We had a successful trip up to Moudon to visit the refugee kid program with Neighbours Global Connections (NGC) on Wednesday. What an eye-opening experience to see another side of Switzerland, and be a part of encouraging these kids, who are eager to interact and speak with us, despite our limited knowledge of French. The kids were aged 4-14, all were very gracious, and included us in their activities, ranging from games of fooseball, billiards, and coloring pictures of animals and each other.
We're looking forward to returning and participating with NGC to run a three-day camp for them at the end of this month. It will be a wonderful opportunity to become more comfortable with our French, allow us to connect with the kids, and encourage them to continue seeking peaceful interactions with each other and begin to learn what positive relationships look like.
NGC's website can be accessed at http://www.neighboursconnect.net/.
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Even though I was a little weary of going to Moudon to work with the kids, it was so worth it! I was a little overwhelmed at first by the kids--from their mastery of French and my lack thereof to their intense passion for foosball, but I loved getting to meet them and play with them. I know for a fact that the way to a child's heart is through quality time and that's what we were able to bring to the table. I think that once you have respect and rapport with a child, then you can teach them how to live in a positive community. I am now looking forward to working with them again at the camp in a few weeks!
At the beginning of every project we have done so far, cleaning up a forest, singing for the elderly and playing with kids, I have been a little weary and apprehensive, almost wishing that I hadn't committed myself to such a task. By the middle of it however, I can't imagine not doing it. I have absolutely loved being able to become part of the Lausanne and greater Switzerland community. I feel that we are truly making a difference, which is hard to see in America sometimes because I feel like so many people volunteer that it's just commonplace and often times expected. Here in Switzerland, I feel like it is the opposite. I think it is very refreshing and reassuring to those that we are helping. I think that by seeing us giving up our time and showing our love to others, the people around us see that: one, our generation is not just full of ignorant kids who only think of themselves; two, I think that we are showing to Europeans that Americans really do care, that we want to help. I think in some cases, we are the only Americans some of the people we volunteer with come into contact with. To be the face of a country that they might have had completely different opinions about before is quite an honor.
More than we have shown these people who we are and what we stand more, they have taught me invaluable lessons. The park cleanup showed me that a person really can clean a literal forest and have fun while doing it. Bethanie was amazing because ironically, I ended up talking with a man who had the onset of Parkinson's, one of the things my grandfather passed away from. Playing with the children in Moudon showed me that love is universal, that everyone just wants to feel needed and wanted. It taught me that no matter where you are from, what your situation is, we are all the same. We are God's children trying to find our temporary place in the world. I am just so thankful that JoAnne has provided us with the opportunities to show God's love to others, to show them that there are people who care for them and look out for them, that there is a God who is watching over them and who loves them no matter what.
Hi!
Sydney Moyo, the founder of NGC, wanted me to send you the new link to his updated website.
http://www.neighboursglobalconnections.org
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