Page 175 - Book about Friendship and Future.Stories of Volunteers.

Balausa Tileuberdy

KFC Ainabulak
Almaty

There is a Retirement Home in Almaty where senior people
from various cities of the CIS and Kazakhstan reside. Together
with the KFC team of volunteers we visit them twice a year. Dur-
ing each visit they talk to us, telling their life stories. Sometimes
these stories can teach one a lot, and sometimes they are just full
of fun and kindness! While remembering these stories, the senior
people seem to travel back in time and get younger. They do
like to tell us something, they do like when they are listened to,
they do like that young people are learning from them and that
they serve us a good example. One can listen to their stories for
hours sitting by the window and drinking hot tea with cookies.
In every story told by these people I find something meaningful
and useful for myself. And not only in their stories – their positive
attitude and vigor, despite their age, have been inspiring and
motivating me!
Most of all I am looking forward to meeting grandma Vera. This
is an exceptionally strong, result-driven and positive lady! This
woman who survived in the Great Patriotic war, has lost both her
legs. But even sitting in a wheel-chair she does not give up, stay-
ing busy with her needlework, always demonstrating her handi-
craft and teaching us to master it. After talking to her I always
remember that one should enjoy every simple matter in that life
and that one should love everything that is surrounding us! I am
very glad that volunteering gives me the opportunity not only to
help others, but also to help myself to find motivation and posi-
tive attitude!