Recently, we asked one of our wonderful volunteers, Courtney to write about her volunteer experience at Rafiki…from her perspective. Here’s what she gave us:
When I found out that I would be spending my summer in Uganda, I was so excited! I couldn’t believe that I was going to Africa. When I arrived here, I realized just how different Africa is than Texas, and how different Africa is than what most people think. No, we don’t live in straw huts. No, there aren’t lions in our front yard. Yes, we have power, most of the time. Yes, we have running water, most of the time. Yes, we live in a house, drive cars, and get some food at a grocery store. But this is still the other side of the world, and things are still very different here. The food was probably the biggest adjustment I had to make. For our first lunch we had porsho and beans. Then for dinner, we had rice and beans. I was shocked to find out that most of what we eat is rice and beans. While there is some variety, depending on the day, that’s pretty much a standard meal. I fondly think back to the first morning when I came down for bath time. I went into the girls’ room and was immediately greeted by 6 tiny naked girls hugging me and shouting, “Auntie, Auntie!” I was caught by surprise, as anyone can imagine. However, bath time has become one of the best times of the day because it’s a time where we get to spend time talking to the girls (they now keep their clothes on to hug us).
Getting to go outside of Rafiki and serve at other ministries in Uganda has also been such a lovely experience. It’s amazing to see the need for Christ all over Uganda. We have served at a few baby homes. Our service can include playing with toddlers, holding babies, feeding, washing windows, and moving brush. At one of the baby homes, I was able to hold a three-week-old baby girl. I could not imagine leaving that baby for dead somewhere, though I held her for a mere thirty minutes. Cases of abandonment are all over Uganda. Babies are left in pit latrines, at police stations, and with strangers. It breaks my heart to know that there is so much hurt here.
In my time here, we received two new babies. I feel blessed to be able to be part of their first memories at Rafiki, though I do not know if they will remember me. To be able to see the transition that takes place when you get a new child has been incredible and overwhelming. The doctor visits, medicines, new rules, and potty training can really tire you out. But it is so worth it to know that this baby is now getting food three times a day. This baby has a warm bed to sleep in. This baby has been bathed. This baby is loved.
It has been a rollercoaster sometimes taking care of all of the kids. There are the moments when you cannot imagine ever leaving Uganda to go home because our kids are so sweet and wonderful. Then there are moments when you want to hit your head against the wall because the same kids are driving you crazy! I know that God is sustaining me especially in those moments. The kids are so funny, welcoming, spunky, and loving. I don’t think it’s possible to come here and not fall in love with them. They are always providing me with a laugh, while laughing at how I try to pronounce Lugandan words. They are always up for sitting in my lap and cuddling. They are always eager to play games with me. Before I came here, I didn’t really know what to expect. Would I be their friend? Would I be their teacher? Would I be their mom? Throughout the course of the summer, I have gotten to be all three of those roles and more. I’ve been a nurse, a sounding board, a cook, a seat belt, a warm hug, a smiling face, and sometimes a toilet (potty training is rough). When you come to Rafiki, you get to be everything and more, if you let yourself.
You may be thinking, how do you deal with living in another culture for two months? Let me be the first to tell you: Do not let that keep you from coming. The staff here is so welcoming and loving. They have really helped make the adjustment easier. No, you can’t learn all the cultural things just by asking questions, but that’s a good start. I think by the end of the first week the staff was getting tired of my incessant questioning, which still hasn’t slowed down. Uganda is different than America, and that’s okay. It’s not bad, it’s just different.
I will definitely miss Rafiki when I go home. It has become a home to me over the past months. However, I know that this current time is over, and a new season is about to begin. I’m thankful for the opportunity to come and serve here. I’m thankful to serve a God who is being exalted across the world in Uganda.
Nkwagala,Nyo
Courtney