December 17, 2011. One of the most devastating events that occurred before this year 2011 ends was when some cities in the Philippines were greatly damaged by an unusual typhoon. In just short hours, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, and Dumaguete City experienced a heart-pounding experience witnessing such destruction that typhoon Sendong has done to them. Massive deaths, homelessness, devastation, and even loss of loved ones were all experienced by the people who lived in these cities. It was not a very welcoming incident to celebrate Christmas at that time.

This was then the time when volunteer programs were implemented by various sects, organizations, and government offices were taken action. Even various countries from all over the world responded quickly in giving relief goods and financial assistance to those cities that were greatly damaged. Volunteers from various schools, both young and old alike stood up and help those who were stricken with the typhoon.

Since the most basic need the people particularly in Cagayan de Oro is drinking and rinsing water, various businesses, fire trucks, convenient stores, water purifier companies, and different organizations responded desperately to at least, provide water for those who are in need. Purified waters from different places in the Philippines were sent to the damaged cities to give relief and assistance. Other basic needs like food, clothing, medicine, and even workshops for children were provided to make life count. Surely, it was not a very easy thing to say that these cities that were impaired by the typhoon cannot say that they have risen up that quickly. Nonetheless, the optimistic side of this incident is that people immediately responded to give such needs and render their selves to become volunteers.

Such incident is actually one of the events that occurred that relate to people who volunteer. Such incident is still present now. If you may be interested, you may go to this country and volunteer abroad for free, or you may also give assistance depending on what you have in you right now. This is not the time to think only about yourself. Sometimes, you need to get involved to participate in this mandate because people like you are needed in such desperate times.

No matter where you are, whether you are in the most comfortable place in Europe or in the United States, if there’s a need, there is a call. Think about it.

Nowadays, it’s hard to determine who the sincere volunteers are volunteering abroad. It’s unfortunate to say that some of the volunteers are just taking the advantage of volunteering abroad for the sake of traveling abroad or it’s their passing way for them to easily hop to another country if needed. There are only few who were truly volunteering for the sake of helping other people who badly needs help. And Heather Lawton the newly awarded volunteer with the Shara Lee Trophy is one of them. For almost 20 years in service, Lawton had been volunteering in the Hospice movement helping the ill people physically and emotionally. Since she has been showing sincerity in her work she deserves to have the award.

The challenges that Lawton had been through is never easy, since she was trained as a hospice volunteer in 1990 she found it as her passion. Dealing and helping people who were isolated in the hospice center is a challenging task and yet she likes what she was doing. When ill people are grieving because of their illnesses she was there, and she was also there when the family of the ill people are suffering emotionally. Giving them emotional support and sympathy. For such a sincere volunteer Heather Lawton is incredibly one of a kind.

Her experience is incredible and truly rewarding. She had handled everything while she was in service. Even the practical information like a family member who were asking about the funeral services; it may sound weird for some but the practicality of the family member gave challenge to Heather that made her stronger and more determined on her service as well. The extraordinary job of Heather Lawton has been an inspiration, an inspiration that every volunteer could follow especially if they were planning to take international volunteer programs abroad. Her experience is a good example for the other volunteers to realize that volunteering is not just about pleasure but the full sincerity is necessary.

International Volunteering is the noblest decision you can ever make. Most volunteers go abroad to help another race unlike their own; sometimes even the cost of their lives. News about the recent happenings of the Red Cross volunteers in the Philippines saddens me. People take the effort to help and they were being stopped by such incidents.

I was reading the news today and it warms my heart that the good news even out the bad news I read. International Volunteering as expected changes lives in the most unexpected and profound ways. If the Red Cross volunteers darken some part of the international volunteer work; the news about Anthony Williams gladdens my heart.

Anthony Williams is one of the many youths ages 18 to 19 that have been changed by Platform2. A former thief who was chosen to volunteer in Ghana came back full of hope and determination to live life differently as he has used to lived.

Platform2 is an international and global volunteering group in UK supported by Department for International Development and managed by Islamic Relief and Christian Aid. It gives less advantages adults the chance to work, live and gain knowledge about life in third world countries or poorer countries.

International Volunteering in Ghana also means a free African Safari. The country is located on the Western side of Africa. It is known for its elephants adventure and rides and the Nzulezu, a stilt village near to Beyin.

By chance, volunteers can get a glimpse of the Mole National Park, Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle and the Wli Falls. I could already imagine the color, taste and scent of an African country. Yes, the living style might be different from your own but the experience and sights in incomparable. Tourist falls in love on the places that they see. I believe volunteers is a step ahead than tourists for they got to spend many weeks to get to know the less trodden path which most often times are the gem of the country.