Hi, I’m Zuzia and my six months volunteering in Vrábsko is going to an end. During this project I did so many amazing things like mosaics, carpets, vegan sweets or taking care of the ducks and much more. But what is way more important are the things I gained thanks to this project, so that’s what I would like to focus on.
Since I was little I was dreaming about becoming a volunteer, to give my help where it’s needed. And the thought that I fulfilled this dream is so powerful. I get such a boost of confidence. Not only because I was able to follow this dream but because I managed to live on my own in another country. I was away from everything that I knew and I started a completely new chapter and completely new way of living. I faced so many challenges and I gained so many experiences, some of them society would call “good” some of them “bad”. But what is way more important is just the simple fact that I did it. And after that I have the feeling that I am able to face whatever the fate is planning for me.
On another hand, from the beginning of my adventure in Vrábsko I felt really great because I was fulfilling my dreams, I was at the place that I wanted to be, but at the same time I was lost in the thoughts of my future. I didn’t know what I should do after volunteering and the reason behind it was that I was still stuck in the boxes that society put me in. I believed that my future needs to look in a really accurate way. I thought that from Monday to Friday I would be working and during weekends I would need to study. And that would be emotionally and physically draining. But then I had a really inspiring conversation with one of the members of the community and bum; my plans for the future changed. I figured out that I am really the one who’s creating my own path, that I can plan my future however I want and that realization set me free. Furthermore, that allowed me to think of my future. And I discovered that I want to work with kids, that I want to create a better world for them, that I want to support their development as much as I can. And I can’t wait to start this journey. And it amazes me that all I needed was the conversation with the right person. And time and space that this project allowed me.
I also learned two things that I didn’t expect. I came from a really catholic country to one of the most atheist countries. And I gained a completely new perspective. People here usually are not following one particular rule or religion. They are just following their instinct, their own beliefs. They are not afraid to ask questions and search for the answers. And to witness that was a really inspiring experience for me. Especially that when I came here I was looking the ground and right now I’m allowing myself to see beyond. And I just feel that I can follow right now more easily what my heart is telling me. Which is one surprising lesson. And the second one was that I am an artist. I never allowed myself to call myself that. Just because of the simple fact that I’m not good at drawing and painting. Even though I always loved crafts. And in Vrábsko I truly could discover the artistic part of me. I see that I’m able to create beautiful mosaics, I can weave carpets and I can be really creative. I just need to give myself permission for that and trust myself. So from now on I’m an artist ;).
So yes, those are the things that I learned thanks to this project. And even though it’s a sad moment to say goodbye to everyone and to this place, I’m embracing this experience. And I’m excited to start the new journey. Wish me luck 🤞.