Giving of my time

by Debra Petersen (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown USA

As I was looking for something new to do, my daughter found a website where people can volunteer their time abroad. I have traveling extensively abroad over the years and thought it would be an exciting adventure to go to a place I had never been before and do something I had never done before. I chose Fiji to volunteer in their kindergarten. The preparation were made and the day had arrived for me to set out on this two week adventure. Upon arrival in Suva, Fiji I was met by a representative of the volunteer program and taken to my lodging. The weather was not clear but the trip through the city was still intriguing. The vegetation was so beautiful, the construction of the homes was very interesting and the streets were better than expected. My lodging was part of the community, family homes were next to my lodging, a local store was several blocks away, bus stops were near by also. Listening to the community noises made you feel you were part of the community and not a visitor. There were no fancy resorts near by, only the people that lived and worked within the community. Mornings were filled with the laughter of school children heading off to school or parents rushing to their places of employment. My days were filled with eating breakfast with other volunteers and then heading off to the kindergarten class I was assigned. Each day was filled with chatter and laughter for the children. All were eager to learn something new about the volunteers that were working in their classroom. After morning sessions, there was a lunch break, then different students came to school during the afternoon. So many smiling faces and different personalities, which made each day so new and fresh. There were many different backgrounds of students, which did not matter to the children because they worked together, played together and learned together. At the end of the day it was such a joy to dine with other volunteers and share stories from the different volunteer assignments. Some volunteers worked in other kindergartens and some performed construction duties. The group of volunteers were of all ages. What was so wonderful was that did not matter, where you were from, how old your were or what gender you were, everyone was included in activities or asked to participate in outing. The atmosphere of the lodging was so relaxing and fun. Listening to the young adults from a variety of countries playing games and chatting about life was music. There was never a sour word mentioned or felt. When volunteers were leaving because their volunteer time was completed, sadness did fall upon everyone. It was such an extraordinary experience to witness young adults mixed with older adults and everyone sharing in life's adventures. Seeing the country of Fiji with some of the other volunteers was so enjoyable. The country in itself is extremely beautiful; the local people are extremely interesting; the whole adventure was extremely rewarding. I gave two weeks of my time to help teachers in another country with their classroom activities. I was given two weeks of learning about another culture, country and their people; which enriched my life. When someone says something is "priceless" that something doesn't have to be a material item, it can be an experience. As I prepared for my time in Fiji to come to an end, I felt the same sadness of all of those that left before me, leaving behind newly made friends, a beautiful country and an interesting culture. Would I ever go back to Fiji? I have been asked that question numerous times. I am uncertain because my Fiji experience was a leap into the unknown. Now that I know what to expect, it will be different, I am not certain if the difference will be better or worse. It will not be the same, because much of my experience was because of the other volunteers. Maybe if I do return, I will bring someone else with me to experience that leap into the unknown.