Volunteer Spirit

The group is constantly changing but we have all still made our friendly connection here and there. You may have heard me mention Shelley a time or two. We are by far the most similar, in so many ways; American... California transplants, travels and hobbies. She is far quieter than I (most people are), but we complement each other well and spend most of our free time together. She is just as, if not more outdoorsy than I am and we find somewhere to hike or run most days. This week we started a circuits group, which was much needed with all the rice eating we do here. We have been faithful daily but the others come and go. Ironically Shelley and I are on a similar travel route, she came from Kenya and that is my next destination. I love that she can give me lots of tips on great things to do... and a few of what not to do. We are planning a quick trip to Burma this next weekend and then to Laos the following, not places that I would have thought I would go but am excited to experience them with a friend. Shelley has a bit more experience in SE Asia than I do, as she just finished a project in Cambodia. 

Most of the boys here are British and have bonded well (funny how that worked out). We banter constantly but always have a good time. They have been informed in the past that Americans don’t have a sense of humor and continuously tell me they don’t understand mine. After almost everything I say they ask, “are you serious or joking”. I really didn’t think it was that different than dry British humor, but apparently so. They keep life fun and entertaining. The boys don’t enjoy the peace and quiet of our village much and often are creating the funniest of activities, in which we have elected one of them to be the events coordinator. This week we had a bon fire, game night and quiz night, embarrassing me on my worldly knowledge. 

The eldest of our group and some of my favorites left last week. Pat, 70, and Shelley, 53, kept up with the pack without any problems. They were good humored, related well to everyone and fed off the youthful energy. Always offering great advice about life or simply just the moment. Above all else they provided inspiration to so many of us that hope to be doing similar things when we are of that age. 

As so many people come and go, myself included, I hope to keep the volunteer spirit alive where ever I may be, by taking the very best that people have to offer.