“I have now a big family in Mombasa!”

General Impression

Overall Rating:    10 / 10

Family does not need to be a connection of blood, it is also a connection based on mutual feelings, experiences and philosophies. After my volunteering trip I have now a big family in Mombasa.

It was a tough experience, mentally, to visit Mombasa and Africa. People are struggling with poverty and illnesses and even though volunteers here will stumble upon some rough conditions and situations along the road, it is the most memorable, giving and loving adventure you will ever have. I feel like a changed man already. Mombasa is definitely the place to go if you want to see the traditional African culture in friendly and welcoming surroundings

Of all the things I experienced, it is the state of mind I found in Africa I will appreciate and use the most. You come to realize - We cannot change the world in one day, and we cannot help all at once, but the act of helping one at a time is the act that makes the whole difference. One life turned upside down from misery to dignity, is one world changed to the better.

I volunteered at a few different placements. At one together with people from home, I was able to fund the start-up of a farming project and a poultry farm. At another, a big government run schools, it was difficult for me to assist economically, but I found my place there as a brother and friend. The disabled students have a place to live and food to eat, but they need someone socializing with and taking care of them through love.

I miss the family that hosted my stay, but I miss the children I lived with the most of all. I love them very much and think of them every day. The good thing is that this is only the start of my life in Mombasa. I will go back, definitely.