I have always joked that one day both my kids will whine in unison, “Enough with the developing world, can’t we just go to Disney?” I am pretty sure that will happen. But in the meantime, by traveling together I hope to show them that there are people in need and that we have the power to give a helping hand.
Volunteering has always been a part of my life. From a young age, I dished out food at local soup kitchens and baked and collected for drives and sales. I saw and smelled people living in my own community who didn’t have enough to eat or a place to take a shower. It wasn’t always pretty but, as a kid, I felt good knowing that I could help.
My first international volunteer experience was magical: nine months on the Thai-Lao border, as a newlywed, teaching community college students. What a life changer. It was the first of many trips that left me feeling that I got the better end of the bargain: a rich, meaningful experience, an opportunity to learn about a new place, people, and most of all, myself.
This is one of things that I want to share with my kids about volunteering: you give but you get even more. Sure you might find yourself in uncomfortable physical circumstances, but you get to experience a new place in a unique way and make human connections that will change you forever.
I am also ingraining in them the need to be respectful of those you are assisting.
In my work with CleanBirth.org, I face the need to balance my Northern Hemisphere take-over instinct with the knowledge that lasting change must be embraced by local people. We are indeed privileged with access to education and wealth, but we don’t have all the answers. We must keep our eyes and ears open, to really hear what people are saying and then work together to bring about positive change.
Have you volunteered with your kids? Did you feel like your family received just as much as you gave?
This is an original post by World Moms Blog contributor, Kristyn Zalota, in Guatemala.
Photo credits to the author.
Yes, Kristyn, I totally agree with you! 🙂
Since my family and I live in South Africa we have plenty of opportunities to help out those less fortunate. Most recently my children and I took part in a fundraising day in aid of the families of children who are battling cancer. We were really tired at the end of the day, but you can’t buy that feeling of camaraderie and sheer exhilaration you feel after a job well done.
Thanks for the comment! So great that you are engendering in them the importance of lending a hand.. and how fun it can be!
This made me laugh because last night my 5 year old said to me “Mommy you can’t tell me what I will do when I get older, I get to pick myself!!” I told him he was right and he replied, “OK so I do want to help Shot@Life when I get older but not because you said it, I want to do it because I want to!”
Sarah, your 5 year old’s comment gave me goosebumps! Children like your son give me hope for the future!
Nothing cuter! When I was planning our first big event last year my 4 year old said “all you talk about is that funrazer for clean birth dot org.” So funny to hear her little mouth forming those words.
My family always believed there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving. I still hold the same ideal. I hope I too can pass it on to my kids. Beautiful blog and I love what you are doing for the women here in Laos.
Thanks for your ongoing support Kelly! From what I know of your generous spirit I have no doubt that you will!
This was do inspiring! I would like to take Owl to help in a soup kitchen some day.
Do it! It’ll be fun and rewarding!