The past 10+ years have been deeply personally rewarding. While time spent in Timor-Leste at Klibur Domin over five visits totaling nearly 18 months has been a highlight, I have also greatly enjoyed and learnt a lot from other roles such as assisting with parish and school fundraising activities in Melbourne and being part of the RCA Communications Committee a number of years ago.

The support of the RCA Volunteer Coordinator has been invaluable, and so too has the support of other RCA members who I have met and worked with in Timor and in Australia. To work in genuine partnership with Australian and Timorese colleagues for ‘the relief of suffering’ is a privilege.

I hope you find that the stories from volunteers at Raphael in India and Klibur-Domin in Timor-Leste may inspire you to volunteer at these Ryder-Cheshire Homes or to become involved in RCA as a volunteer on one of the RCA Committees to support ‘the relief of suffering’.

I am in awe of the RCA members and volunteers who give so much of themselves to this important work, and encourage anyone considering volunteering with RCA to go for it! I have no doubt it will challenge you, but in all the best ways.

Siobhan Reeves