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What's NewA Life Transformedby Nathan Fouquet, Tocumen, Panama 2006-2008 "It's true. I feel differently. I think differently. I see the world differently."
During his 2 years in Panama, Nathan taught English classes, started a youth soccer league in the local community, and built community through neighborhood beautification projects. If I was asked to sum up my entire volunteer experience, up to the moment, in a few words, well…I couldn’t. However, what I would offer as a response would be a few words of wisdom that a former Cap Corps volunteer shared with us: “Don’t go into your volunteer experience expecting to make a difference in the lives of the people around you, because those same people are going to make a difference in your life!” It's true. I feel differently. I think differently. I see the world differently. I have learned to live a life of simplicity and humbleness, and I am just as happy, if not, happier as I was back “home” in the States. I have learned the values of community and sharing through random visits to houses. I have learned to appreciate taking time out of a “busy schedule” to talk to a person and the importance of the simple words “Thanks for listening to me.” I, now, understand the value and necessity of family and friends in times of need and how crucial the role is that these people play in our lives.
Now, you all might be thinking, “I already knew these things before volunteering,” or,”those things are common sense.” I, also, knew all this, but had never experienced it. As I live alone, I am the person being visited frequently. I am the person often seeking a friend to talk to and having to have that friend find time to come over to keep me company in my loneliest moments. I am the person that says, “Thanks for listening to me.” I am the person that has had an utterly difficult time in midst of my loneliness. However, these people, the Panamanians, have reached out and have let me know on various occasions that I’m not alone. They have taken me in and have really taught me the importance of the simple things and what can make a person feel right at home, even when one is thousands of miles from what is considered “home.”
In other words, these people have changed my life. They have made a difference on me. If it wasn’t for the people here and their sincere care and love for one another, I would probably be at home right now. But, they haven’t let me give up. They have encouraged me when I’ve felt discouraged, and have lifted me up when I’ve felt down. I only hope that I can offer the same love and support to someone someday, that my friends and family have given me here. The Panamanian people, my family, have made my volunteer experience what it is today, and I will forever be in debt to them.
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Tips for Transforming your World... Buy FAIR TRADE to ensure just wages 10 things to avoid buying for the sake of Mother Earth 10 ideas to inspire you to build a human-scale economy 101 ways to wage peace by promoting equity and diversity Take a few minutes to pray or meditate each day
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