Sigbjørn Pilskog, 51, Computer network manager Norway.
Moldova Orphanage Volunteer Programme

Moldova Orphanage Volunteer

How did you feel before you joined the programme?
I wanted to have a different holiday with focus on doing something for others.
I had no idea of what I would meet, except that I have been in Eastern Europe a couple of times before. My focus was to have an open mind and as far as possible be prepared mentally. If I could make a little difference for a short while for a few kids it would be more than enough. 

How did Gap Year For Grown Ups compare you with your expectations?
Of course it’s impossible to not have expectations and even though I tried to have as few, and as small as possible, there were expectations.  All in all this were far beyond of what I dreamed of. I’m very thankful for this experience.

What was the accommodation like?
The accommodation was very good. Compared to what many people are used to in Moldova I think it was luxury. Both the accommodations and the hosts in Gratiesti were great. Thanks to Valeriu, Victoria and Sandu for a great time.

What did you think of the programme / did your project and destination meet your expectations?
As I said I tried to have as few expectations as possible. I was very aware that I could not “save the world”, but maybe make a little difference in some children’s life for a short while. 

What was the most memorable moment of your trip? Any anecdotes?
There are many memorable moments, the visit and the stay at the Summer Camps for orphans outside Chisinau and in Transnistria.  The sightseeing at the monasteries. To meet and to get to know the other volunteers. I felt alive and very happy there. There are many moments I will never forget, among other there is a little baby girl with HIV, about one year old, in the orphanage for the smallest kids. She was always a big smile and of course not aware of her serious illness. It’s difficult to describe such emotional moments. I believe it has to be experienced.

How have you benefited from your experience? How have you changed?
First of all, I feel that I received a lot more than I gave or was able to give. I feel I am in debt and that I want to do more to help these children I met there. I am a father and have 3 grown up sons, which I love very much. Before I went there I was “warned” from friends about not get too attached to these kids because it could be painful to leave them. To me this was not an issue, I did not think it could be possible to love other children like your own. I love these kids, and just to realize I was able to feel so strongly for them was the biggest gift of all. For me this is not an end of a story, it is just the beginning and I feel very thankful.

What advice could you offer to someone considering this project?
Go with an open mind; be polite, humble and patient. It is "another world" and many things will be different from what you are used to from Western Europe. It is a poor country and many things we take for granted are luxury for most people there. If you expect to meet the exactly the same conditions as at home, then stay at home. Look at the differences as experiences and welcome them. For people who live there this is the reality and part of their every day life.

Moldova Orphanage Volunteer
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