I went to help. I came home changed.
Choosing just two photos to picture my visit was harder than I expected. There were so many memories from my time with Heart for Kids that I could have chosen many more. Each photo seemed to take me back to an experience that was both amazing and humbling.
But these two tell something of what the experience meant to me.
A glimpse into their world
The first photo is of our team at T House, where young adults are being equipped with life skills and encouraged towards greater independence and, where possible, employment.
After our program, they showed us some of the things they had made and were selling.
I was amazed by the artistic ability and creativity of many of them.
It reminded me that sometimes the greatest thing we can do is simply create an opportunity for someone to discover what they are capable of.
Then I found myself in a classroom
Halfway across the world, who would have thought I’d be helping teach 90 primary-aged children for a day? It was about as far removed from my normal day-to-day life as I could imagine. It was challenging. There was a language barrier, a completely different environment and a lot of children! But it was also incredibly rewarding. I went there thinking I would be giving something.
I came away realising how much I had received.
And there was this little guy
This guy stole my heart on my first trip. Mini-Me? Well… maybe not! But seeing him again on my next visit was something special. I could see the progress he had made, and I was so glad to have the opportunity to spend time with him again.
And that’s where the story becomes bigger than my memories. I’m looking forward to going back and seeing him again. But actually, it would be just as good if I didn’t see him. Because that could mean something wonderful had happened.
It could mean he had found his Forever Family.
What has changed for me
I went to Asia expecting to help. Instead, I found myself challenged by people whose circumstances were very different from mine. I discovered that helping isn’t always about doing something extraordinary.
Sometimes it’s showing up.
Sometimes it’s teaching.
Sometimes it’s encouraging someone to believe they can do more.
And sometimes it’s simply giving a child the opportunity to be seen, valued and loved.
That’s what I took home with me. And that’s why I’d go back.
