A Look Back: Four Months of Volunteering in Lithuania

As I sit down to reflect on my journey of volunteering in Lithuania, I'm struck by how quickly time has passed. What started as a leap of faith four months ago has blossomed into a transformative experience that has enriched my life in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Lithuania, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people, has become my home away from home. In this blog post, I invite you to join me as I recount the highlights and challenges of my fourth month as a volunteer. From cultural discoveries to personal insights, I hope to share a glimpse into the realities of volunteering abroad and the profound impact it has had on my perspective.

At the beginning of this month, I had the opportunity to visit Trakai, a historic city located just outside Vilnius, with a close friend. Despite the persistent rain, our day exploring this medieval capital of Lithuania was filled with fascinating discoveries and unforgettable experiences. Despite the weather, exploring Trakai was an enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for Lithuania's cultural heritage. It's moments like these that remind me why I embarked on this volunteer journey—to discover new places, embrace different cultures, and create lasting memories with friends.

Reflecting on this month, it's been a whirlwind of travel and exploration, deepening my connection with Lithuania. As the weeks unfolded, I found myself drawn to the city of Kaunas for a day trip with some like-minded friends. While I had visited before, experiencing it again, this time with friends, brought a new layer of enjoyment and excitement. Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city, holds a rich history and vibrant culture that truly comes to life when explored with friends. From its stunning architecture to its lively arts scene, there was so much to see and do. Looking back, I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore Kaunas with friends who share my passion for history and culture. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and forging deeper connections—not only with Kaunas but also with each other.

Two months ago, I planned an exciting journey with my friend Sergey, who, like me, is a fellow volunteer in Vilnius. Our destination: Poland and Czechia. Exploring the vibrant cities of Warsaw, Prague, and Krakow together was an unforgettable experience, deepening both our knowledge and worldview.

Traveling with Sergey, whose company I truly cherish, made the trip even more enjoyable. In Warsaw, we were captivated by the city's blend of history and modernity. The Warsaw Old Town, meticulously reconstructed after World War II, felt like a journey through time, while the bustling streets of New Town buzzed with youthful energy and creativity.

Next, we ventured to Prague, a city straight out of a fairy tale with its medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. The iconic Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square left us awestruck, each corner revealing a new facet of the city's rich cultural heritage.

Our final stop was Krakow, where history comes alive in its well-preserved Old Town and the somber reminders of the Holocaust at Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Despite the weight of history, the city's vibrant atmosphere and lively market square provided a sense of resilience and hope.

These days spent exploring Warsaw, Prague, and Krakow were more than just sightseeing; they were an opportunity to expand my understanding of different cultures and histories. Traveling with Sergey deepened our friendship and reinforced the importance of sharing experiences with like-minded individuals. As a volunteer in Vilnius, these experiences continue to shape my perspective and enrich my journey of personal growth and cultural discovery.

After returning from my trip, I found myself longing for my workplace and the familiar faces of our Youth Center in Vilnius. To bring some joy and excitement to the community, we decided to organize a Disco Party.

Seeing the youngsters laughing, dancing, and having a great time at the party was incredibly rewarding. It was clear that our hard work and effort in planning and organizing the event had paid off. The atmosphere was filled with energy and positivity, and it was heartwarming to see everyone coming together and enjoying themselves.

Looking ahead, I am excited for what the future holds in my volunteer journey. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact, creating more memories, and building meaningful relationships with the amazing people I've met along the way.