Volunteer Voices

I went to Valaam Island in Lake Ladoga, north of St. Petersburg, Russia, from August 14 to September 4. This is a monastery island, having one large monastery and 10 sketes. Ten of us had volunteered to help with whatever was needed. The other volunteers were from Poland, Serbia, Czech Republic, England, Germany, and Finland. Our schedule was to work Monday through Saturday noon, then free time Saturday afternoon and Sunday, for three weeks. I truly didn’t know what kind of people would be around me when I registered to volunteer.But I’ve never been around so many kind, helpful, generous people, both on site and in transit from St. Petersberg. I had wanted to be an ambassador for America, hoping they would be receptive. They were the ambassadors, helping whomever needed help, offering friendship and asking nothing in return. I will remember this trip forever; it is one of the highlights of my life.\"

P. Thomas~ Russia 2011