Hey Y’all,
It’s the second Wednesday of #WhyIWentWednesday ! Help yourself get over the hump day by reading this inspiring blog by one of our previous inters, Gabrielle Glenn. Enjoy!
“Africa was always that place I wanted to venture to, but never thought I would make it to the great land itself. After my senior year of high school I knew I wanted to go somewhere new and unexpected before I bega
n the new season of college. My parents and friends thought I was a tad of crazy when I decided to use all of my graduation money that summer to fly 16 hours away with two interns, or more accurately, two strangers. Maybe I was a little bit crazy. I was walking into uncharted territory and signing up for a month and a half of service with an organization that sounded cool, but I didn’t know loads about.
Hugging my parents goodbye as they sent off their 18 year old daughter to travel into an unfamiliar country was a little tough. I had some doubts about my journey, until I began my journey. Then it was all peace and so much joy. Those two interns who were at first strangers, they became my good friends, one being one of my best friends to this day. That place I didn’t know much about called One Heart Africa, well it became one of the nearest and dearest places in my heart. Those days sitting on the dusty ground washing my laundry in a cold bucket, those were simple days I wish I could go back to. The many days going to the local care points in Siteki to give out produce to the little ones in the school, dancing in circles and being silly with them as they smiled endlessly with their pearly whites, oh my I wish I could t
ravel back in time to those moments.
I gained so much perspective on my narrow view of life when I decided to have a little faith and jump on a plane with some strangers to become a summer intern at OHA. I could tell you countless stories about my time living on the farm in Swaziland or staying in Mozambique, but there’s too many wonderful stories to even count. All I can say is I’ve learned that in moments of uncertainty, remember that there’s so much more perspective to gain when we choose to interact with the faces, places, and spaces around us.
People: that’s what I would go back for. Like our little munchkin’s, Piti and Fiso, who lived on the farm with us, they would act like my arms were literal monkey bars. Or the kindest and most beautiful mama, Figlile – a woman of so much tender love and compassion. Those people.. they’re just a few of the beautiful hearts I was so blessed to get to know. My heart will always have a deep love for OHA, oh yes it will. “- Gabrielle Glenn
Thats right Gabrielle, connecting to the locals & our OHA family at our programs in Eswatini and Mozambique is often cited as the best part of any trip for most visitors. We love our OHA family both at home and abraod and we would love for you to meet them! For more information about the upcoming trip please visit oneheartafrica.org/go or email jami@oneheartafrica.org.
