Namaste! My name is Sophia and I am a long term volunteer staying 11 months nearly Kundapura, Karnataka. This article will be about my experiences in my host family.

Just 10 walking minutes far from my working place, the FSL center in Shetrakatte, I live together with my father (Chandra), my mum (Annapoorna) and my 11 years old sister (Sinchana). My 18 years sister (Archana) is going to college and is living outside.

Because my host father is a farmer, we have two cows, five goats, two cats, one dog and three chickens. What I really love about my family is that they treat me like their own child. When I am at home I like to do paper craft, drawing or playing “UNO” with my sister and the neighbour children. Even when they have their own (kind unfair) rules, it is always fun!

It is also interesting being in a Hindu family, two times they took me to the temple, another day they had a ceremony to bless their scooter, so Ganesha, Krishna and Shiva will keep them safe while driving in the crazy Indian traffic.

This weekend I will celebrate Christmas together with them, it’s their first time, because I am their first volunteer. Therefore they are more excited than I am 🙂

I am very happy having this lovely family and every time I enter the door I feel like coming home.