JOURNEYING WITH YOUTH
After three years of disruption because of COVID-19, the Two Wolves Abroad programme, an initiative of The Cardoner Network, was finally able to send their first volunteer placement overseas late last year.
The Two Wolves Abroad initiative places young adults with our partner communities, both at home and abroad, where they become active contributing members.
Three young men, Alec, Josh and Selwyn – collectively known as the Three Amigos – who had just completed their HSC, travelled to Tipling, Nepal in mid-November 2022 for three months. There, they worked with the community and school in particular, teaching English. Their combined reflections on their experiences show just how vital the Two Wolves Abroad program is to the growth of young adults.
Alec, Selwyn and Josh. Photo: The Cardoner Network.
Here it is, in their own words …
“We recently returned from a three-month service trip to Tipling, a remote rural village in Nepal. It was a life-changing experience that taught us so much about ourselves, the world, and the power of service.
“As soon as we arrived in Tipling, we were humbled by the natural beauty and simplicity of life surrounding us. The people were so welcoming and hospitable, and we were immediately immersed in their culture and way of life.
“Teaching the children was a challenge, but it was also incredibly rewarding to see their enthusiasm and the progress that they made. The students were eager to learn and had a thirst for knowledge that made us recognise the value of the education we received and will continue to receive. It was a joy to see their progress over the course of our time there and it was heart-warming to see how much they appreciated our presence and the effort we put into teaching them.
“For us, one of the most significant parts of the experience was the spiritual formation that came with it. Living in such a remote and peaceful environment allowed us to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and focus on our relationships with God. We feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow in such a beautiful and meaningful way.
“We were taught the value of patience and love, making us appreciate the simple things in life, all of which has given us a new perspective on what it means to be truly happy. Moreover, this experience has emphasised the importance of giving back and fostering connections with people from different cultures and this in turn has motivated us to become more involved in our community.
“We want to express our gratitude to The Cardoner Network for sending us on this incredible journey. Without their support, we would not have had the opportunity to make such a meaningful impact on the lives of the children and families in Tipling.”
By Violet Cabral
Find out more about The Cardoner Network’s The Two Wolves Abroad program.
Photos by The Cardoner Network.
