I was given the option to either Volunteer or work at this lovely hostel I stumbled upon in San Cristobal, Mexico. Volunteering consists of working 4 days a week at the reception, in exchange for food and accommodation (other volunteers have different responsibilities such as cleaning the rooms, cooking, bar-tending and night time shifts at reception). The working position would be 6 days a week at reception for 8 hours a day, for 100 pesos a day (under $10 Canadian), including food and accommodation.
After a few days of consideration and a couple trial shifts, I decided to accept the volunteer position. The realization that led me to accept the volunteer position instead of the paid one, is that at this moment in my life, my time and freedom are worth more than 600 pesos a week. Who knows...maybe in 4 months, 600 pesos a week will be very much appreciated! However, I feel that I just spent the last year working my ass off, in order for me to be here, right now. While money is always an important factor in the travellers mind, in all of our minds, it is not the driving force behind my decisions, back home or abroad. Volunteering appease's that part of my mind however, it allows me to save money on accommodation and food, which in turn will allow me to travel further and longer, which of course is important to me. However, the biggest factor right now is that I need freedom to feed my soul in anyway it demands, for my highest good. It took a week of, may I dare say it...uncomfortable adaptation, to settle in. But I am here, settled for the month and I am very grateful to be here, truly, for so many reasons:
The people that I work with are amazing; especially the owners of the hostel. They have created an environment that is welcoming, warm, and safe.
I am sharing this experience with a dear friend of mine.
This town is a holistic hub, which is nurturing my body, inner and spiritual self with all the organic vegan food, yoga classes, and other alternative health options they offer.
I am experimenting with different dynamics in my relationships.
I am learning a whole new set of skills (Hostel operations, reception and languages).
I am free of commitments and obligations, which feels absolutely amazing.
I am in a space where I am nurturing my creative and instinctual self, free to express myself is anyway that I choose.
I am happy and grateful.
