Oct 254 min read

Volunteering with milONGa again

Alejandra Zambrano, México.

Colombia beauty!!

In 2024, I wanted to volunteer with milONGa again. This year I chose another destination: Colombia, specifically the Sol Naciente School, located in the municipality of Tocancipá, very close to Bogotá.

The period before the trip was a bit difficult because things weren't going as I had planned. I had to make a lot of adjustments because of work. I even thought about postponing the trip; however, my tutor in Colombia, Maru, and Janeth told me that I didn't need to worry, that everything would be fine, because in Colombia I would have everything I needed, so I decided to go, even if it was only for a month. I was already confident about volunteering because it was the second time I'd done it and I had a bit more of an idea of what things would be like.

At first, I was a little stressed because I hadn't managed to save enough money but thank God I didn't lack anything. When I arrived, I was greeted by Angelina and Lorenza. I knew that two other volunteers would be arriving in Colombia, but not that they would be there at the same time as me. I was very lucky because I was able to share this experience with them. I was confident that I would meet good people with extended families.

When I arrived, I was surprised by the differences. As I'm Mexican and Colombia is nearby, I had no idea that things would be so different. It's good to meet people from other countries, it enriches us a lot, but it also has its share of challenges; this also applies to living with my classmates. In Colombia, these differences were noticeable even in the accent. It's a very beautiful and diverse country and, although it's not that big, in every area the differences are noticeable even in the people themselves. This surprised me a lot and, as the Sol Naciente School is large, I had the opportunity to meet many people. I learned a lot: about their love for soccer, their love for dancing, their typical food and customs such as drinking coffee and the natural beauty they have.

It was great working at Sol Naciente. People are very kind and, although I'm shy, I felt comfortable. Even though it was a bit difficult at first, I never felt alone, I always felt accompanied and valued, and that makes you want to help and participate.

It was also good with my fellow volunteers. I really wanted to get to know Colombia and it was good to share with them because they also wanted to give of themselves.

I've always enjoyed living with people from other countries, getting to know them and learning about their culture, but this time I found it more difficult. I was coming from a moment of personal conviction, of working for peace and a united world, but putting this into practice was a challenge, I saw the differences in the smallest things and sometimes I felt bad for not being able to take that step.

However, the most beautiful thing about this experience was the people I met who made sure I got to know their land and felt at home.

One of my most beautiful experiences was at school. I was in an elementary school group where the children were distinguished for being naughty. It was English Day at school and the group had given a presentation about my country, Mexico. After the event, they had a moment to share a snack; they were very happy dancing, and I felt very lucky at that moment to be able to meet them and talk to them, to have the opportunity to be there. I also had this feeling with the children from other classrooms; I felt the intensity of this unique and unrepeatable moment that is not repeated with anyone.

For all this, I represented my country with gratitude to God, because this experience also helped me a lot on a personal level. It was a period of great peace and tranquility, and I was able to take a break from my life, which allowed me to do some introspection and helped me to recognize things that I need to change to be more loving towards myself and others.

I think it's very important to remember that, although it's hard to get out of yourself, it's the right thing to do, because during the day I meet people who need me and I can listen, help and do something for them.

I take with me the desire to improve and continue to focus on doing something for others. Putting this way of loving into practice and, just as I have received so much, being able to put myself at the service of and care for the people around me.