Judy Riepma's Page

Today is designated by the United Nations as International Volunteer Day - what a worthy day to celebrate! It will soon be almost 3 years since my husband and I volunteered in Tanzania and although the time has passed, the impact of this experience still contiues. I do not know of any other experience where the memories of the place or people still remains so vivid. I still get excited when telling people about it! The Tanzania staff, the children and the teachers at my placement, and the people in the local community remain not just faces, but people whose welcome and openness in sharing their lives still warms my heart. But it is not just these memories that still affect me, as pleasant as they are. It is the understanding and perpsective I gained of their lives in Tanzania and of the country itself. I know I would never have learned this as well through a lecture or story, but by the impact of lives that truly touched mine. I am completely honest in saying I am still reflecting on what I experienced and learned there several years ago. Of lasting affect is also the perspective with which I returned to view my life in Canada. Whether you are a person who is considering volunteering or CCS alimuni, let's celebrate international volunteering as people join hands around the world.