By Kaitlin Whartnaby – 6 week volunteer

Since I arrived here at Kindred Spirits the one thing that has really stood out to me has been the sense of family; not only within the village itself but also within the group. Just walking through the village you can see families working together along side with neighbours all helping one and other out.

My home-stay has welcomed me with open arms and at no point have I felt like an outsider. My home-stay mom has gone above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and like I am just at home. Anything from making me delicious meals everyday to helping to get a stain out of my shirt to helping me with a cut. My home-stay has not been the only place that I have felt the sense of family.

Within the Kindred Spirits group they have a very tight knit group that welcomes all new comers. The one thing that has really stood out to me would be when it comes to meal times. Whether it be lunch in the jungle or dinner at a home-stays house we sit together all while dishing out and sharing what it is that each of our home-stay families have made. We try all of the local food and everyone shares everything. After our meals we go and feed the village dogs right before meeting up again at base. Although this may seem small to some, things like this are what make it just a little bit easier be so far away from home and really brings everyone together.