Jelena is a confident, positive person who brings interesting conversation and a sense of humor to the table. There is a strong sense of integrity and honesty in her ways, and she is continually looking to challenge herself. She is an ideal workaway volunteer and those with whom she works next will be very lucky indeed. We were sad to see Jelena move on to her next adventure and wish her much luck. We were only disappointed we didn't have her with us for longer. She is welcome back with us anytime.
Left by Workawayer (Luis) for host
I had 22 wonderful days at Sandy's house in August. As she said, we spent almost 4 years in contact to finally meet and do Workaway. I had great expectations, but they were all exceeded. In relation to everything: the house, the place, but especially the family. Sandy and David are among the most fantastic people I've ever met. They are kind,
… read more cultured and always happy people. They really treated me like someone very close, a friend, and part of the family. Sandy is sweet and playful, always making sure everyone is at ease and comfortable. David is a great gentleman, full of knowledge and always ready to have a good conversation and serve anyone in need. Their house is big and very cozy. It brings peace and leaves you at ease. Cats are very friendly and love affection. Finally, I had two good lucks: one was that Sandy's son, Kendall, was spending a few days at home; a very nice guy, good humored, always helpful and very intelligent. And another is that we had the company of two other Italian volunteers, which certainly made the days more fun, with a lot of partnership and good friendships. Foster Family, you will forever be in my heart and I look forward to your visit to Brazil!Left by host for Workawayer (Luis)
Luis was "worth the wait." We could easily leave our feedback with just those words, but there is so much more to say. We started communication with Luis almost 4 years ago with plans to have him join us for a Workaway experience. Then Covid happened and our plans were postponed. During the Covid years, Luis maintained communication with us, so by
… read more the time we actually got to meet, we felt we were meeting a friend with whom we shared a strong history. To know someone so well before we actually met had given us each the opportunity to define what we were looking for in a Workaway experience and what we could expect. The only surprise that came with Luis was he was even more capable and dedicated than we had anticipated. His gentle leadership skills were invaluable, and he was admired by everyone on our Workaway team. He accepted every challenge that came his way with vigor and determination, often working beyond the agreed upon hours to make sure that tools were put away and the job had been done properly. Luis has strong construction skills and we are incredibly grateful that he has shared his knowledge and time with us.
A very kind person, Luis has a personality that invites discussions on an intellectual and thoughtful level. He is not only willing to share his opinions but also willing to hear yours. He is both a teacher and a student, never believing that he has all the answers but believing we are all here to learn from each other. There is much to learn from Luis.
After four years of communication and plans to make this Workaway happen, it finally did, and as stated earlier, Luis was worth the wait. We are now hoping that our next time spent together does not take as long. We miss you, Luis.
Left by Workawayer (Roberta Andrea) for host
I've had the pleasure and honour of being part of Sandy and David's family.
It was my first workaway experience and since the beginning I was very confident it would have been amazing, but spoiler: it was much more than that.
I found not only a second family, but also people who taught me so many things, people with whom I could laugh, talk, and
… read more learn. I was supposed to spend 15 days with them, helping with their projects but I didn't have much experience in building/using construction tools; they've taught me patiently and competently how to do everything they needed, and I had so much fun learning and trying these various activities.
Sandy is so sweet and welcoming, she treated me as a daughter from day 1. She's also an explosion of ideas and never afraid of embrace new experiences. She makes you feel at home and tries her best to accommodate every requests you may have.
At the beginning of this adventure, Sandy told me that the key for a relationship to work is communicating: she was absolutely right and talking to her has never been hard, thanks for her big heart and open mind.
David is one of the funniest and kindest person I've ever met. He has a wide knowledge on every topic, and he is very open to share it with you. He's always so happy and starts every morning with a smile. He introduced me to very good music, he taught me a lot of interesting things I never thought I could learn, and he showed me many scientific "magic" tricks that are so funny and surprising.
They are a wonderful, honest, and energetic couple, extraordinary together and so loving with each other. I feel and I am so lucky to have met them because it's so rare to find a so perfect match, and I invite everyone who might be interested in their projects to join them because it's a gift to get to know people like them, so don't waste the chance.
They'll never make you feel as you are a "guest" in their house, because they are genuinely proud of each of their workawayers, so much that you'll get to know their neighbours and friends. (Which was a real pleasure for me, since they all are very special people that will love you immediately)
Sandy and David also have 2 amazing children, who don't live with them constantly but if you can be lucky enough to meet them (another incredible gift), you'll be able to fully understand how special this family is.
I can't thank them all enough for everything they gave me, I miss you so so so much, and I'm looking forward to seeing you again very soon.
Grazie, I love you so much.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Roberta Andrea)
Hard working, enthusiastic, and adaptable are a few of the adjectives which can describe Andrea. Up until her time spent with us, Andrea had limited construction experience, which we knew before commiting to this agreement. When we discussed our objectives on facetime, Andrea's enthusiasm and sincerity to tackle the projects we had lined up, were
… read more unmistakable. Within a few minutes, we knew we wanted to offer Andrea a place with us, believing that we would definitely be the beneficiaries. We are firm believers that skills can be taught and honed and that enthusiasm and an outstanding work ethic come from within each person. They exist or they don't. With Andrea, those traits are dominant. Because of this, she eagerly learned and excelled in construction, shingling our shed roof, installing cedar shakes, painting, and more. Totally confident, yet not foolish, Andrea followed important safety measures, never believing they were superfluous. She never shied from any task and never complained about a difficult situation. For her, the greater the difficulty, the greater the challenge. She was ready. An excellent team player, she pulled her weight, recognizing the importance of getting dirty when necessary.
In addition to being a quick and capable learner, Andrea offered her heart and kindness as well. She made many wonderful meals for us (we were actually quite spoiled), and shared many an evening of thoughtful conversation. Our kitties received extra attention, and we were all genuinely sad when we had to say good-bye. If you have a chance to have Andrea come to you as a volunteer, don't hesitate. If she says she can learn a skill that you need but hasn't yet mastered, have faith. She does not disappoint; she amazes. We are so glad Andrea was part of our Workaway team, and we look forward to when we can see her again. Andrea, we miss your smile, your energy, and your cappuccinos. We miss you.
Left by host for Workawayer (Matteo)
Having Matteo part of our workaway team was one of the best decisions we have made. When we first spoke to him via facetime, he assured us he was an energetic, quick learner. He was absolutely right. There was no task that he wasn't willing to learn, and, hence, no task in which he didn't gain proficiency. A very intelligent, young man, Matteo has
… read more strong problem solving skills and is very adaptable. Due to his ability to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, making the necessary adjustments along the way, he continued to impress us with his building skills. Matteo is skilled in using basic tools, from nail guns to circular saws, and we had total faith in him to execute tasks that he learned on the job.
More important than Matteo's skill set, however, is his kindness and sense of humor. He is a constant and quiet observer, doing his best to make others successful and comfortable. To spend time with Matteo is to be in a world of happiness and safety. His ability to laugh at himself encourages others to relax and find joy. The laughter in our home was constant, and the work accomplished excellent. We are so grateful for having this opportunity to host Matteo and know that future hosts will feel they made the best decision ever if they get the chance to spend time with Matteo. We miss you, Matt, and look forward to seeing you again.
My time with Sandy and David was wonderful. I worked on painting the porch which was a relaxing and pleasant thing to do. The moments we shared together were truly remarkable. I felt like a part of their family from the first day. We visited a Ringing Rock place, had a Thanksgiving dinner in September, did kayaking, roasted marshmallows, and had a
… read more real family car trip to a park in NY State. One of my favorite memories is our cozy evenings when we were playing games at dinner, and then watching series and drinking hot chocolate (thank you, David!) together. The food Sandy and David cooked was delicious. We had a lot of traditional American meals and they always cooked something we did not taste yet. I enjoyed listening to Sandy talking about the trees around their house and David explaining why some things are the way they are (now I know why the sky is blue!). I am glad I got connected with their family and neighbors too.
Sandy and David, thank you for the time I spent at your place, and for your trust, generosity, and kindness. I am so glad we stay in touch.
Lots of love,
Li
Every now and then, you are lucky enough to have a volunteer that immediately blends in with your family. Li is one of those volunteers. She is respectful and hard working, with a generous level of respect and a sly little sense of humor. Simply delightful is how we would describe her.
Li is an excellent English speaker. Her communication skills
… read more are so strong that she became the unofficial liaison between other volunteers and us. Certainly willing to accept any request we made of her, Li has many strengths. What we benefitted most from was her outstanding ability to paint. She took on the daunting task of painting our wrap-around porch and she did an excellent job. We could not be more pleased. Her patience dictated her work and allowed her skill to shine. Moreover, she expressed happiness in what she was doing, always looking for what more could be done.
Li is an admirable and trustworthy person. Her fellow volunteers developed a strong bond with her, as did we. A thoughtful person, Li has a strong respect for the environment and animals. She quietly displays this respect and it is never pushed upon anyone else, yet it is always present. She is easy to share philosophies with and there is much one can learn from her.
We feel very lucky to have been able to host Li. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude have brought us much happiness. If you are lucky enough to host Li, you will definitely be the beneficiary. She is one of the very best.
Left by Workawayer (Melina & Cristina) for host
I don't even know how to express how we felt with Sandy and David, it was just one of the best experiences we've had.
They are super kind, concerned if we are ok and how we are doing.
Super organized and treated us like part of the family. We will always remember every hot chocolate and Modern Love time ❤️.
We did some tours, met the super
… read more loving and receptive friends. We just love everything and hope to always keep in touch and have the opportunity to see you again.
We felt very welcomed and it was a pleasure to learn how to work with woods and to know how maple syrup is made and its types of foliage.
We also love to paint, help in the garden and spend time with you all.
It was simply an unforgettable experience and one that we will take with us forever. Thank you so much for the incredible moments we spent together, a big hug to each of you including Li too.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Melina & Cristina)
Mel and Cristina are an amazing couple who demonstrate responsibility and an excellent work ethic. We feel extremely lucky to have had them as our Workaway volunteers. The type of work we asked of them included splitting wood to shore up our winter supply and house painting. Never having split wood before, they quickly learned the techniques
… read more necessary in using a gas powered wood splitter and were efficient in both their splitting and stacking. This is not easy work, and they never tired out. They just kept on going--and smiling the whole way. In addition, they produced some excellent work on painting the exterior trim of our house. Mel showed a respectful fearlessness of heights while Cristina patiently tackled lattice and porch railings. Again...always with a smile. Overall, they were willing to tackle any task we would have asked of them. If they would have been able to stay longer, I can only imagine what they would have accomplished.
What made this Workaway experience so incredible for us was their positive attitude and the happiness they generated around them. They showed appreciation for everything we tried to do for them. Nothing was ever taken for granted, which naturally increased our pleasure in doing things for them. Workaway is a partnership between all the players--the hosts and the volunteers. Mel and Cristina were perfect partners for us. They were supportive of us and our other Workaway volunteer, they worked tirelessly and well without any competitiveness, and they made us laugh...a lot. We can't think of anything else a host could hope for. We had such a good time with them. We can genuinely say they were a vital part of one of the best teams that we have had, and we are looking forward to the future when we can spend time with them again. You will always be welcome here, Mel and Cristina. Thank you for all you did for us and for all the laughter.
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
It was a pleasure having Lottie stay with us. Her sunny personality and willingness to help made it a very enjoyable Workaway experience for us. Lottie is a hard worker who is willing to do whatever you ask of her. She truly wants to please you.
An excellent painter, Lottie is not afraid of heights and can easily tackle situations that others
… read more may find intimidating. She is extremely tidy in her work, cleaning up after herself when necessary. In addition to painting, Lottie was a positive force in our garden, singing to herself as she weeded and trimmed. If you spent some time alongside her, you were bound to be happy as well. She has that effect on people.
Lottie is a caring and kind person who will work hard for you while bringing you sunshine. She is fun to be with and I know you will not be disappointed in her work ethic. You are welcome back any time, Lottie. We miss you and the magic you bring. We look forward to the next time you come to New Jersey. : )
Left by Workawayer (Dominic) for host
Living with sandy and David was a magical experience. We felt at home even before we'd put our bags in the car and felt like we were leaving our home, rather than heading back to it, when it came time to leave. "energetic retired couple" probably leads you to believe they are part of a bingo club or something. Don't be fooled. David is out in the
… read more woods, up on the roof or balanced on a ladder half way from one to another. Sandy can be seen dragging out mattresses, cleaning, preparing the garden and slaving away to keep us all fed, watered and happy. Which she does to perfection! Neither of us can find fault, nor would we want to in out time in their beautiful home. Their home is one you will never want to leave and one which will remain with us forever. No host in all our years has made our stay such an extraordinary experience. We rode motorbikes, kayaked, toasted marshmallows over a fire, walked in the woods, talked, ate, laughed and counted cars on the NJ turnpike. Whats more, made two new friends we shall miss dearly. Good luck to you both, and we will see you soon!Left by host for Workawayer (Dominic)
Dom and Charley come as a pair just like George and Gracie, Lucy and Desi, and Simon and Garfunkel. Each one is an artist in his/her own right, but they are better and stronger having the other. That being said, let me highlight some of the strengths of each one. Charley is like a little fairy that brings magic to your life. She is always happy
… read more and one of the most non-judgmental people I have met. She will cheerfully do any task you ask of her, but she has the sense of self to share with you what she feels her strengths are, which I definitely appreciate. Why would I have someone organize my attic when what they love doing is painting? Because Charley loves painting, she is an excellent painter. She does not fear heights, so she did not hesitate to paint our balcony which involved leaning out quite far while 25 feet (8 meters) above ground level. Not only did she have the bravery to accomplish this task, her finished product was very well done, and she is one of the tidiest painters we have come across. If you ask Charley to paint a room (which we also did), you will not have to worry about cleaning up after her. In addition to her painting skills, Charley was also happy working in our gardens, weeding, removing leaves, and pruning. At the end of the day, she came in the house with a smile on her face, ready for a cup of tea and conversation. She was a delight.
Regarding Dom, there are no words that I can think of which can best describe the talent this young man possesses in relation to the tasks we asked of him. After a very short time, we learned that it was in our best interest to simply show Dom what we wanted done and then walk away and let him do it. He does not need an advisor, a teacher, or a judge. Always respectful, Dom truly wants to make you happy with his work, and we were beyond happy. We now have the most stunning hedges in the county (he made us cloud hedges for goodness sake!!), the pieces that were falling apart on our house are fixed and painted, and our view over the countryside has improved 100 fold as he scaled trees and cut limbs with a chainsaw. The man is both fearless and an artist. In addition, he makes you laugh. All he asks in return is a simple cup of tea. : )
Thank you both so much for coming to NJ and putting your hearts into our projects. Please know that you are welcome here anytime. You are such wonderful communicators that we felt like friends before we met, and we know we can look forward to staying in touch and learning of your future adventures. Your stories are fascinating and we hope that we have been able to add a tiny chapter in your book of life. You have to ours, and we were thrilled to be able to count the cars on the NJ Turnpike with you as you came to look for America.
Left by Workawayer (Paola) for host
I spent two weeks with Sandy and David, and it was not enough!
They are actually wonderful people to live and spend time with.
We met at the bus station and after a short time we reached their wonderful home.
I couldn't believe... they have a wonderful house on a hill with a big garden and a lot of wood nearby.
It was so peacefull and relaxing
… read more to stay there! I had a very confortable room with a grat view of the garden.
We used to start every day with a big hug and having breakfast togethere, and then I started working in the garden.
There's a lot of work to do but it was not so hard, and Sandra was everytime really kind to explain what I had to do
and she always asked if for me it was ok.
We spent lunch and dinner time togethere like a family, sometimes I prepared dinner but they're good chef!!
David I'm still dreaming about your pancakes!!
Clinton is a very lovely place, and there's a direct bus to reach New York for a visit during the week end.
I'm very thankfull for this incredible experience, and I want to say thank you for the great time I had!
You have a friend in Venice, don't forget about it!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Paola)
Prior to her arrival at our home, Paola established a strong connection through her communication with us. By the time we picked her up at the bus station, we were already comfortable with our new volunteer and that comfort level was maintained throughout her time here.
Paola was an enthusiastic and enjoyable addition to our workaway experience.
… read more She happily accepted the responsibility of being our primary chef in residence and made some wonderful meals, accommodating our varied needs such as gluten-free and non-fish eating. All of this was done with a smile and a genuine concern that she was making everyone happy. Paola knows her way around a kitchen, and it was truly a luxury having this lovely woman bustling about in our kitchen.
In addition to her cooking skills, Paola worked hard in our gardens, weeding and raking for hours without ever complaining of being tired. She worked in harmony with our other workaway volunteers, revealing her delightful sense of humor as she became more comfortable with us.
One of the most engaging things about Paola is her enthusiasm. She delighted in anything that was new and different, thoroughly enjoying our local town as well as NYC. Paola was always happy, which made spending time with her a joy. Anything that you did for her was met with complete appreciation as she is one who has no expectations of her hosts beyond the basics.
We hope to see you again, Paola, whether it be Venice or back here. You were a pleasure to host!
Left by Workawayer (Juan ) for host
To begin with the review I'm going to be short with words and what I feel. And this was my first experience, so now i have my line very high from Workaway’s expierences haha. That's why I promise to make my true return by being back in your home and returning to feel and express what they gave me. that place produced a very big change in my life
… read more and it was not only the place but the love that they gave me. I am very grateful to have met Sandy and David, not only for the energy they radiate, but for giving me the opportunity to be part of their family. I would go back one and a thousand times and the next one would make my review in his garden inspiring me through the place and the energy that they have. In my point of view, I did not have to work, it was just to learn and connect with nature, with what they love and give back all the work they gave and give to their home. For my part I love the place where they live, their town, their meals, their neighbors that all showed affection and good predisposition. I do not want to forget about their meals and delicious cookies that they taught me. there were many things lived in that home, I'm going back, I know. I know that I have many things inside to say and I will write them on my return connected with the great feelings that Sandy and David made me feel and their home. thank you very much for that love, dedication, passion and sharing with me. I had to use the translator, I wanted to express myself better haha. They also helped me a lot with my English, great teachers. our food nights and series were our great moment. I offer for many more moments like those and those that are missing. Thanks for my existential crisis after I met you, but I know that will be good for my life jump. I wish to see you soon. Thanks and love today and ever Sandy and David. If you are a workawayer reading this and to meet this Sirs, you have to know that you gonna have a great and funny experiencie. Do it without fear. But take care when you leave this place, you are getting up in a dream. Thanks Sandy and David, I will be grateful the rest of my life. To be continue...You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Juan )
Sometimes the most difficult part of having a workaway volunteer is having to say good-bye. I have held off writing this review of Juan, because once the review is written it means the overall experience is over. But we didn’t want it to be. Fortunately, we have lots of wonderful memories and also photographs for when the memories become
… read more dimmer.
Three adjectives I would use to describe Juan would be thoughtful, engaging, and enthusiastic. There was never a moment that Juan only focused on himself. His continued thoughtfulness to the needs of the projects we worked on was ever present. He approached the different tasks with an intelligence that promoted confidence, yet never shunned advice if it were offered. He simply wanted to do a good job and to please us. His thoughtful nature didn’t stop at the end of a work day but continued through all the hours. In a very short time, Juan became a family member, fitting in with a grace that made it feel as if he had always been there.
Juan has a truly engaging personality, making those around him feel comfortable and happy. He simply brings you joy. He is open with his own life stories thus encouraging you to share and learn more about each other. It is a journey that you want to be part of because it is so comfortable. It is easy for Juan to bring out the best in people.
Enthusiasm can be measured in many ways, but when you observe Juan literally running from one garden to another with a smile on his face while carrying large bags of mulch, you know you have witnessed enthusiasm on a scale rarely seen. Juan is an incredible worker and is willing to go above and beyond what is asked of him. Why does he do this? Because he wants to make you happy.
Anyone would be incredibly lucky to have Juan volunteer for them. A kinder, more hardworking young man will be hard to find. I promise you will not be disappointed. We know that our time with Juan was much too short and sincerely hope that we will have another opportunity to host him. But then, that’s the way you should feel when you have to say good-bye to someone who fits like family.
Thank you for everything you have done for us, Juan. We miss you.
Left by Workawayer (EUGENIO) for host
"On the way to the JFK International Airport"
It's been a long time since I was in New Jersey, as a guest of Sandy and David's family. It was the summer of 2018, my first great experience far from home, from family, friends and from what we call our comfort zone in everyday life. It would seem a small thing to walk away so much and leave for the
… read more United States of America, when you are already nineteen. In reality it is not so. You must have character, a spirit of adventure, know how to adapt, open yourself to others (even when they are very different from you), be mature and think like an adult, know how to solve problems without the guidance of your parents or any other family figure. You must be ready to live a culture far from yours, and therefore eliminate all forms of judgment and prejudice. You must be hungry for experiences, for places you've only seen in movies or you've read about in novels. And you must also be a bit selfish, because someone will certainly be missed. Someone who will be waiting for you at home. Choosing to live an experience like this can come from many reasons. The main ones for those of my age may be the desire to improve their English, the will to get away from everything and everyone for a while, choosing a destination so far from home. Or to mature and grow while looking for inspiration for something of your own. I had made other trips alone before this. Trips that have helped me grow and become aware of things and situations. But none of these is remotely comparable to the experience lived by Sandy and David. Sandy and David are a lovely couple, strange in the good sense of the word, because David is English, Sandy instead a real American, Jersey Girl (to quote a gigantic piece by Tom Waits and later Bruce Springsteen ... David I hope you can appreciate) . So sometimes there was this hilarious and very interesting comparison between their two cultures in small things, I think about pudding, musical tastes, cooking, or more generally opinions about life, situations and events. In short .. to quote an adorable 1968 movie they are really an "odd couple". A true family that does everything to welcome you and make you part of it. Active part .. and this was very nice of them. The place where this fantastic family lives is surrounded by greenery, in the woods, on arrival you may feel in the hands of dangerous serial killers who want to take you into the woods to tear your bodies to pieces. Macabre irony, inevitable having met their very interesting and super cool neighbor, who was really precious to me, and for my cinematic knowledge. Thanks to Sandy and David who have done everything to organize meetings and evenings with their neighbor, I can now consider myself one of the leading connoisseurs of The Blair Witch Project. I will be eternally grateful to you. I stayed in the guest cottage, next to their home, but still immersed in the woods, fantastic, great inspiration, the ideal place if you are a writer or aspiring writer, but also an artist or a lover of nature. Place that I loved keeping clean and tidy, feeling my own for the month I stayed there. All that David and Sandy ask of you is to open up to them, their culture and their family. It's not always easy and for someone it takes longer, in this Sandy helped me a lot, through chats on the porch, questions and explanations. Sandy really knows how to deal with people, even if it means you are not quite ready for that kind of experience. But it is a way to encourage you and make you attentive and able to face the situation and therefore become an active and not passive part. The work that was requested of me was not so hard and complicated, despite the appearance it seemed. Because never before had I had experiences as a "bricklayer" or a person able to work among stones, concrete and swimming pools. I and the garden work, on the other hand, got along very well, if you love nature and have a green thumb you will have no problem meeting their demands. As well as cleaning the house, which is often easy and even quite fun, although Sandy sometimes found something still to be cleaned or redone ... she is a very precise person, who loves her spaces and the people who live there. At work the experience was very good. I never thought I'd get on so well with a pool. I owe everything to the advice, help and guidance of David, because he is undoubtedly a true handyman. A man of great intelligence and sense of things, with immense musical knowledge, as well as any practical or theoretical work. I am not kidding when I say that thanks to David I now listen to great music. Because we used to do it while we worked. Beyond work there was great fun. Sandy and David were able to perfectly contrast the fun experiences (I think of kayaking, tours of Clinton, permits to go to big cities like New York, Boston and Philadelphia) to work and home exchange experiences. The experiences of confrontation unfortunately have not always gone the best between me and the other guests because of different cultures, opposite personalities, different sense of duty and different sense of humor. But thanks to the careful advice and guidance of Sandy and David we have always been able to solve. I do not hold grudges for something that happened there with another boy because I loved them all, and when you love someone or something you look beyond problems and misunderstandings. The experience from you has been one of the best experienced in recent years, it has helped me grow and realize some of my contradictions or sides to improve. I spent all this time writing something I really thought about, something I thought about a lot. I didn't want to write simple thanks or brief accounts of my experience there, because that month meant a lot to me. I miss Sandy's lemonades (even though I later took the role), Kendall's really interesting and always dreamy kitchen, I miss David's only hinted indications, just to take you to the solution with your head. I miss that cottage and I miss that daily confrontation from which I learned a lot. Kendall and Morgan are fantastic, Morgan is a true adventurer, Kendall a very intelligent, controlled, always rational, nice guy, open to confrontation, an enviable workmate for his tenacity and his desire to improve even in front of a small imperfection. With the rickety pool stones for example.
I will take you along with me for a long time, because like so many others it has been one of those experiences able to really train you, beyond difficulties and misunderstandings, dislikes among young people (often it happens .. it is inevitable) etc. It was a must to write something for you. Give my regards to Kendall, Morgan, Dan, Bruce and his lovely wife. Ciaooooooooo ;)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (EUGENIO)
Eugenio is a very intelligent young man, with an encyclopedic knowledge of film. We feel convinced that if you asked him to research anything, he would produce excellent and comprehensive results. Because of his passion for film, we had the rare opportunity to watch Eugenio engage with one of our neighbors who has been very successful in the film
… read more industry. As we watched him interact with Dan, we felt we could almost see knowledge transferring into his brain, waiting there impatiently for the opportunity to magnify and create. We felt lucky, indeed, to witness this exchange.
Eugenio pays great attention to detail and sincerely wants to do a great job for you. He worked on the arduous task of laying and mortaring bluestone around our pool, insistent that it be done well. He developed a strong working partnership with our son, and the two of them offered each other assistance and support. Eugenio also works very well independently and unsupervised, as evidenced by the planting and other garden work that he did. He willingly accepted all jobs that were asked of him, and again, because of his desire to please, it was very important for him to do his work well. You can be assured he will follow through on all his tasks.
Respectful and polite, Eugenio is eager to learn. When given advice, he reflects upon it and does his best to meet those expectations. Thank you is a major component of his vocabulary, and he does not hesitate to show his appreciation, whether that comes from teaching him a new skill or taking him shopping. Our neighbors also enjoyed him, seeking him out to spend time with him.
Curious about his world, Eugenio chose to be active on his days off, traveling to explore Boston and New York City. Developing an understanding of American culture was important to him, and he did his best to absorb as much as he could in the month he was with us. Eugenio, we wish you much luck as you continue to explore the world and learn from it. Please let us know when you produce your first film. We know it will be awesome and can’t wait to see it!!
Left by host for Workawayer (Julien)
After living and working for six weeks with someone, you get to know a lot about them. You get to know their strengths, their weaknesses, their joys, their quirks, and they get to know yours. If you are lucky, you develop a trust of each other, and those strengths and quirks can reveal themselves in a safe and honest way. With Julien, we were
… read more lucky.
From our first meeting, we felt comfortable with Julien. He is open-minded and has a lovely, fresh outlook on life. He enjoys life. When you are with Julien, you laugh more and you enjoy life. Even when he is working, he is finding ways to make himself smile. At the end of a hard work day, he will tell you that he felt as though he had not worked but enjoyed himself. That type of attitude can be contagious, and even though David will never be convinced that hauling around bluestone decking is enjoyable, Julien’s positive attitude certainly made it more palatable. Thank you for that, Julien!
One of the most striking things about Julien was his sincere interest in helping other Workaway volunteers adjust to the ins and outs of our daily routines and guide them in understanding the little quirks that associate themselves with us. Coming a couple weeks earlier than the others and getting a head start in navigating his way around our home and village, he wanted to do what he could to help the others when they first arrived. He instinctively understood that for a volunteer to hear something from him would come across as helpful information rather than as a “rule” if coming from us. He understood the atmosphere we were trying to establish for our volunteers and set about trying to help with that. I believe that both we and our volunteers became the beneficiaries. :blush:
Julien is a hard worker who demonstrates a strong desire to do an excellent job, which is what he achieved. He is precise in his work and shows patience and a willingness to learn. He views instruction as just that and not as criticism. Even more important, however, were all the “extra” things which Julien did daily without asking. Every morning the coffee was made, the dishwasher emptied, and pleasant conversation was waiting. Julien would anticipate what needed to be done and quietly went about doing it.
There is an honesty about Julien which is refreshing and appreciated. He is respectful and sincerely wants to learn, whether it be about how to accomplish a task or about people. He is easy to talk with and I enjoyed many hours of conversation with him. He is lovely and genuine. We feel so lucky to have had Julien with us for six weeks and look forward to the next time he comes to visit with us. Strengths, weaknesses, joys, quirks—they all make up the package, and, Julien, you are a great package! We miss you. We look forward to seeing you in Lille and Paris—can’t wait to see what you have planned for us!! No doubt it will be filled with laughter. <3
Left by Workawayer (Julien) for host
It is time for me to come back on my amazing experience. Three weeks ago, I was at Sandy and David's home during one and half months... honestly ? My best experience ever, like you couldn't imagine. When I am writing this feedback, I would like to cry because I miss them so much !
They are so nices, so kinds, so adorables, so funny. I consider
… read more them now like belonging to my close family.
Sandy is the mother that every one would like to have. Shis is very listening to you, she is patient and so smart. I have enjoyed so much spenting some time with you around a coffee to talk
.... My GOD... The COFFEE...
If you want to be accepted by David... MAKE THE COFFEE EVERY MORNING BEFORE HE IS GOING TO WAKE HIMSELF UP !!!!!!!!!!!! I am kidding, it was a joke between us. David will learn you so much things to because the best part of you. Every one needs David to grow up. He teached me a lot of things and I've improved my skills thanks to him. Moreover he was my example by just being who he is. His personality is a real example for everyone. I spend a lot of time with him since we worked together.
By the way, I am writing "worked"... I don't know if this is the best way to describe what I did for them ! You will see this is not a "workaway"... This is an "exchange away"... Even though some pictures can proove the opposite ahah (you know what I mean Sandy ^^).
Staying one and half months would deserve to write a novel and I am sure that I've forgotten so much things in this review.
I would like to add that I won't forget how easy they made my life... They picked me up at LA GUARDIA Airport. One advice: DON'T LAND THERE ... It is such a pain... I was such a pain for them... They will let you there if you don't respect my advice.... They don't want to go back there.... Ahah (one more joke between us... As you can see we laughed a lot together). And I also won't forget what they did to me to fix my Iphone and how patients Sandy and David were !!!!!!!!!!
I won't write in this review on Morgan and Kendal, their children, not because they weren't nices, it wouldn't be the truth in fact... since they are admirable and so kind and funny... but because this is only Sandy and David's profil... And honestly it is better for me, otherwise I should write so much goods things on them. By the way Kendal... Congratulations again for your Golden Ticket (so impressive this guy)... And Morgan, see U in Lille for the best week end <3
Sandy and David... Thank you again for this amazing trip... without you it wouldn't have been as best as it was. I love you so much... and see you in Lille and Paris <3You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Andrea is extremely adaptable, being willing to take on any task with enthusiasm and determination. He immediately blended into our family, connecting with our neighbors and other Workaway volunteers. He is a young man who is mature beyond his years, one who has learned from life's experiences and then has taken that knowledge and used it to make
… read more himself the best he can be. You can be nothing less than impressed with him. He is amazing. We spent three weeks with Andrea, which we thoroughly enjoyed, and felt very lucky he chose to spend his Workaway experience with us.
Andrea is one who observes a situation and then quietly evaluates it, focusing on how he can best be a positive force in its outcome. The result is thoughtful and well-played. He does not shy from hard work, and he is an excellent role model to those around him.
Possessing a quiet, respectful demeanor, Andrea also has a lovely sense of humor and a way of interacting with his peers which promotes comradery and support for each other. Because of his thoughtful nature, when Andrea shares an opinion it commands attention and a thoughtful response in turn. He can be seen as the keystone which holds all the pieces together.
We feel very lucky that Andrea was part of our summer and that he contributed in so many ways to making this Workaway experience a success. He is an excellent independent worker as well as group member. Because of his consistency, reliability, and good nature, he is a guaranteed asset to any host. We would be thrilled to have him back with us at any time. Best of luck, Andrea, and thank you for your wisdom and all you did for us this summer. You are a treasure.
Left by Workawayer (Aleyda) for host
It’s been some weeks since I left this lovely family and I’m still feeling all the good vibes I got from them. I’m not sure if all workaway experiences will be as great as this one, but I’m so happy to have had such a wonderful start to my trip. Sandy and David are a very energetic couple and they received me with open arms and lots of love.
… read more
They gave me tons of support throughout my adventure and helped me when I got sick. On top of that, they gave me a five star room in their house! They are good people with great values and a lot of to teach.
Sandy, I remember one day while we were working and talking I realized how wise, open-minded and strong of a woman you are. Your commitment to the happiness of the ones you love was inspiring. I remember one day while out for lunch, you started picking up another person’s garbage and I was blown away by your humility and action.
David, sometimes I struggled with understanding your lovely English accent but believe me, every time I listen to “Because” I remember you driving your car and explaining to us about “The Ringing Rocks”. You are a true gentleman- so polite, patient and trustworthy with a great music taste to boot. I learned new things from you every day and I think there’s nothing you can’t fix!
Morgan, your sense of humor is really nice and it was cool sharing time with you in Clinton and being your neighbor in the house, you made me feel super welcome!.
Kendal, I really enjoyed the soccer talk and the beautiful connection I saw you had with Walnut. I think you made her feel like the happiest pet in the world.
I hope to see you guys again. I have only the best wishes for you and please don’t forget that you are always welcome in my city.
Finally, thank you so much much much for all the love!
PS. This family has the most friendly and cheerful neighbors, Debbie and Bruce!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Aleyda)
In a word---Enthusiastic!! A dedicated worker, Aleyda came into our home with minimal gardening experience but with a willingness to learn any task we asked her to complete. Her constant response when asked to work on a job was, "I will do my best." And she did her best--every single time. Very willing to learn new tasks, Aleyda was never going to
… read more be "left behind." She made sure she acquired the skills necessary to do a great job, at times surpassing us in her stamina and abilities as when she planted massive amounts of vinca vine. Even though it would be time to end work for the day, if Aleyda was still involved in a project, she would continue it through whether it be gardening or house cleaning. She is a very dedicated and responsible volunteer.
Aleyda is also very trustworthy. One weekend we needed to be out of town and Aleyda stayed in our home taking care of our pets. We never once worried that there would be any negative results and truly appreciated her help on what would be her "days off."
Aleyda always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She is warm and kind and very appreciative. She will keep you laughing and looking forward to the next day. Thank you, Aleyda, for all of your help and for all of the fun that you brought us. Come back when you can. :)
Left by host for Workawayer (Erika)
Erika is the reminder of why we have chosen to be part of the Workaway family. She is curious, thoughtful, respectful, and hardworking. Whether working on an individual project or as a team player, she performed to a very high standard and offered no disappointments. Erika never shied from hard work and gave all tasks her utmost---and always with
… read more a smile. An example of Erika's work ethic is that one day we offered to take her into NYC as we needed to go there. Since it was a scheduled work day, Erika declined the offer and chose to stay back. Despite our persistence in encouraging her to drop work and spend a fun day in the city, she chose to spend her time weeding gardens. She is amazing.
Easy to get along with, Erika was an absolute delight to host. She blended in well with our family but never lost her own sense of self, sharing a personality that we all thoroughly enjoyed. It was lovely seeing America through her eyes and renewing our own appreciation for our surroundings.
Erika--we are so glad that we had this time together and sincerely appreciate all that you did, from painting the garden fence to teaching us how to make Tapioca cheese balls. Your work is excellent and we are very grateful that you came into our lives. We are looking forward to the next time you come back to New Jersey.
Left by Workawayer (Erika) for host
How can I describe this experience??? It was incredible!! I was delighted to have met such an amazing family, as were those from my own family who followed our interactions from a distance. They are kind, helpful and warm. I felt really welcomed amongst them. It was my first time in USA and also my first time as a workawayer, I'm very glad to had
… read more stayed with this family. I felt like I was a member of the family all the time. Sandy have a great heart and even before I arrived at her place she gave me all support, more than I could wait for or imagine. David is an amazing guy, I couldn't believe how he works, cooks, helps with the cleaning and is a true gentleman!!
I was so lucky to stay when their kids was at home, they are so fun and also them helped me a lot with English. All them was so patient with me. I wouldn't choose a better place to stay. I loved to help them painting the fence and also gardening. I really would like to stay more days, but unfortunately I had just some days for vacation, so I stayed 8 days.
The house is located in an amazing area, all the neighbors that I met are such lovely people!!
About the house, when I arrived I had just though: "Oh my God! It's so beautiful!!". They did a great job in all the house, Sandy keeps the house very clean and all the rooms she provides are so comfortable. I stayed in the basement and I felt like in my own apartment (actually, it was much better than my apartment).
Sandy, David, Morgan and Kendall, thanks a lot for each day you hosted me, I learned a lot about American culture, had great meals, learned with the projects and I wish that I could have helped more and also spend more time with all you, I hope that I could return to USA and meet you again, I also hope that you could visit Brazil, so I can show you more about my culture.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Maxence) for host
I'm on the plane to come back in France, and it's time for me to write a review.
What can I say more than it was just Fantastic !
I spent an amazing month with David and Sandy, you are one of the kindest couple that I met in my life. You were like my parents during this month, all the time here for me.
During this month, we laugth, we laugth a
… read more lot, we spoke, we shared good moment, we did lot of activity.
I learned a lot about the American culture, Sandy helped me a lot with my english, I enjoyed when you corrected me, now when I pronounce some work with "th" I think of these moments after eating, sorry David sometime it was difficult for you to hear the same word during 10minutes, but I'm sure it's a good souvenir now :D
I learned a lot also with you David, you are the smartest guy that I met, I really think that you can fix and build everything, but also you know everything about science, I loved spending time with you, speaking about space, it was very enriching for me. Guys if you want to see the international space station from earth, David will show you that :)
I met also their two children, Morgan and Kendall, both are exceptional. I enjoyed spending time with them ! Both will stay some very good friends.
You have also the best friends and neighborhood ever, It was very cool to speak with them, all were very nice !
I think I forgot many think, and I apologize, but you know that we'll stay in touch :)
So definitely the BWE !
And as you know, you have a place in France now :D
MaxYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Maxence)
Max is an incredible person that anyone would be lucky to have as a volunteer. Intelligent and responsible, Max is able to problem solve and find solutions to situations which are presented to him. He is a very hard worker, often working beyond normal 5 hour days because he wanted to finish a project. Flexible and adaptable, Max was willing to
… read more take on any task asked of him and was always willing to learn a new skill as well as hone an existing one. It was important to him to always give his best on any project, making sure that we were 100% happy with the results.
Max has a very strong command of English and a gentle, easy-going nature. His sense of humor and kindness made him a wonderful addition to our family, and we could not have been more delighted with his stay in our home. We wish him much success and feel that anyone would be the beneficiary of having this honest and hard-working young man be part of their workaway. Best of luck, Max! We will miss you. : ) You are welcome back anytime.
Left by Workawayer (Noé) for host
I didn't expect I would be with a wonderful family before meeting them.
I felt very comfortable with them since they picked me up at airport.
Sandy had been looking after me, she took me to see a doctor when I got sick. Not only she was like my mum, but also a good friend with whom I enjoyed every day.
Any workaway would love to have her as a
… read more host as she has the capacity to create both a good relation and atmosphere. Sandy is an open-minded.
I also loved spending time with David, I learned so many things while I was working with him on carpentry stuff.
They have a friendly spirit. When the work was done, we did many activities together which were very fun !!!
It was my second experience as a workaway and I can definitely say it was my best workaway experience ever.
Usually I never go to the same place twice as I love changing places. But it is worth it to get there again.
Sandy I will come back one day to sign our table ;)
Thanks you so much for everything.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Noé)
After reading Noe’s profile, we invited him to our home with the hope that we might be able to help him improve his English skills. What we didn't anticipate was the profound effect that he would have on our family. We all fell in love with him, and the reasons were multifold. Noe is a keeper.
While I could write a chapter about Noe’s skills as a
… read more painter, a carpenter, and chef, the chapter I would focus on would have to do with his character. Noe is one of the most positive and optimistic young men I have ever met. He possesses a strength in dealing with being deaf in an auditory society which I find rare and actually quite humbling. The only thing Noe asks is that when you speak you look directly at him so he can read your lips. How he can read our English speaking lips is a marvel to me, but he does and because of his efforts, communication is very easy with Noe. There is no doubt that his high intelligence level and his keen sense of humor, including the ability to laugh at himself, are major contributors to this accomplishment.
Noe is a responsible, kind, and mature young man, who demonstrates respect toward the jobs that are requested of him and to the people around him. His standard is very high, both in accomplishing his work and in building relationships. You can feel confident that he will give his best to whatever he touches. He is one of those rare people that shortly upon meeting, you feel you have known for the greater part of your life. He fits that well.
Getting to become family with Noe has been a wonderful journey. He has simply made each one of us a better person just by being who he is. The door is always open to you, Noe, and if we knew how many days it would be til we saw you again, we would be counting them! Thank you so much for the amazing table you built--there will always be a part of Noe who is here.
Left by host for Workawayer (Svetlana)
Svetlana and Barbara made the long trek from Moscow to the U.S. and we are glad they did! They house-sat for us for two weeks, and we found them to be very trustworthy and reliable. During that time, they had limited access to stores and other activities, and they were very good at creating their own opportunities for getting groceries and
… read more entertainment. Fortunately, they had family friends in the area who were willing to assist at a moment’s notice. Svetlana and Barbara blended in well with the neighbors, who enjoyed taking them places both during our absence and after we returned home. Enthusiastic about trying new things, they were happy to go hiking as well as search for hot air balloons with the neighbors, among other things. : ) Throughout the entire month, they demonstrated respect for both our home and property and were very willing to be flexible with accommodations when our daughter suddenly surprised us with a visit. Thank you for that!
Barbara’s command of English is good and improved considerably while she was with us. Svetlana continues to improve her English, and we are all proud of her accomplishments. Barbara loves animals, and both happily helped us with child care when it was suddenly needed. You both did a great job and it was very appreciated!! During their time with us, we were also hosting other workaway volunteers. Svetlana and Barbara proved very agreeable to whatever the group wanted to do and got along well with our other volunteers. They were very amenable and a fun give and take developed with everyone over time.
Having the opportunity to host Svetlana and Barbara gave us a wonderful insight into another culture. We are grateful for the time they gave us and wish them much luck in the future. Don’t forget Walnut, Barbara, as she especially misses you!!
Left by Workawayer (Svetlana) for host
It was my first experience in the workaway program. I was very worried because my English wants to be better. In short, I almost do not speak English and do not understand. But Sandy and David are such an amazing couple, they get along very well with young people, though the age difference there. This is a friendly helpful and interesting people,
… read more ready to help and to speak on any topic. My only huge disappointment that I couldn't a lot and freely to communicate with them (because of my English). Every evening they cooked us a wonderful dinner. It was like the best houses with the full servirovka table. They just have wonderful children. My daughter Barbara dog walnut became great friends. And what are their neighbors, that's another story. You can write a lot about that family and only with admiration. I'm very glad that my first experience was so wonderful. I don't know how we could help Sandy and David in their projects, but we tried.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Dominik & Siegfried)
Domi and Siggi were a delight to host. They were hard-working young men who accomplished a lot for us while maintaining a great sense of humor through it all. (We shared many laughs together even when working hard.) They were very responsible and respected our daily work schedule, always being on time for the start of work and never complaining if
… read more it took a bit longer to complete a project--very, very appreciated!! Both boys were willing to learn new tasks (how to plant pachysandra the best way and how to take down wallpaper among others).
Domi and Siggi blended so nicely with our family. They were easy to be around and what impressed us so much was how well they got along with each other. There is a lovely give and take between the two boys which allowed us to feel so comfortable with them. They joined us in our family outings and took the time to get to know our neighbors. I feel we all grew together as we spent more and more time with each other, and we were sorry to see them go. Thank you for all your help and your flexibility!
Meanwhile, enjoy the crunch peanut butter until we see you again at the beach house!! : )
Sandy and David
Left by Workawayer (Dominik & Siegfried) for host
Sandy and David are such a heartwarming couple. We think they are the friendliest people in the world. We stayed for almost four weeks with them and we felt from the first day like a part of the family. After the second day they introduced us to their neighbours, which are really lovely people too. In our spare time we went to NYC and Philly. Also
… read more we went to a baseball game and did some activities in the nature. But the best of all was the skippy peanut butter ;)
We worked for 4-5 hours daily in the house and/or in the garden. The main task in the garden was mulching and planting pachysandra. In the house we painted the piano room and cleaned the cabinet in the big and gorgeous kitchen.
We always had a lot of fun with Sandy and David. Btw, our english was getting better and better every day.
Thank you so much Sandy and David. We had a really amazing time with you and we hope we'll see us again someday, maybe at the beach house :)
Domi&SiggiYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Russell & Lillian.)
It was a pleasure to host Russ and Lilly for a couple nights as they traveled through our area on their way to help Russ's mom. Whereas we had no expectation of them to accomplish any particular jobs, feeling that the priority was for them to continue their journey to help family, Russ was insistent that he contribute and help us with a project.
… read more The quality of Russ's work was excellent, and he was eager to problem solve and offer solutions, never shying from a complicated task. Russ is a self-starter who would be first up in the morning, well into accomplishing a job while we were just beginning our morning coffee. Perhaps an even more important aspect of both Russ and Lilly, however, is their level of respect. They respected our home, they respected our values, they respected us. That is an incredibly important character trait, and Russ and Lilly do not fall short on that at all. Thank you for all that you did for us. We sincerely appreciate it. : )
Left by Workawayer (Russell & Lillian.) for host
Sandy and David are open hearted caring individuals with a predisposition to teach. Why shouldn't they? They are well read educated people loaded with information anyone can use, yet, they have the discipline to hold back and the perception to understand when and if a person(s) is ready to hear what they really should be craving to hear. They are
… read more teachers! They claim to be retired, lol; stick around awhile and you will notice knowledge exude from their beings; beautiful people. If you haven't met them yet, know this, they are friends that you haven't met yet.
If the drywall isn't finished yet, and I haven't afforded the schedule to get back there, will one of you trades people swing by and wrap that up for me? I'll give you free accomodations in NH if you would do that. They are that kind of friends. They are that kind of giving of themselves. That is why my offer stands.
A personal note: I SAID THIS IS PERSONAL ! Now the rest of you people turn around, or just stop reading. This is TO Sandy and David. NOT YOU. Go ahead turn around. Thank you. (some people are just so nosey)
Thank you Sandy and David so much for what you have done for Lilly and me.
Mom is doing better, my family moved her out of the poverty peasant nursing home and stuffed her into a fancy pants nursing home. She is in rehab there. I'm tolerating it, I think they moved her there because they were afraid I might move her to my place. As you (Sandy) counseled I had no intention to create a ruckus in my mom's mind; just my siblings minds influencing their money for her best, good. The other day one of them took her out, her bladder let loose and that sibling didn't change her; instead made her wait 45 minutes worth of driving in and out of the cold. Oh, I had better stop lol, this is NOT supposed to be about my dirty laundry, or my mother's. Thanks again for your inovative form of thinking and recognizing such.
Your son Kendal was so pleasant, focused, and mature that he actually inspired me to almost grow up; almost (SMILE). Sandy I really want to learn how to write. If you have the time to help me please be extremely criticle, so I might learn.
Russ and Lilly
You other people, don't you feel better that you didn't snoop this far down? Wait a minute........ how da ya no what I'ma sayin if ya ain't a readin it, huh?You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria & James)
Maria and Jamie were excellent Workaway volunteers who impressed us with their work ethic and adaptability. While they each had their strengths (cooking and computers respectively), they were both very willing to try their hand at whatever was asked of them, which they did both happily and well. Doing quality work was very important to both of
… read more them as they took pride in their jobs. They are a young couple who show respect for their environment and the people around them. They entered our lives with a gracefulness that comes from maturity and a sense of knowing who they are. They left us as our friends. Please stay in touch Maria and Jamie and let us know how your adventure continues. Thank you for all of your wonderful and cheerful help!
Left by Workawayer (Maria & James) for host
Sandy, David, Kendal and Walnut were like family to us. They were our first Workaway hosts and we can't thank them enough for taking us in last minute. We blew leaves, started building stairs, fixed laptops, vacuumed, cooked, played with Walnut, painted a fence, brushed Walnut, talked, went bike riding, did I mention we cooked?? We loved every
… read more moment and truly felt like part of the family. We plan to visit again on our next trip to the US :D Missing you all very much Maria & James xoxo You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Sebastian & Damaris) for host
After travelling around for three months and sleeping at different places almost everyday, coming to Sandy's and David's place almost felt like arriving at home. From the very first second we knew that this Workaway experience will turn out how we hoped it would be.
Sandy & David offered us a structured workday where we never felt like only
… read more being the workers. To them it was very important that we enjoy the work and also learn something. The work included fixing old bikes, painting, house & garden works, splitting wood and lots of more so that it never was boring. Besides the work we soon joined the family activities such as day trips, playing football with their son Kendal, watching American TV or just sitting on the couch and enjoying fireside chatting. We always felt like that they especially care about us and that we can learn more from the culture & English language. The latter enormously improved during our stay thanks to Sandy who is a better teacher than any other school teacher we had before :-)
At this beautiful house and with a lot of tasty meals it wasn’t hard to feel perfectly comfortable and „feeded“. Talking with each other very soon felt like talking to friends we have know for years what made saying goodbye even harder.
We are so glad that we did not leave this station out on our road trip and hope to come back sooner than expected :-)
All in all this is exactly how a Workaway offer should be and we would totally recommend it to anyone! You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastian & Damaris)
Damaris and Sebastian stayed with us for about 12 days, which for us was definitely not enough time. We were the "last leg" of a three month adventure in the US and Canada for them, and whereas you might expect them to be worn out and tired, they came to us full of enthusiasm and positive attitudes. We simply could not have been more delighted.
… read more We worked together, we played together, we laughed together, and in the last moments saying good-bye at the bus station, we were sad together. Damaris and Sebastian are the workaway volunteers you want. Their work ethic is outstanding and their sense of humor puts a special spark into every job. They both really wanted to please us and to make sure that we were happy with what they had done for us. They accomplished that goal with seeming ease, but there is no doubt there was determined effort there. They blended in with our family as though we had known each other for years and left us feeling very lucky to have been able to share this time together. We are keeping our fingers crossed there will be a next time. Meanwhile, every time we have "heisse schololade mit schlag" we will think of you.
Left by Workawayer (Michele & Denny) for host
Sandy, David and Kendal are now our second family. They made us feel at home since the first day there. We really felt like two american boys, and we learn a lot about american people's attitude. We did a lot of houseworks, and we helped the family with everything they need. Thank you very much to all of you, Sandy and David for being like a
… read more parents for us, you teach us a lot of things and we hope we did the same, and thanks to Kendal for being always patience and like a older brother, you are a brilliant boy and we wish you all the best for the future. It's impossible to describe all our feelings when we were there, but it was for sure the best experience of our life.
I hope to see you again. Much love, Michele&Denny
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Michele & Denny)
Michele and Denny are two wonderful young men who are hardworking, honest, and a lot of fun. They initiated excellent communication prior to their arrival, and we felt like we knew them before we actually met. There are many great things about them, but one of the nicest was their sincere appreciation for being able to come to the U.S. and be
… read more part of our family. This appreciation was not only expressed verbally but also in the effort they both put into their volunteer work. They never shied from any task and consistently did a great job. When done with their work, and often during their non-working times, they would come to us and ask if there was anything else that we needed help with. We so appreciate all that they did for us along with simply enjoying their company. We shared a lot of laughs, and I think we all grew from the experience. To be able to spend time with two such kind and enthusiastic young men was a true pleasure for us. Ciao, Mickey and Denny. Hope to see you again soon!
Left by Workawayer (Ainoa) for host
Being with that lovely family was an incredible experience for me. I couldn't choose a better option to have my first workaway experience. They were like my second parents and I really felt like at home with them and not just with David and Sandy but with Kendal (the son), his friends and the family friends. We did a lot of activities together and
… read more I saw how american people live, it was amazing. They prepared delicious food (I tried to help them too, so some meals were a kind of teamwork). I have no words to describe everything I've learned these two weeks and a half. I'm still in contact with them, I think that we have built a super beautiful friendship!! I'm waiting them for coming to Barcelona! You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Ainoa)
In her profile, Ainoa describes herself as an energetic and hardworking person who tries to learn about every little thing. She is absolutely correct in her assessment of herself! What she doesn't tell you though is how lovely and thoughtful she is. Ainoa was an absolute delight to have in our home and we feel very lucky that she chose to have
… read more her first workaway experience with us. We could not have been happier with the relationship we developed, and we felt connected to her from our first hug at the airport when we met. She blended in beautifully not only with our family but also with the other workawayers who were with us at the time. I believe she has the type of personality that can "fit in" with just about anyone. Her cheerful attitude kept us all positive and her work ethic was outstanding. She willingly accepted every task as a do-able challenge and never hesitated to tackle the jobs that waited for. With Ainoa, every day began with a smile and every day ended with one as well. Everyone loved spending time with her, and it was sad to see her head back to Spain. Best of luck in the future, Ainoa, and we hope you come back soon!
Left by Workawayer (Eva) for host
Helping at Sandy’s house was an incredible first experience for me. Sandy and David are fantastic hosts and really want you to feel home and enjoy yourself. The house, garden and the whole area is amazing. I really enjoyed the work, we were painting, gardening and built a little paradise in the big garden. If you’re there, you have to try and
… read more drink your morning coffee on the bench in the white garden. It will be th ebest start of your day.
We had a lot of fun together, had great conversations and we learned a lot about cooking, each other’s culture and just about life in general. They were really welcoming and always ready to take me on little adventures like exploring Philadelphia, kayaking on the lake nerby, visiting national parks. They always treated me like a family member and took me to birthday and barbecue parties to friends and relatives.
I met more then workaway hosts, they are now like family, I already miss them a lot and we will definitely meet again soon! I’m really happy that I was able to spend a month with them and I couldn’t have wished for better hosts.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Eva)
The energy and work ethic that Eva possesses is undeniably incredible. She stayed with us for one month, and she would approach every task, whether mundane or challenging, with a determination and enthusiasm that immediately convinced everyone around her that this was the best way to spend ones time! She is so thorough in all that she does,
… read more and it was very important to her that she completed her projects in a way that truly made us happy. And she did! Every single time. The joy of Eva is in sharing that happiness together. I am convinced she was just as happy as we were when we stepped back and surveyed our new white garden from every angle possible. Eva's talents are many--gardener, organizer, painter, and chef extraordinaire to name a few. Her enthusiasm is high and and she has excellent problem solving skills. She is a true find in the Workaway world.
Over the course of a month, we got to know Eva as a worker, a friend, and a family member. Being able to know Eva on any one of those levels would be a wonderful experience. Being able to know Eva on all three of those levels was nothing short of fantastic. We feel incredibly grateful to have had Eva in our lives and are confident our relationship will continue beyond this forum. If you have the opportunity to have Eva grace your home, don't think twice. Just try to make sure she stays with you for a long time!
Thank you, Eva, for everything.
Left by Workawayer (Itziar & Antonio) for host
Thank you Sandy and David!! It was a pleasure to help you around your house and garden!!
We have been very confortable being part of your family for two weeks and living in the amazing guest cottage!! We recommend to every workaway to stay in this house and meet this interesting couple! They are very kind and make everything that they can to
… read more make the stay easy and fun!
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We wish see those pictures!!!
Best, Toni & Ixi
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Itziar & Antonio)
Itziar and Antonio were fabulous. Cheerful and considerate, they had a work ethic of the highest standard and were always positive no matter how difficult the task. In looking back at what they accomplished in two weeks, I am absolutely amazed. We spent many hours together working hard and many hours together laughing hard. They were a joy to
… read more have and we wish they could have stayed much longer. They taught us a lot about the areas of Spain that they are from and they also had a great curiosity about the U.S. --geographically, politically, economically, etc. The conversations were lively and interesting. If you have the opportunity to host this terrific couple, don't think twice. You will be so glad that you did.
Itziar and Toni--a very special thank you for creating our white garden for us. It is beautiful. Without you it would still be a dream. We will send pictures to you as it matures and please know that you are welcome back anytime. We would love to spend more time with you. : )
Left by Workawayer (Ivan & Ekaterina) for host
We were with Sandy and David for 2 weeks. It was our first Workaway experience. These 2 weeks were amazing. Hosts are hospital, flexible with schedule, very kind to volunteers. It couldn't be better! Also David and Sandy were so kind to give us a lift to some places such as local park, dinner, shops, bar. We tried so many typical American dishes.
… read more Every day was something really tasty and new to us.
It was awesome time we spent with this family.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Ivan & Ekaterina)
Ivan and Kate were a pleasure to host. They were enthusiastic and willing to tackle anything we asked them to do, even offering suggestions of additional things they could do. Both of them were
conscientious, sincerely wanting to perform their jobs well. Ivan has a lovely sense of humor and Kate is simply lovely. We were sad to see them leave
… read more and wish them much luck on their next adventure.
Left by host for Workawayer (Jenny)
Jenny is the personification of the perfect workaway volunteer. A self-starter, she will take on a project and complete it with enthusiasm. She will not hesitate to ask questions when needed, but she grasps concepts extremely well and puts her intelligence to work. An excellent independent helper, Jenny is also a great team worker, caring about
… read more her role in a team project and how it affects not only the outcome of the project but also the other team members. The help she completes is always of quality, as she sets a very high standard.
More impressive than her work ethic, however, is her personality. Respectful, considerate, and kind, Jenny is one of those rare people that you immediately feel you have known all your life and who blends right into your patterns and habits. Her sense of humor and honest approach are refreshing and make everyone around her feel comfortable and valued. Jenny is not one who takes things for granted, but genuinely appreciates any kindness sent in her direction. She is a joy, and anyone who has the opportunity to work with her will end up feeling very lucky. She is certainly welcome back with us at any time.
Join me for a language exchange (German) or cultural exchange in Northwestern Arizona, US
Join us in the cold and enjoy the nature in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
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