A Day in the Life of a Volunteer

September 13th, Ulanqab, Sunny

On Saturday, as scheduled, we arrived at the Savannah Project for a fulfilling day of volunteering.

The morning sun cast a gentle golden hue on the courtyard walls, while the wind whispered across the grasslands, greeting us like an old friend.

As I donned my shoe covers at the entrance, I silently hoped that our time together today would be filled with joy and warmth.

Morning

In home of light, several pots of vibrant succulents adorned the windowsill, their thick leaves basking in the sunlight.

Esther sat by the window, and I joined her in practicing writing the numbers 1 to 10. When we reached “2,” she kept wanting to draw it straight, so I guided her to add some curves. For “8,” she creatively formed the upper circle first, then filled in the bottom one. Her unique approach made me chuckle. She was so focused that the tip of her nose turned a rosy shade, as if she were a master artisan at work. 

After helping Esther, Madeline bounced over, her excitement palpable. “Sister, can you play the piano? Can you teach me ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’?” I gladly accepted. She gave it a try, managing to hit two notes, but consistently missing the third. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she grinned. Not discouraged by her attempts at 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' Madeline confidently sang 'A Little Happiness' for me. During the chorus, she took Esther’s hand, and they clapped together. Their joyful performance filled the room with warmth, and I felt the atmosphere brighten around us.

Interval

In the hallway and throughout the home, caregivers were busy attending to the children’s needs. 

Some Nannie's organized games for spirited little ones, while others read stories to children in wheelchairs. I even witnessed a nanny swiftly sewing a button back onto a child's shirt. From the kitchen, the sounds of chopping vegetables and bubbling noodle soup filled the air. I noticed another nanny wiping down a stack of homework books by the window while helping a child tidy up their toys. It dawned on me that love in this place meant fostering a sense of order and care in everyday life.

Afternoon

Under the bright sun in the playground, laughter echoed across the track.

Irene, Chris, and a few friends were engrossed in a game of basketball, while other children played in the sand, crafting elaborate castles.

The tire swings creaked gently as Madeline, her ponytail swaying, pushed her friends higher and higher. The children ran, jumped, and climbed with abandon, their laughter carried off by the wind.

As I prepared to leave in the evening, the flag fluttered at the entrance, dancing in the breeze. The nursery teacher waved goodbye, saying, “Take care.” One by one, the children bid me farewell, asking, “Sister, will you come tomorrow?” At that moment, I felt as if I had been enveloped in warmth, encouragement, and love throughout the day.

It was a day overflowing with affection and joy. I truly hope to return often...

If you’re interested in learning more about our work and supporting the children, we warmly invite you to join the NDFH sponsorship family.