Guest blogger Kira Zeitz

I’m Kira Zeitz, an international volunteer from Cologne, Germany.

I recently completed my social work studies at the YMCA University, and decided to take time to travel abroad and gain experience prior to beginning my career.

I was eager to see new landscape, and looked forward to living in an English-speaking country.

My professor, Barbara Schellhammer, spent time with Ranch Ehrlo in 1998 and spoke highly of the agency. I looked it up online, and was bound and determined to make it my volunteer placement.

On Feb. 4, 2014, I arrived in Canada and began working at one of the Ranch’s group homes.

I have to say, the experience has been great! I’m learning so much, and have felt so welcomed.

I’m generally someone who needs time to adjust and become familiar with my surroundings, but everyone here has made the transition quite seamless. I admit it was difficult to come into a new environment with new staff, new kids, and a foreign language, but it became easier as time went on. I can be myself now, and I feel like this job is something that I was meant to do.

I’ve become so attached to the kids here. I’m going to miss them very much, we’ve become so close. They have taught me that I can’t take things personally in this job, and the things they say aren’t necessarily directed at me but come from a place of frustration, upset, or despair. I’ve learned not to be so afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing, and that silence is sometimes the best conversation starter.

On a lighter note, I’ve learned that I really love my friends. I’ve found it difficult to meet people in a new city, and I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the friendships and relationships I have back home. I’ve also learnt that the stereotypes are true – Canadians are very friendly. I’ve never been offered so many rides in my life!

I was hoping to stay until mid-May, but bitter-sweetly, I’ll be leaving this month for a social work position in Germany. I can see myself working abroad again someday, but Germany is my permanent place to live, and my permanent place to work.

When I think about my country, where I grew up and where I live, I think that I must help the children whose parents just don’t care.