"the best experience of my life so far": last post from Aedin in India
I have come to the end of my time volunteering in Delhi. 7 weeks feels like 7 days – I wish I had longer here. I’ve had an amazing time in the school. I’ve fallen completely in love with the children for their friendliness, openness, their sense of fun and their beautiful smiling faces. They are the happiest people I’ve ever met in my life, despite living in dire poverty and suffering from debilitating diseases like polio and MS. Keen to learn, eager to please and always in a good mood, these children put us all to shame for ever being ungrateful for the privileged lives we have. For the first time (ever, I think!), I’ve been excited to get up in the morning to go to work. I never dreaded the day ahead, because I’ve been so happy volunteering here.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve covered a lot in our lessons, but for everything I’ve taught the children, I’ve learned so much more from them and from this whole experience. I’ve met some other amazing individuals at the school too. I’ve been lucky in that there were other volunteers here – from Germany and Canada. We’ve taught together, played sports and games with the children together and worked late hours painting the classrooms to brighten things up in the school. I feel like I’ve made friends for life here - we’ve shared both good and bad experiences and our memories of India will always keep a strong bond between us.
To anyone reading this who is considering volunteering abroad, all I can say is … do it! You won’t regret your decision. I’m not going to lie and say it’s amazing every minute; there are times when you feel upset, shocked, lonely, angry and out of place. In India anyway, you’ll undoubtedly see heart-breaking poverty and inequality, and you'll experience some very basic living conditions sooner or later! But for every bad feeling, there are a hundred good ones! You will meet brilliant people, you’ll be helping people who really need it and appreciate it, and you’ll finish your placement a happy and changed person. I feel completely at home in India, the people have made me so welcome that I’m so sad to be leaving. Staying with a host family was also an incredible experience – probably the best way to truly experience another culture and not feel like a tourist!
So, if you’re thinking about volunteering - apply. For me anyway, it’s been the best experience of my life so far. Thanks EIL for making it happen!
Aedin