A Journey of Growth - Léna´s story

 

From the very beginning, everything started with games designed to help us learn how to work as a team. To build connections, get to know each other, and trust one another. Then, we prepared the welcoming of kindergarten children, children with disabilities, and the general public. For Christmas, we carried out creative activities: drawing large elves, painting them, and making handmade decorations and Christmas cards.

 

One particularly meaningful moment was learning Christmas songs, which we later sang to people in a retirement home. A simple experience, yet deeply human. All these activities were extremely formative for me. I rediscovered myself. I learned to be less hard on myself, to let go, and to enjoy the present moment — even when it was not always easy. I learned patience, because everyone lives and thinks differently.
This project challenged me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I am proud of that.

 

I experienced many emotional moments, especially with the kindergarten children. Many of them were very shy at first, but with a little patience, they opened up. They became playful, affectionate, full of smiles. Their joy and tenderness deeply touched me. The visit of children with disabilities also left a strong impression on me. Despite their difficulties, they had stars in their eyes and an incredible joy. I became aware of how lucky I was.

These moments taught me to put things into perspective and to move forward, even when everything feels wrong. One powerful memory remains the visit to the retirement home. Seeing a woman welcome us with such gratitude and happiness simply because we were there… She was supposed to receive one Christmas letter, but I couldn’t resist: I gave her three, convinced it would warm her heart.

 

There were also lighter moments, such as a sauna followed by a run in our swimsuits to dive into the sea at 1 degree. An indescribable feeling. I was proud of myself. Or when I became the leader of two groups of Finnish children. I even learned a few words to manage to make myself understood.

As for the encounters, every person involved in this project was exceptional. I learned from each of them. But two connections were particularly strong. Clélia, a French volunteer, became a true anchor for me. Our personalities matched perfectly. Thanks to her, I felt safe and less alone.

 

Then there was Helena, an Italian volunteer who speaks three languages, including mine. Patient and kind, she helped me enormously, especially with my difficulties in English. Thanks to her, I understood others, the activities, and the project much better. I could talk about many more connections, but this text would be far too long.

This project is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I come out of it different. Stronger. More confident. With a new mindset.

I discovered a true community, with tutors who were attentive, present, and caring. Despite the language barrier, there were always ways to understand one another. And that is the true richness of this experience: communicating through words, even imperfect ones, but also through gestures, looks, smiles, and emotions. You are never truly lost.

 

If I can give one piece of advice to future volunteers: If you are hesitant or afraid, go for it. Yes, you will step out of your comfort zone. But you will be proud of yourself. You will create unforgettable memories, develop a new openness of mind, and discover other cultures through international volunteers and the host country. And if you are selected, realize how lucky you are. Because it may only happen once… But there will be a before. And an after.