Perceptions and Perspectives

Why do I want to volunteer?
I want to challenge myself, consolidate my ideals and aims in life by getting involved in something I have no idea about, something that will amaze me, freak me out, scare me and make me cry. I want to see the poor people I so eagerly want to help in the future. A culture shock seems necessary at this point of my life. A shock that will open my small Finnish eyes, one that will make me realise my good fortune in life and that will make me humbler. I also want to see the faces of those little fellows I will be working with. I hope to make their daily life, as well as that of the organisation I will work for, easier. In addition, I just want to learn, teach and be taught, make young friends and see the world from a different perspective. I won't mind getting bored, angry, frustrated and tired, as long as I know the work I do is worth it.

Why do I want to volunteer in Mexico?
A country with all those colours, all those rich and the even more numerous poor people, all those big cities and vast differences intrigues me. I decided to volunteer a looong ago, and Mexico arose as the answer to my call. Reading about it, writing about it, knowing some interesting Mexicans and the fact that they speak a language I love and want to learn properly made my desire to go there arise.

My granny said it is ok that I go to Mexico. I can't understand her change of mind - she used to do everything to make me stay in Finland, in this tiny town full of racists and old people. My dad says no, no only. Never, no, don't, no, no. He won't accept it, but I have almost never cared of his opinion.. It is difficult to take such narrow-mindedness seriously at this point of my life;)

Hmm.. Some 4 weeks to go. I should go and see a dentist soon! My Spanish dictionary is also calling for some personal, dedicated attention..