It’s hard to find the right words to describe my time here. But I would definitely say yes if someone asked me if I would do it again. You simply cannot imagine what I was able to learn here unless you were there yourself. For this reason, I can only recommend that everyone do something similar.
What I liked most is the positivity and gratitude of the people. They live happily, are content with what they have and laugh often. They try to find a solution for every problem and if things don’t turn out as planned, they don’t lack spontaneity. But what I’ve been thinking about a million times over the last few months is the difference between rich and poor. It’s not just the difference between Germans and South Africans. Even in South Africa itself, the difference can be seen on almost every corner. Why are we not satisfied with what we have? Why do we always want more for ourselves and are jealous when others have more than us? Can’t we be happy for these people? Why don’t we share and laugh more? Can’t we just be content with what we have and do what we think is right and what makes us happy?
I’ve also talked a lot with my mom about this topic in the last three weeks. She told me about a book that has a story that fits the situation. It was about a fisherman who lived with his wife in a small town. He went fishing every morning to support his family. In the evening, he went to the beach with his wife and children to swim and walk. One day a businessman came by and asked him why he didn’t turn fishing into a business so he could make more money.
However, the fisherman didn’t think much of it and just replied: “Then what would I do with all the money? If I had the time, I would do what I enjoy. I would go fishing every morning, then cook with my family and go to the beach in the evening. However, I’m already doing that now. So why do I need all this money?”
The story stuck in my head, and shows that we should be content with what we have. We should also do what makes us happy and we should always be grateful.
I would especially like to thank Gavin and Elaine. In my entire life I have never met people who live and care for others like this. During the time when I was the only volunteer, they welcomed me warmly and allowed me to live with them. They have become great role models for me and the way they manage their projects and especially the orphanage is simply indescribable. Anyone who wants to volunteer with Musa needn’t worry about not getting along with Gavin and Elaine. Not only do you have a working relationship, but they also strive to have a personal relationship with each and every volunteer.
I would also like to thank all the volunteers with whom I was able to live and work. It’s nice to share experiences and always have someone to talk to. We had a lot of fun and when you work with people who have the same goals and the same ideas, your time in South Africa is even more fun.
Of course, I would also like to thank Colours for Kids, especially Dorothee. She was always available if you had any questions and just knowing that you had someone to contact in an emergency gave you a feeling of peace of mind. I can only recommend that everyone do the voluntary service through Colours for Kids, as I had no problems whatsoever.
I would also like to thank all the other people who work for Musa, both the orphanage manager and the social worker, as well as all the mamas and babas in the orphanage. Everyone works passionately for the children and loves the children more than anything. They only want the best for the children. It’s good to know that the children are always in good hands and that they are well looked after.
Lastly, I would of course like to thank all the children. Not only did I learn a lot from you, but I also took them all into my heart. I enjoyed the charisma, the joy and the gratitude so much and every single day. I was happy to go to the orphanage. I already miss it and hope that I will have the opportunity to visit again as soon as possible. I haven’t regretted a single day here; it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life and I can only recommend that everyone do something similar.
Tomorrow I’m flying back to Germany with mixed feelings. Of course, I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again, but I know exactly how I’ll miss everything because I already miss everything so much! However, I am grateful for my time here and hope to see everyone again soon.
Thank you for everything!
