Ever since the beginning of college, I had a desire to volunteer in Africa. Through researching organizations and learning about their work, I decided on the organization Kolajna Ljubavi (Chain of Love). I started attending a volunteer training course and preparing for the long journey. And so, just ten days after defending my final thesis, the day of my journey to Africa arrived. After a three-day-long, exhausting trip along the unfamiliar roads of Tanzania, I arrived at St. Anthony's Orphanage.

The exhaustion from the journey and the fear of the new and unknown were dispelled by the children's smiles and warm hugs. One of the biggest challenges was remembering their names. They all look so similar because of their identical hairstyles. It was also hard to eat ugali, pasta, and rice every day and to communicate with the children who didn’t speak English. All these challenges seemed impossible at first. But over time, the children find their way into your heart and under your skin. You remember each name by the child's unique trait or talent. The food is complemented by the delicious African fruit. Conversations are replaced by songs, dances, games, and hugs.

The African way of life is poor, simple, and unorganized. Walking through the streets, you hear a great buzz and laughter. Music plays everywhere. Traffic has no rules, yet it works. Not for a moment did I feel they were unhappy. The fact that they don’t have everything that is readily available to us makes them much happier and more content. They don’t worry about things we find important, like hairstyles, nails, clothes, or shoes.

I am grateful to them for everything they taught me. For showing me how little is needed for happiness. That it is important to find joy in everyday things that seem ordinary to us. To be grateful for every moment we experience. To be happy with what we have.

“Auntie” will forever be my favorite nickname.