“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands - one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.” one of my favorite quotes by Audrey Hepburn.
In my previous post, I have shared some tips on how to spend less while traveling and one of those is volunteering. However, volunteering is more than saving a travel fund, it can be worth more than any all-inclusive vacation you could dream of, it is a life-changing experience!
a lot of people will tell you that travel is an opportunity, a risk, and can be fulfilling. but there are only a few that will see it as a sacrifice.
travel will allow you to take a risk by crossing borders, humble you with learnings, excite you with meeting new people. and again, only a few will say it can break a heart.
traveling is more than an opportunity, a risk, and a fulfillment. it is a responsibility.
if you look closely enough, to sit down and listen to locals. it is more than the historic places and food crawl. you get to be exposed in their daily life. what their routines are, their struggles, their victories, their hopes, and dreams. you are exposed to something bigger than yourself.
traveling will expose you to the intentions and capabilities of your own heart.
added value
the ability to travel, learn, and experience is a value in itself. but adding more value is a challenge.
Back in May 2018, I first came to Marawi siege rehabilitation. In a community where I need to teach the kids but unexpectedly they’re the ones that taught me life’s greatest lessons. In the place where everyone thinks is dangerous and scary, there are little ones dreaming and are crying for help. The place where small gestures as a warm smile are all they need to have hope. In my 25 days, I become part of the community. It is the greatest joy to see them happy by learning to hold a pencil and write their names. I experienced something I wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. So much I’ve learned and will forever be grateful.
With the help and support of some friends, I was able to come back in 2019. I am looking forward to continue for the next following years...
all these things could be done while you travel. volunteering while traveling is an understated joy. more than venturing to a new place, venture to what a simple act of kindness can do.
take on that extreme activity, binge on that food, and take wonderful pictures of your adventure but you can also uplift a life through volunteering, giving, and mobilizing, one travel at a time.
you deserve to travel but keep your heart for opportunities to listen and help.
Embrace the Journey.
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