This January, we completed our one-year volunteership project with Amigos de Europa – a wild ride filled with ups and downs, challenges and joy, and, most importantly, incredible people. We embarked on this journey without truly knowing what to expect, and what followed exceeded all expectations.

Over the course of the year, we took part in more than ten projects, including youth exchanges, training courses, artistic and local initiatives. We learned so much – how to welcome and say goodbye to people we grew to love so quickly, how to face unexpected circumstances, and how to overcome obstacles we never saw coming. There is so much to be grateful for – to Javi, our leader and mentor; to Vero, our sun in human form; and to every single person we met who welcomed and supported us along the way. None of this would have been possible without the help that poured in from every corner. We felt welcomed, valued, and loved in beautiful Andalucía, which became our second home.

However, as with all things that begin, this chapter, too, had to come to an end. We’re back in our hometown, Alytus, knowing that we can never be the same people we were before we left. But the beauty of this ending is that it is, in itself, a beginning. The world of intercultural experiences has captivated us – it won’t let us go, and we wouldn’t want it to.

So here we are, taking the next step – starting our own organization. We’re excited to introduce Baltijos Karta, an NGO rooted in culture, arts, and the celebration of what is special about each and every one of us. The love we discovered for different cultures throughout our year abroad had an unexpected side effect – it deepened our passion for and understanding of our own Baltic heritage. Now, we want to rediscover our culture in a more profound and honest way than ever before. And while doing so, we hope to share it with others who are eager to learn.

We are thrilled and fulfilled to be embarking on this new journey together.