Two years ago, I attended a talk where a woman shared her experience of volunteering in Tanzania. It left such a strong impression on me that, for the first time, I thought I might one day do the same. A little over a year later, encouraged by my friend, we decided to take the first step: we joined the Kolajna ljubavi association and began preparing to volunteer at St. Anthony’s Small Home.

When I set off on my journey to distant Tanzania, I could not have imagined how deeply I would connect with everything I experienced in Songea. At first, everything felt unreal, as if I were watching a documentary rather than actually living it. During the two months I spent there, I grew to love the red, always lively streets, the music and dancing, the modest little shops, the constantly smiling people, their spontaneity and even their traditional dish, ugali, which cannot exactly be called a favorite among volunteers.

Of course, my greatest joy came from the children at the Small Home. Multiply that joy by 30 and that's the strength of the happiness I felt. Such wonderful little beings, always kind, smiling, ready to help and to share even the smallest thing they have. Along with their many virtues, I endlessly admired their dance moves, which became my favorite way to end the working day.

I will always remember the children’s beautiful smiles, their endless tight hugs and I will keep planning my return to a community where so little is needed to be truly happy.