Paulina’s Journey

 

 

 

Paulina is a sweet individual that I met in Peru during the summer in the community. She is from Poland and was working alongside SIA and Youth in action! This is her input from her experience in Pacifico.

How did you come to know about SIA and our work in Pacifico de villa?

I got to know obout SIA in Pacifico from Jacek Klisowki. I was working in the house for street children named Ayllu Situwa which he set up and has been running for more than 8 years. I was doing my volunteer service ( I was send by Papaya Foundation from Poland, and I was implementing the project funded by Ministry of Forein Affairs in Poland – program named Polish help) there and he told me about Larry and the activities for children which you organize. I really wanted to help and was interested in the work which you do.

 What was your first impression of Pacifico and Youth in Action program/the kids?

I was amazed by the energy and happiness of the children. It was surprising that in this some kind of desert place there were so many children and that they are so willing to do all things which volunteers proposed them. That they get so deep into all activities, always with big smiles on their faces, try to do it perfectly…

What were your expectations or goal that you wanted to achieve while working with Daniel?

First of all I wanted to share with children and Daniel my experience in working with creativity. In Poland I work in developing creativity center named Kangur – cangaroo:) I wanted to share what I know and be with those children, help them with homeworks, spend time just be. I also wanted to get to know something from Daniel, he is very wise, has great contact with children. He is amaizing. I am very happy that I could work with him.

What were some of the challenges you faced while working with Daniel and youth in action?

The biggest challange was when they told us that we can not use local communal anymore:( We had to organize it outside and that it still was very cold…but all the rest was a great pleasure.

What kind of activities were you able to do with the kids?

We did a lot of art activities. Also connected with art and cultures. We were talking about Egyptian culture, a little bit about the India, we got to know some arabic letters, listening to polish legends. We did mandalas from spices, builded animals, were making a lot of ideas how we could use something or into what we could transform simple things. Painting, drawing, constructing. We also used the parachute to do some moving activities, played football. It was a good time. I hope it will serve them or even made them feel happy…

Would you come back?

I hope so…The true is that I would love to. The problem is the distance. Peru is really far from Poland but close to my heart so I hope it will help. I would also love to spend more time, next time in guarderia. I love little kids and they need a lot of care. We will see.

What is one key message that you are taking back to Poland with you?

The key message which I brought from pacifico and casa Ayllu Situwa, after those three months which I spent working with kids is that you should never judge children but love and give a lot of attention and care. They are so innocent. And the other is that you should smile a lot because then you make others smile.

Speaking out

“Not everyone thinks the way you think, knows the things you know, believes the things you believe, nor acts the way you would act. Remember this and you will go a long way in getting along with people.” 

The way I look at it, and especially if you’ve read my last blog on communication. It is NOT hard to speak to people. To relate to people. Some people listen but they don’t hear. Try and HEAR the other person.

I got to speak to a few new faces at the open house event on Sunday November 10th. I saw some excitement on peoples faces and a few nervous faces. It was important to answer their questions that were making them nervous or unsure about the experience they would be involving themselves in. I think our team overall has a very welcoming personality and was friendly with everyone new that came in through the door.

But as for talking to people, I think its important to communicate with someone on an equal level. As soon as you put someone beneath you or above you, you are creating more boundaries between you and the other person. I have recently experience this while being a part of the Best Buddies program. It is my first year and relating to my best buddy has been an interesting experience.

I learn so much from her, She tells me so many stories. I listen to her, but I also hear her messages behind the words. Her worries in the world are much different from mine. Things that make her happy are different from things that make me happy. She lives a different life than I do. Different things go on in her head. But you know what… we come together as a set of eyes and ears. And we connect because we know we’re different. She doesn’t judge me, I don’t judge her. The less we judge people, the more room we have to..Love.

Next time you have a conversation. Think about our cookie cutter society, why do we always say the same things to people? Why do we ask the same kind of questions? Let loose, be free, don’t be afraid of challenging questions….wander greater thoughts.

Let that inner voice be heard.

Gracias, for being you 🙂

-Mansi Parasher

Communication

Everyone is freaking out!

At this time of the year, everyones worried about grades, graduation, jobs, further studies, etc. At least that is the pattern I am seeing in my life right now. Why am I so at ease? Is it normal to not be “worried”? I feel like I have found this content little place in my heart and mind where nothing freaks me out anymore. I know lots of people are extremely busy with their lives and I know that i’ve heard this quote before, “Life keeps you away from life.” Its simple, sometimes we get so caught up with what is going on in our lives that we forget to step back and take a breath.

I think the reason I am so relaxed, during my busy weekly schedule is because I have found the key to life. YES, I said it. I, Mansi Parasher have found the key to life. (This key might not fit your door but it fits mine.) COMMUNICATION.

Are you confused?

I believe, at the end of the day, it ALL comes down to how you interact with others and what kind of impression/impact you leave on others. Theres a reason why people say “think before you talk”, it’s true! I think I have found a sense of satisfaction in the way i approach situations, talk to others and relate to my fellow friends and acquaintances or even strangers.

I think this is such a huge part of our lives. Think about it! Lack of communication makes us confused, angry, upset or even crazy. Miscommunication causes dilemmas and arguments. A proper connection with someone involved good communication and it literally decides how our day/week will turn out.

This month is all about SIA team trying to communicate with different people and trying to introduce them to this amazing opportunity. Personally i’ve been working on talking to past participants on their experience. I hope the videos I make of these past participants speaks better to people than simple words do.

Check out our page http://www.facebook.com/solidarityinactioninc. for video updates this week!

Our event on sunday is going to all about us communicating with new people who are interested in learning more on how they can get involved!

Be a part of something amazing!

-Mansi Parasher