Jiao Jing Ping (Jim) (14th –22th Dec 2011)

It has been a wonderful week of life in Jinja. As a volunteer from China, I am experiencing an unforeseen warmth and hospitality from locals as well as the nature wildness of Uganda.

During the orientation week, I visited Arise and Shine’s Baby’s Home. That was the first time for me visiting an orphanage, and it was joyful and amazing. Kids were excited to see a new face and strive to be the first to play with “Musmgu”. I remember little girls. One’s name is Fiona, the other is Mitchell. Unlike other kids playing with us excitedly, Fiona was sitting on the floor very quietly holding a plastic little pony. She showed a bit of fear when I was trying to sit beside her. Then I came up with an idea that I pick up the little pony and made it jump on Fiona’s shoulder and head. Then the little girl smiled. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Mitchell was crying the first time I saw her. I could not leave a crying girl alone, so I tried to cheer her up. I lifted her up and swung her, soon she stopped crying.

It was intoxicating to see innocent and puerile expression in their eyes. At the same time, I could not help thinking about the fact that their living standard still remains to be improved and there a lot other African kids that are keen for aid but their voices never been heard. However, as long as we are doing something for them, no matter how little it is, children like Fiona, Mitchell will have a better life.

I also went to the village. The experiences there were both new and exciting to me. Frist of all, volunteers did a survey of a new stove which aims to save wood and improve the efficiency of cooking. I thus had a chance to go into normal household and have a glance at their lives. On top of that, volunteers got the hands on, and did build a stove ourselves. Besides this, I did weeding for young trees planted by former volunteers.

This has been a meaningful and fulfilling week. Hope next week I will be able to accomplish more.