Life as a Volunteer 2

Dawn Alefaio learned how to master chopsticks and discovered new ways to witness to others when she recently volunteered overseas.

Living in South Korea for eight months was an exciting, adventurous and rewarding experience. Sure, I had my share of challenges and hardships, but if you were to ask me if there have been any regrets, my answer is no. Being in a foreign country, in an environment and culture totally different to my own, has taught me many things and opened my mind to life and the world around me. Initially I had set out to see the world, but I ended up seeing God more clearly.

I spent time in the “Land of the morning calm,” serving as a missionary and conversational English teacher in Daejeon, a city two hours south of Seoul. As I got closer to leaving, I anticipated returning home but felt a great sense of sadness knowing that I was leaving behind a country and people I had grown to love.

South Korea is a beautiful country despite its social and economic problems. I arrived during the last stages of winter. The first thing that caught my eye upon arrival was the snow. Being raised in the Pacific islands, particularly in Samoa, seeing snow was a big deal. I must admit I’ve lived in Australia for a few years but I’d never seen this much snow in my life. It was absolutely fantastic.

At times the language barrier made communication difficult, but after a few lessons of basic Korean from my students I picked up key words and how to interpret actions and gestures. The most important lesson for me was to always take a translator with me, whether it was to the post office, bank or shopping downtown!

As a teacher, I taught students from elementary school level to adults of all ages and walks of life. In my adult classes were university students, housewives, professionals such as doctors, architects and soldiers, as well as retirees. In addition to my English classes I taught one religion class every term. My oldest student Mr Kim, a 62-year-old retired author and mountain fanatic, faithfully attended my religion class for the final four terms that I taught it.

To be honest, I’d never really considered myself a “witness for God.” I often asked myself how I could be called a missionary when I have no preaching skills, never converted a nonbeliever yet there I was, working as one. As I look back on my experiences so far, I realise that being a witness is not all about preaching or converting. It’s about using my talents in helping further God’s kingdom. My love for singing and praise and worship, my smiles, my friendship and the way I live my life reflects my love for God and His work. Since I cannot preach, I will sing more, smile and laugh more and be a friend more to those who need my friendship.

My time in South Korea didn’t go without trials and tribulations. The initial homesickness and depression, the culture shock and the fear of not meeting the expectations of my students were contributing factors. My lowest moment came three months into my one-year contract when I received news of the deaths of not one but of three people (in three different countries and situations) that I loved dearly. The hardest thing about it all was having to mourn alone and being so far away from my family and loved ones.

Whenever I think of life, the words of Ronan Keating’s song “Life is a roller-coaster” naturally pop into my head. Life is definitely a roller-coaster; we have our highs and our lows, our ups and our downs. I have been through these stages, yet I have come out only remembering the thrills and excitement of the ride.

The Bible text that carried me throughout my time in South Korea was 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you” (NIV). I had so many fears about the future and where my life was headed but I have learned to “let go and let God.” Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you” (NIV).

God has been good to me and I’ve seen His leading hand and felt and seen His ever-present and providential help in my life. How have I felt God’s presence? Through the people around me, the smiles and laughs shared with the new friends I have found in this foreign land, the gratitude and appreciation of my students, and the love and support of my local church.

I became a missionary because I wanted to see the world, but instead I came to see God clearer than ever.