18 November 2010
There was once a famous author called Franz Peter Schubert who said, "Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." Never have these words rung truer for two of our Watoto volunteers Rachel Carmichael and Sonya Harper.
Coming to Watoto for 6 months each this compassionate duo fell in love with the group of 11 children with special needs (ranging from 18 months to 7 years) whom we have living in Baby Watoto Suubi. Joining in January 2010, Rachel came from England and spent numerous hours feeding, clothing, educating and playing with the children. Rachel played a vital role in working with and encouraging the nannies to focus on specific exercises, and art that helps them express themselves. Reflecting on her time spent here in Uganda Rachel said, “I know that a little girl called Anitah is the reason why I went to Uganda. The transformation I saw in her, made my whole experience worthwhile and I would do it all over again, just for her.”
In August 2010, Sonya Harper arrived from New Zealand with a passion to love and serve the children with special needs. Her enthusiasm and devotion are evident by the children’s obvious love for her. “I first came to Watoto back in August 2009. However, the seed that trip planted in my heart never stopped growing, Africa just got under my skin. All I knew was that I had to make a way to come back, no matter what it took and here I am!” says Sonya.
So here’s to the volunteers who make their way from one side of this planet to the other just to be with our babies. Their contribution can best be summed up by the poet Heather Cortez, "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
