Sarah Camino

To say that my time volunteering at VIN was life changing would be an understatement. Teaching English at the Buddhist Nunnery was truly an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. Although I was the teacher, I found that I learned just as much, if not more, from my students, than they did from me. Along the way in my journey I came across challenges, living somewhere so culturally different than what I was used to, and stepping out of my comfort zone, but overcoming those challenges made my experience all the richer. Living with the nuns showed me that love and compassion are universal, and you don’t have to speak the same language as someone to create everlasting friendships with them. Teaching the nuns was an incredibly rewarding experience, and they showed me everyday how thankful they were for my efforts, which made me feel very appreciated. Life in Nepal is completely different than anything I have ever known, and has given me a new perspective on my life that I will not soon forget. I am truly appreciative for the opportunity that was given to me. I will genuinely miss all nuns and people I have met here in Nepal, but the memories I have with them will stay with me forever. I learned so much about life in a nunnery, Nepali culture, and just a different way of life in general, and I strongly suggest this program to anyone who wants to do the same!