Report by Megan Campbell
Recipient of a YET Award
It’s hard to put into words what a trip to somewhere completely different and incredibly beautiful means to you. It was such a whirlwind of excitement and adventure, a contrast of heart break and utter joy. The fact that I was away from home and all my family was daunting, but the excitement of the trip completely over took any pangs of missing home. The experience of a new culture was so much fun, I was able to see people in their real life situations with my own eyes. It was so eye opening, and so inspiring to see such joy in the lives of people who really don’t have a lot. I made some wonderful friends, who I will never forget. There were plenty of new experiences, unusual tastes, smells, noises. A whole different world, yet only a plane journey away from home. It was two of the best weeks of my life! I loved being in a new environment, discovering new things, having so much fun, and leaving just a small legacy behind me in the people’s lives that I was able to impact whist in Uganda. I was able to be part of a team that laid new paths down in a village for orphaned children and widowed women. I also visited schools, contributing to lessons on career guidance, teaching songs, learning dances, and inspiring young boys and girls. My contribution only feels small in comparison to the need, but I loved being a drop in the ocean of what is needed.
A couple of weeks feels very short in comparison to the need, and it’s difficult to judge how much of a difference you really are making in such a short time. However, being able to see hands on the impact that the charity has, and the children and women who gain from it, it feels so valuable to be able to be even a small part of that. Even when playing with children during our breaks we could see the beautiful faces that loved playing with the “muzungus” (“white people”) and experiencing something new and exciting that day. We could play, laugh and sing with these kids who had most likely had the worst start to life. That is something precious, and even though the difference made is only small, it is important.
It was also amazing to see and adventure around the country of Uganda. It’s was war-torn and broken for many years, and is still trying to recover and rebuild itself. The people we spoke to were proud of their country, invested in their country. The children we taught were determined to stay in education and become something, they understood the importance of gaining a proper education, and it was a privilege to be able to help impact and inspire them in this. These small lives can make such a huge impact on the future of their country.
Although this trip was daunting and a big step out of my comfort zone, it taught me valuable life lessons, especially the importance of gratitude. I have been inspired to see the joy in all things, no matter what’s going on. I also was reminded of how to continue to be determined in all you set your mind to so that you can achieve all that you are capable of. I am so grateful for the opportunity and for all those who helped me get there, I am sure I will continue to reflect on this trip for the rest of my life. I can’t imagine an adventure that could ever beat this one!