[April 20, 2016] A few months of reflection, another few of preparation, a pinch of madness, and a desire to experience adventure. Smiles of fate and coincidences led me to walk through the gates of the Window of Life Babies Home in Masindi on September 15, 2015. If anyone asked me how the welcome went, I would say quickly and without unnecessary ceremonies. A backpack thrown somewhere on the ground under a tree, a chorus of children’s voices, and a forest of hands, a multitude of hugs. And then, ordinary and extraordinary life.
A life in which I had the opportunity to know Maria’s wonderful hand and organizational skills, Sunny’s smile and culinary talent, Hope’s enormous heart and love for children, Gorreti’s sense of humor and rhythm, all of whom care for the children. Half a year at Window of Life, I see today, after returning, through the dance and smile of little Robert, reading and writing with Majorine, hugs and kisses from David, Bubu’s first steps, little Martha’s gradual opening up to me, Mesarch’s English lessons, hours spent in the hospital with Promise. And many, many other moments that come back to me almost every day. It’s also about the wonderful people I met through the nearby Church, in the neighborhood, and in town, because Window of Life is a safe haven open to new friends.
During my six months, three new members joined the family – three-year-old Mesarch, a few-month-old Judith, and thirteen-year-old Promise. I had the honor of witnessing small miracles, miracles of entering a new, happy life. I always repeat to everyone that although the children’s stories are very sad, from the moment they cross the threshold of the house in Kihande, only good begins. The children are cared for by aunties, volunteers, and all the wonderful people who support the home even from afar. Every help is important and noticeable, and it is also appreciated. I saw the smiles of children receiving new toys or putting on festive clothes. Together with them, I welcomed and said goodbye to exceptional volunteers, each of whom brought something unique to the home – themselves.
I became part of the family. Like everyone who stays at Window of Life even for a short while. A family that has its habits and rituals that help systematize the apparent chaos. It’s a family that gives each other love and a sense of security. And again, if someone asked me what was most important to me during this stay, I would say everything. At that time, meeting and helping Promise was a huge experience, the first time in my life caring for someone in the hospital, spending nights there. Help for which we received her smile, shy attempts to make contact, first games together. We didn’t know at the time if Promise would stay at Window of Life, but we were able to simply focus on the here and now. And in that here and now, she needed us.
For six months, the Window of Life home was filled to varying degrees. School year, holidays, Christmas, New Year, the oldest children leaving for the next semester – these were all periods of time that differed somewhat from each other. What unites them is that they were all a good experience for me. I met Agata from Poland, Bastian, Alice, and Sophia from Germany, Natalia and Magda from Poland. Everyone became close to me through shared experiences, and some will remain my friends forever.
I fell in love with Uganda. Its greenery (the most beautiful I have ever seen), the orange of the roads, the hills, the lakes, the torrential rains, but also the scorching sun and the ubiquitous dust during the dry season. I fell in love with its people, who always have time for a conversation, cheerful despite the hardships, dancing and singing since childhood.
Thanks to Window of Life, Marta, Maria, and friends from Masindi, I feel today that there, on the distant equator, is my second home.
Beata
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