One Volunteer's Inspiring Journal Entry: From China With Love

This is a direct quote from my very own travel journal written on the 5^th April, 2014.

The last time I was on the train with my giant backpack, I was about to begin my little adventure in Eastern Europe and my first stop was FFR Romania; not knowing what to expect, who I would meet, how I would feel  about it all, I felt uncertain with a tint of excitement. Just over 3 weeks now, I carry the same backpack on a different train heading to Sighisoara leaving FFR. 

Where should I begin?

Sorting donations for the Baby Closet.

I remember when I was still in Hong Kong, way back when I have decided to leave home and take on this challenge/adventure of mine I felt a bit lost and was opened to wherever my adventure takes me or lead me to. Funny enough I think I might have found something already in the past 3 weeks!! I don't know what it is but I loved what I did and everything that happened!! I have learnt so much! The power of LOVE! The people I have crossed paths are incredible; the babies at the hospital, the kids at Budila, they have taught me to love and beloved unconditionally, to believe in your beliefs, to chase after your dreams, to be brave, to be thankful for what you have. The list is endless.

Eliz teaching out teenagers how to make Chinese dumplings.

I really admire and love the FFR team! I still don’t get my head round it, how did they come to Romania and have lived here for 10 years purely from the desire of wanting to make a difference in these children’s lives? But they did it! They believe in their passion and faith and worked towards their goals. I love how passionate they are, I love how closely they work with the local people and be part of the community and culture. It’s super amazing and inspiring.

When I first shared the idea with my family and friends of wanting to volunteer abroad I have had responses such as “Well you could volunteer at home too!”,  “You can’t help everyone in need there are so many people in the world and the ones you are helping are only the tip of an ice-berg!”

I once cast doubts on the difference I am actually making too but then I remembered the ‘star fish

story’ and it reminded me the power of making a little difference. However after being with all these wonderful people in the past 3 weeks I have discovered something even more incredible, I realized that  the people whom I have met have made much greater difference in my life than me to them!

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything  as it was a truly life-changing experience and it made me believe that maybe the so-called impossibilities are possible after all and that I shall not be afraid to believe in what I believed in and sometimes thoughts may seem foolish to others but it’s not foolish at all! Missing you guys already.  Xxxxxx       

-Eliz Leung