MARTA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2017

At the beginning of 2017, I spent a month at Window of Life in Uganda. The decision to volunteer was made spontaneously after a conversation with Hania, who told me about her plans to travel to Masindi. My stay at Window of Life is an experience that will forever remain in my heart. Even if someone, like me, has no prior experience working with children, there is always something to do. You just need to take initiative, share ideas, and offer to help Maria and the Aunties, who handle all the responsibilities so wonderfully. The enthusiasm with which the children welcome every volunteer is beyond words. I will never forget the tears that streamed down my face in church when Mesarch bravely stepped forward on his own to dance to Roger’s prepared repertoire. The smile of that little boy stirred emotions in me that I had never felt before. Another great joy was leading photography workshops with the older children. I sincerely hope that Denis never loses his sensitivity and that he will have the opportunity to use his artistic talents in the future. To this day, I remain in awe of the strength that Maria and each of the Aunties possess, managing all the household duties and caring for the children every single day. The fact that after returning home, I dreamed about Promise, and that a brief internet call with Window of Life—seeing the children just a month after coming back to Poland—brought me to tears is probably a sign that it’s time to start thinking about another visit. I would love to visit Masindi from time to time and witness the children growing up.