We have come to that time of the year again, where we have emotional goodbyes, look towards the future, and remember the challenges... and I thank God that people are so willing to give up time, energy and money so that they are able to give something back to community.
There is something so precious about doing something for nothing, and one of the best memories of my gap year was when a bunch of youth I was working with in a school in North Bristol asked me how much I got paid, when I replied 'I'm not paid anything' ... they didn't believe me. And it took three other members of staff and my gap year partner to persuade them I was a full time volunteer. Youth expect these days that people will only care as much as they get paid, as much as they recieve something back, and for them to realise I wanted to be with them, was completely new! And I love the fact that this made them feel appreciated. I hope we all continue to learn what it means to give something for nothing, and never get out of the practice of compassion :)
I sometimes wish we could all live a life of gap years and continue to help with what were passionate about - and maybe some of us will do! But threesixty is such a brilliant opportunity to spend a year loving others who often dont experience love, and to give everything for a community in need.
If you want any more information please go to www.oasisuk.org/volunteering/threesixty
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