My Favorite Memory: My favorite memory would have to be being chosen as the godmother of Sam (an ABV coordinator) child who is due in April. My other favorite memory is being able to bond with the children of Good Hope and getting to know them.
I was surprised that…. to live comfortably and be happy I actually needed very little and that my laptop was not a necessity!
The most difficult thing I experienced was….The most difficult thin for me was realizing how far from home I actually was and becoming comfortable with that.
My best received lesson… The best lesson I received was seeing how high-spirited and happy all the children at the orphanage were even though they literally had only the clothes on their backs. It made me realize that I have nothing to complain about and they taught me to be happy to just be living life. I realized to take pleasure in the little things again!
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Light clothing, handy wipes, head lamp ( really helpful for power outages),bring lots of donation items, things from home to share with your host family and people of the village (i.e. board games, food, books, cds, dvds etc.), be willing to meet new people and be open to all new experiences. Going places with your family and doing things with them will bring you closer and make you feel more at home.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial): I had an amazing time in Uganda and I feel like the trip has had a huge impact on my life. Although I only stayed for a week I was able to get to know so many amazing people and make lasting friendships and I can’t wait to go back! This trip allowed me to be immersed in another culture and it opened my eyes to how lucky citizens of developed countries truly are. This trip also sparked a fire in me to do all I can to help the organization and the people of Bulenga. Being able to build relationships with individuals thousands of miles away is so amazing and I am so grateful to have had such an amazing opportunity!!
How would you rate your experience working with the ABV staff, both in the USA, and in-country? ABV was wonderful both in the USA and in-country. ABV was always available and very quick to answer any and all questions I or my mom had. I have nothing but good things to say!
How would you describe your accommodation ( ie: host family, on-site, shared housing etc) The volunteer housing in Bulenga is in a secure compound that is locked every night around 8 with a guard standing by as well. The volunteer housing is shared and about 6 people could fit at once. Derrick and his family were wonderful and I had a great time staying with them. They always checked on me to make sure everything was ok and they tried their best to make me feel at home. The bathroom is an outdoor facility and bathing is usually done with a basin of water although they do have some running water indoors.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes!
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