“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose that no part-time job could ever replicate. You’re not doing it for a pay cheque – you’re doing it out of love, out of humanity, out of faith,” says expat partner Jean Pereira.
A spiritual anchor
“After we moved to Boston, one of the first things I did was find a nearby Catholic church – having that spiritual anchor has always helped me adjust quickly as an expat,” says Jean, a Singaporean mother of three who has also lived in Dubai and the Netherlands. “Through my new parish in Boston, I found an extraordinary volunteering role. Besides providing food and support for the homeless, the church ensures they receive a dignified funeral Mass when they pass away.”
Humbling experiences
“It’s such a dignified and compassionate gesture, and when I heard first about it, I immediately knew I wanted to be involved. I have even brought our children along when they visited, so they could witness the beauty and meaning of these quiet ceremonies. It’s a reminder that every life deserves to be honoured,” adds Jean. “One experience I will never forget was a funeral for an abandoned infant. The coffin was no bigger than a shoebox. That moment truly broke my heart – but I also felt deeply humbled to be there, to bear witness, to pray, and to say goodbye on behalf of a world that perhaps never had the chance to love that child.”
An act of gratitude
“It’s also a way for me to stay rooted in my values and to stay connected to a community. Being of service, even in small ways, feels like an act of gratitude – for life, for faith, for the blessings I have received,” says Jean. “It reminds me every day how fragile and precious life is – and how much loneliness and suffering exist in the world, often unnoticed. Volunteering has taught me the power of showing up. Sometimes, just being present is the greatest gift you can give…”
Most rewarding moments
“The most rewarding moments I have experienced are often the simplest ones: a smile, a thank you, a shared prayer. But the funerals – as heartbreaking as they can be – are also among the most sacred. To accompany someone, even in death, when they have no one else… that’s something I carry with me long after the service ends.”
Photo: Jean in Boston
All Global Connection’s corporate clients are leading multinationals. Due to some of their policies, we do not use their name in public articles. However, expat partners signed in to our private Media & Network can see the multinational’s name.
