The most rewarding and important part of this work has been the connections made with the local families we serve. Their hospitality and thoughtfulness have been such a gift. Whether it’s a cold drink on a hot day or a hat to shield us from the sun, they are always looking for ways to care for us. We are welcomed into their homes, invited to sit at their tables, and fed more delicious food than we could possibly eat. They teach us the proper way to eat different dishes so we can enjoy them at their best. Sometimes they give us tours of their gardens, homes, or small businesses, sharing pieces of their daily lives with us.
The children are my favorite to interact with. They are always welcoming, curious, and full of energy. They eagerly try out the few English words they know and somehow always find a way to play with us despite the language barrier. Whether we’re digging in the sand, jumping on a trampoline, or being instructed to hold a tiny kitten the moment we sit down, they make every visit more interesting.
These moments may seem small, but they are often the ones that stay with me the longest. They remind me that beyond the work itself, it is the relationships formed that make this work meaningful.
