My volunteering year - Ana Nemsadze

 

Soon to be over?

According to the initial plan 10 days from now I should be on a plane leaving Georgia. I can’t possibly imagine this scenario and that’s why I decided to prolong my project here for 2 more months. 

So what are my thoughts after almost 300 days of living in Rustavi? 

At this point I am really ‘used to’ to the lifestyle, cuisine, people and culture. I humbly accept many things that I maybe still can’t fully comprehend, like cars never stopping on the pedestrian crossing, usual lack of schedule for anything etc. It was difficult to switch from my European attachment to order, planning and organization to Georgian spontaneity and impulsiveness. I am trying to take and learn as much as I can from the differences that I’ve encountered. To be more patient and worry less. To celebrate and appreciate every day a little bit more – I love seeing Georgian men playing backgammon like the world besides them doesn’t exist. I want to be more hospitable and “pay back” all kindness I received from people here. 

Time of ESC was crucial to my growth as a person. It was (actually still is) a chance to reflect on my life, values that are important to me and I want to share with others. I am grateful that I could do all of it here, in Georgia. 

I am a bit afraid that after going back to Europe life will be boring and predictable. However, I am sure that at some point I will be back here, again, to surround myself with mountains, wine and wilderness of this place, that has a special room in my heart now.