In mid-September, our volunteers Nicolas and Paulína left for Angola, where they are currently helping the Salesians with their work with children and young people in the Lixeira slum. It is precisely missionary volunteer Pauli who has written her first blog, which — after eight years — captures the reality of this African country from a volunteer’s perspective, as well as what her service looks like and what volunteering has given her so far:

“Volunteering in this place teaches me a lot, but it also tests me. Nothing happens on demand and nothing goes to plan. I left my plans on the doorstep along with my fears, and instead I opened the door to adventure. I know that the realisations I am gaining here, I would only struggle to find in the comfort of home. The reality here has opened my eyes — and my heart — and I would wish everyone to experience it. At the end of the day, I am immensely grateful for what I have in life, and I will never look at it through the same lens again.”

You can read this blog, together with the blogs of all our volunteers, at www.saleziani.sk/smd/blogy.