Volunteering

My first three-month stay at the orphanage is a time that will forever remain in my memory! The joy of the children, the openness, and the kindness of the Ugandan people made me feel as comfortable as if I were at home, and I long to return whenever possible. It was a time of new experiences, a sense of fulfillment, and stories of families and children that will stay in my heart for a lifetime. My visits in 2017 and 2018 were just as exciting—heartwarming reunions, conversations with the aunties, friends, and neighbors… It was wonderful to once again see the joyful, now much bigger children and spend a few unforgettable moments with them!

I came to Uganda for a total of six months (minus one day), of which I spent over four months at Window of Life. In Masindi, everything seemed the same as what I was used to, and yet completely different.

I could say it was a coincidence, but I believe it was written somewhere long ago – the stay in Masindi, one of those adventures in life that sticks in your memory and to which your thoughts return. And when you think about it, your heart warms. These are exactly my feelings when I think about the kids and the wonderful women who make every effort each day to provide these children with a home.

I arrived in Masindi in 2020 and spent two months there. It was my first time in Africa, and I had no idea what to expect 🙂 I have spent the entire time at Home – sleeping and eating together with everyone, which allowed me to take part in all the daily household chores.

It’s not easy to summarize my volunteer experience at Window of Life in just a few sentences, but saying that after my first three-month stay, I returned there again within the same year, is probably the best proof that this is a magical place—one you want to return to and one you can’t help but miss! If I could, I would go back every year!

This was my fifth trip to Africa, my third time volunteering, and my second time in the same place. But even returning to the same place brings certain anxieties, which I also had. Completely unnecessarily…

Two Weeks That Turn Life Upside Down In September, we land in Uganda once again. The scent of African soil—there’s something magical about it. You just have to experience it.

This was already my fifth trip to Africa, my third time volunteering, and my second time in the same place. But even a return visit to a familiar location brings certain concerns, and I wasn’t exempt from them.