I moved to Nicosia, Cyprus for retirement a couple of years ago, determined to make the most of my senior era. As fate would have it, I kept on noticing, again and again, in my local supermarket, a particular t-shirt with the logo of the Dignity Centre. A coincidence if there is such a thing? Or perhaps a wink from life my way?
Anyway, I decided to investigate and ended up knocking at the door of the centre on Ledras Street, where I met Paula for the first time. Coming from a long practice of yoga and meditation, ‘energies’ weight heavily on my decision-making process… And the energy of the place and the people sat well with me. So, I decided to give it a go.
So far, my only experience of volunteering had been in India, shopping for vegetables in the wee hours of the morning for the lunch soup. But I sensed encouragement to give it a try and was hooked pretty quickly.
Now twice a week, I proudly wear my Dignity Centre t-shirt and go volunteering. To those who haven’t experienced it yet: nothing, and I mean nothing, in the world beats this experience. To know again and again this expansion of heart and soul in love every time a refugee comes through our open door, for a warm smile and encouragement direction… and yes, some goods and services. To each one of them, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.
And the many cherries on top: all the beautiful volunteers that come from all over the world to give us a hand for some time. I am happy to have met each and every one of them, and I bow to their participation in presence, engagement and enthusiasm in our mission…
And from the height of my 67 years, I say… because of them, the world isn’t so bleak.
