Disaster Relief
Published:
August 8, 2018
Last updated:
March 30, 2026

Volunteer Spotlight - A week volunteering in Puerto Rico before Honeymoon

Disaster Relief
Published:
08 Aug 2018
Last updated:
30 Mar 2026
Key Takeaways
  • Volunteer Kate spent a week with us in Puerto Rico before heading off across the island for a weeks honeymoon with her new wife.
  • My two weeks of service this summer were truly (and cliché-ly) life-changing.

Packing for a honeymoon? Swimsuits, sunglasses and... work boots? Volunteer Kate spent a week with us in Puerto Rico before heading off across the island for a weeks honeymoon with her new wife.

Kate said, “As a school-based Occupational Therapy Assistant, I have the great fortune of summers off. This isn’t something I take for granted, and this being my first summer off, I knew I wanted to make the most of it. I also have the great fortune of being newly wedded to the most adventurous, kind-hearted, and spontaneous woman I know. These factors blended together to form the ultimate summer vacation: a half service work - half honeymoon trip to Puerto Rico. I’ve had the great pleasure of working with NECHAMA before in New Jersey and Baton Rouge, so I was thrilled to hear they were set up in San Juan.

My two weeks of service this summer were truly (and cliché-ly) life-changing. The crew of long-term volunteers and staff members down there have the biggest hearts and it was very meaningful to work on site with endlessly gracious homeowners.

It didn’t take much convincing to persuade my wife to join me mid-trip for our honeymoon. We spent a week gallivanting about the island, exploring caves and waterfalls, snorkeling and surfing in crystal clear oceans with white sand beaches, and enjoying the city and sites of San Juan.”

Instead of heading home post-honeymoon Kate headed back to our Puerto Rico base for a second week of volunteering! Her vivacious personality, enthusiastic approach and honeymoon tales aplenty brought much joy and laughter to the worksites. Upon her departure Kate said, “Puerto Rico is a truly magical island, full of strong and determined people who openly embrace you into their world with a pride unlike any other culture. Se Levanta!”

Kate and Brit we wish you a very happy ever after! ? #happyhoneymoon#honeyteering #volunteering #volunteer #volunteerlife #marriage#puertorico #newlyweds #justmarried #nechama #disasterrelief ?@jogo_times @ Puerto Rico

Posts authored collectively by the NECHAMA team. NECHAMA: Jewish Response to Disaster is a leading national organization in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, guided by the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam.

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