CISV USA – A New Perspective

Tomorrow, my son leaves for Village. His excitement is fueling me as my emotions swirl among contrasting memories of his first day of preschool where he clung to me, not wanting to let go and his first day of Kindergarten where he waved goodbye, carefree and excited. This Village experience that we have been planning for and hoping for, and has been so many years in the making, is now coming to fruition. I know with every part of me this decision to send him to camp is without a doubt, the right one. In my conscious mind, I know that this experience will provide growth for him (in leadership skills, cultural understanding, and human rights) in ways I can only dream. Yet, I find still that my heart is afraid…not of the experience, but of missing out on his growth and of who my kid might be when he returns. As my son makes his rounds of goodbyes with all of his friends, I cannot help but think of the new ones he will be making in just one short week. The bonds made will cross countries and oceans and certainly all cultural ignorances. I have cried several times…. is it because I am going to miss him? Is it because I get to see how many people love him and will miss him and how much he is loved? Or maybe it is because I know this will be the biggest growth experience of his life and it is highly probable that I will not recognize the boy that comes home! I have the privilege of being the Executive Director of this fabulous organization and continue to love working with so many amazing volunteers day in and day out. However, the greatest privilege, that will surely remain at the top, regardless of the years that go by, is the opportunity to send my child to Village and watch the volunteers across the world impact my son in ways that will affect change for the rest of his life. As I celebrate 8 years with CISV USA, I celebrate the grand opportunity that was given to us. I am so excited to finally be a CISV parent.