Volunteering Clinic and Orphanage

I have so many great memories, I don’t think I can choose just one. My favorite memory related to my actual volunteer work is playing soccer, throwing the Frisbee, and playing games in the courtyard with the kids at the Clinic. Also, I prepared little Christmas stockings full of gifts for each child and passed them out on my last day at the clinic. They were so excited, happy, and grateful and showered me in hugs. It was absolutely wonderful. My other favorite memory was cooking Thanksgiving dinner with the girls in the house for our house mom and celebrating the holiday with them. It was really nice that we were able to share something from our American culture with our house mom.

I had so much freedom at the Clinic in regards to choosing what I wanted to do and in what capacity I wanted to help. I was able to do exactly what I wanted and work directly with the children and didn’t have to do any “busy work.” I was also surprised that I felt so safe in the city. I never once felt uncomfortable or scared while I was out and about during the day and night.

The language barrier at the workplace. It was challenging working with teenage girls while trying to learn the language. It was intimidating, but it’s better to try and mess up than not communicating at all. As long as you have a good, positive attitude and continue to put effort forth they will be responsive to you. Perseverance is key.