A Volunteer Reflects on her 2007 Experience!!

Written by Linda Smith Balla

I was a volunteer in 2007 in Hodmezovasharhely, Hungary, teaching English after school to any citizen who was interested. It was an invaluable experience.

I had no idea what to expect! Luckily, I was placed on a team with two musicians, and we were able to teach English through song lyrics. Our class was very popular, and our students even gave a little performance at the end of our two-week stay.

I found that our students - from age 16 to 58 - were so eager to learn. They equated learning English with a better life and better opportunities. I would love to know if it worked out that way for some of them. But the spreading of good will throughout the town could not have been a bad thing. We Americans were easily identified, and people in the streets were more than happy to help with directions, shopping, language - some even invited us to their homes. We ate the local cuisine whenever possible, and tried to absorb some of the local customs.

The one which stands out in my mind is the custom of having a family picnic on the graves of relatives on Halloween. What better way to celebrate life than to rejoice together as a family! The graves were decorated with candles and wreaths, and at night the cemetary was just so moving. Family devotion is a powerful thing and transcends all language barriers. To be a witness to that beautiful custom made my whole trip worthwhile.

I am grateful to Global Volunteers and to our team leader, Milt Diehl, for making this experience possible for me. I strongly encourage anyone with a few weeks to spare to dive in and make a memory of a lifetime.

Sincerely,
Linda