From Volunteer to Amateur Winemaker- How Did It All Go So Fast?!

I still can’t believe how quickly time flew by. It honestly feels like just yesterday I unpacked my suitcase and thought, “Well, how hard can it be – just a couple of months volunteering in Georgia!” And now... It’s over. My journey with ISCR has come to an end, and I’m still trying to process it all.

If someone had told me before how fast and intense these months would be, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. October and November felt like survival mode, only instead of surviving in the wild, I was trying to survive between events, parties, and endless cups of coffee.

One moment I was designing posters for Family Day, and the next I was surrounded by a bunch of kids, all wanting face paint, balloons, and attention at the same time. And then, out of nowhere, Halloween arrived! There were costumes, children, music, and me running around trying to keep everything under control while yelling, “Can I please have your attention?!” But honestly, it was amazing. Seeing people smile, laugh, and connect made all the chaos totally worth it.

Of course, it wasn’t all work! One of the most unforgettable experiences was when we went grape harvesting and later made our own wine (sad that I can't taste my own but...)There was something so special about that – working together, laughing, and later enjoying a glass (or two 😉).

We even learned how to make khinkali – and while our first attempts were far from perfect, they were definitely made with love. We also had a small supra with the volunteers, filled with good food, toasts, laughter, and that unique Georgian warmth you can’t find anywhere else.

Being a volunteer isn’t just about organizing events – it’s also about supporting others, listening, and sometimes just being there when someone needs you. I really tried to be active, helpful, and a moral support for other volunteers, even on those mornings when my own morale was still hiding under the blanket. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me patience, empathy, and how even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

Now that it’s all over, I feel a bit like after finishing an excellent movie, you wish it would last a little longer, but you know it ended at the right time. I keep thinking about how much more I could have done if I had just a little more time! But maybe it’s not really about doing everything. Maybe what matters most is what you feel, who you meet, and who you become along the way.

If you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer, just go for it! Be open, flexible, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. Things won’t always go as planned (actually, they rarely do 😄), but those unexpected moments are usually the best ones. Learn, laugh, ask for help, drink lots of coffee, and enjoy every single day. And most importantly – remember that just by being there, you’re already making a difference.

Georgia, thank you for these unforgettable months. ISCR, you are such a special place full of warmth, laughter, and amazing people who will always stay in my heart. And me… well, I’ll probably keep thinking back to these moments with a smile, feeling grateful for everything I experienced and everyone I met.

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