Heidi Rankin
 Heidi Rankin (see photo) worked in 2003/4 as a United Methodist Volunteer in Mission
(UMVIM) at the ATINATI Youth House in Georgia, an UMCOR NGO partner
organization. She wrote about her time there."My first experience with
the Republic of Georgia was as a Global Justice Volunteer. This is a program
run by the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) and the United Methodist
Church (UMC).
It is very difficult to describe Zugdidi. It seems small because you can get
around on foot but in fact, it's pretty big because it has many surrounding
villages. The population is 75,000, which includes Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs). Zugdidi is the biggest city bordering the breakaway republic of
Abkhazia, which is still seeking independence. 2003 marks the tenth anniversary
of the start of the civil war between Georgia and Abkhazia. Hundreds of
thousands of people were forced from their homes and these IDPs now live all
over Georgia, hoping to be able to return if a solution is found to the current
stalemate.
My friend, Erika Linjanen, and I stuck out like sore thumbs here! Everyone
knew who we were, where we worked and even where we lived! It was difficult at
first but we got adjusted. We taught English to children at a youth house called
ATINATI. We were quite hesitant at first as we had no formal training. We
discovered as the months passed, however, that this was an advantage for the
Youth House staff and children who wanted to practise with native speakers of
English.
That was my first experience with Zugdidi and the Republic of Georgia. Those
three months went too fast for me. Zugdidi and the people I had met stuck with
me and I missed them when I returned home. I had such a strong desire to return
that I made a short visit for three weeks in January 2003. It was during this
trip that the idea for the next leg of my journey began. I had heard about the
UMVIM Program when I was a Global Justice Volunteer. My supervisor at ATINATI
thought it was a wonderful idea when I suggested returning as an individual
volunteer. As I already knew the city and many people here and as the students
remembered me, it would be the ideal situation. I went home, told my family
about my plan, did my fundraising with the help of my church, my friends and my
family and here I am today!
I've been back in Zugdidi for two months now. I'm learning the language again
and I'm happy to be back with my friends and students. I'm learning more about
the differences between American and Georgian cultures and people. There's a lot
more to get used to being here by myself for a year, but I like the challenge!
Once again, I am here to give English lessons and I have discovered that being a
trained teacher is not necessary for the job I am required to do. I have certain
skills which I can offer the kids, most importantly being a native speaker, and
so I encourage them, with my non-formal approach, to speak the language with
confidence and authenticity.
Things have changed both in Zugdidi and the Republic of Georgia in the past
two years. Zugdidi has evolved, is a growing town and doesn't seem as poor or
desolate as it did two years ago. People seem happier with their situation and
are making the best of things the way they are. It is an unbelievable feeling to
be present during such a period of transition in a country's development and to
experience it first hand. It gives you an insight into other people and cultures
and helps you develop greater understanding and sensitivity. Most importantly,
it teaches you so much about life and living with others.' If you would like
to know more about volunteering for UMCOR NGO, please contact:
UMCOR Consultant
Carol Van Gorp
carolvangorp@earthlink.net
Tel: +1-518-532-7694
Fax: +1-518-532-9401
Updated December 2003 | 
