In the head of a volunteer : “Still” to “Only”

I talked last time about the mood shifts that can happen during the volunteering project. I was afraid of falling into habits and losing sight of the reason that pushed me to come to Georgia in the first place. After all, it has been 5 months, what else can I discover? Is there still something new to do or is it time to head home ?

That was a question I asked myself in the beginning of March. But since then I have been the witness of multiple changes.

First of all the weather started to turn. The sun came out, the flowers started to bloom on the trees, the grass turned greener. It was beautiful. I was able to enjoy the walks outside, smelling the new flowers. I spend beautiful evenings and afternoons in the park, eating and drinking outside with the other volunteers.

Second of all the Scout Center seems to be sprung with a new life. A lot of activities are being planned, camps, team building times and bigger events. This is making the office day pass by fast, we have always something to focus on and to expect with excitement.

Last of all I had the thought that I had discovered everything that I could here, but this month, while less focus on the discovery of Georgia culture, has made me realise all the good time I could spend meeting others and bounding with my international team of volunteers here and around Georgia before going back home.

We shared a beautiful afternoon and evening around a campfire. With marshmallows and sausages (which was already a good way to make me happy). We discovered the tradition of Aïd with Oubayda. We also went to an Erasmus event to do karaoke where I was afraid I would be stressed and embarrassed but it was just the contrary.

I was stuck on the fact that March until July seemed like a long time but now I am realising that it's only three months. we went from “still” to “only”. It’s a small shift of perception, just a small word really. But it makes the whole difference. Now I can’t wait to enjoy every last moment with my friends here and to strengthen the bonds that I hope will last forever.

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