Having a family away from home

After travelling the world for 1 1/2 years visiting different countries I came to South Africa to travel and also volunteer in Port Elizabeth. I first volunteered in different townships where help and support was needed, playing with the kids, doing activities, supporting the local community. I stayed in a volunteer house with other international volunteers. It was great to have people around to share experiences.
Initially I wanted to volunteer for two weeks, but because of the great time I had during my stay, I came back again after travelling in South Africa to volunteer and help out in the projects. When my time came to leave I redecided and prolonged my stay for further three months. During that period I mainly supported the Door of Hope orphanage to offer my administration and finance skills. CDOH is such a lovely home, where you really feel being in a family with a great Mama Gladys, her caring caregivers and a bunch of lovely children. On the one hand I helped with my volunteer support but on the other hand they gave so much back to me just being around them, getting a hug or a smile always made my day. Every day was so special and they became brothers and sisters to me.
After going back home for Christmas I couldn't stop thinking about my volunteer time in Port Elizabeth and three months later I came back now to work as a volunteer coordinator for all projects that Khaya is offering so I am the proven example that volunteer work can be really a life changing experience.