A life changing journey. Rachel's experience of love, impact and transformation in China and India
Since 2017, my husband and I have had the privilege of serving on eight volunteer teams with Heart For Kids: five teams in China and three in India. Each trip, though lasting only about two weeks each, has been a deeply impactful experience—full of challenges, growth, and moments that reaffirm why showing up matters.
The Challenges and Rewards of Volunteering
Though a lot of fun, volunteering on an international team comes with its own challenges and is not for the faint of heart. While struggling on just a few hours of sleep due to jet lag, you’ll find yourself perhaps out of your comfort zone with leading a dance, assisting with a craft, or giving a short presentation.
Then of course, there are all of the unfamiliar tastes, sights, and sounds that are what make leaving your home context both fun and challenging. Any challenges pale in comparison to the incredible benefits that come from being present.
Why Being Present Matters
For the children we serve, team visits mean a lot of fun, games, maybe some little treats, and a break from their routine. It’s a time of joy and laughter, with as much individual interaction as we can to provide a reminder that they are seen and valued.
For the local educators and caregivers of these kids, it can be a chance to receive encouragement and a well-deserved moment of rest. Many have shared how much it means to them that Heart For Kids continues to send people—not just resources—but real, caring individuals who take the time to listen, play, and build relationships.
The Life-Changing Impact of Clean Water
In India, I saw firsthand how something as simple as access to clean water can change a village and dramatically increase quality of life. The burden of collecting water—often carried by children many kilometers each day—was lifted, allowing kids to attend school and focus on their education instead.
The Importance of Child Development Centres
I witnessed the impact of the Child Development Centres, where children who had no other opportunities for education were so eager to learn and dedicated in their studies. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it reinforced how crucial these Child Development Centers are in helping to rewrite life stories and turn around futures for these kids.
Empowering Women Through Tailoring Schools
In addition to clean water and the CDCs, in India I was so moved by the women’s tailoring school project that I changed the background screen on my phone to be the group photo of the first tailoring school we attended.
These tailoring schools teach the women a trade so they can provide for their families in a region where there are almost no jobs for women. Seeing a class transform from tentative and unsure into bright, confident women who are proud of their sewing skills – how can you top that feeling? I am forever changed by the courage of these women.
Meeting Children in China's Orphanages
China’s orphanages and foster care systems introduced me to the challenges that bring children into care. Meeting these beautiful kids—each waiting for their forever family—was both heartbreaking and hopeful. We did our best to give every child we came in contact with as much love as we could with our limited time.
Spending Time with Older Children and Adults with Disabilities
I also had the privilege of spending time with older children and adults with disabilities. Their pure joy in singing, playing games, and simply sharing time together was a reminder of the dignity and worth of every individual, no matter their circumstances. I still think of the wonderful folks we met in China often and pray that they are doing well.
Does Short Term Volunteering Make a Difference?
Some people doubt the value of short-term volunteer teams and, admittedly, the impact of short-term teams can be hard to measure. Did we truly change a child’s future? Did our words of encouragement or a hug make a lasting difference? We may never fully know.
But what I do know is this: love, presence, and encouragement matter. The gift of time when so many are living in a rush-rush-rush world makes a big impact. The seeds planted today—whether through a game, a hug, a conversation, or a simple act of kindness—have the potential to grow in ways we cannot yet see.
Volunteering with Heart For Kids has shaped my perspective in profound ways. It has shown me the power of simply showing up, of being present in the lives of others, and of sharing love across cultures. And for that, I am truly grateful. So far, we’ve encouraged 8 friends to join a Heart For Kids team and they also were forever changed. Will you be next?
Ps. Through this partnership in India, to the start of 2025, Heart for Kids has provided funding for 5 Child Development Centres, 53 safe water bores in villages, 10 women’s tailoring schools, and around 8,000 food parcels during the COVID pandemic
- +612 9533 4096
- [email protected]
- 109 Bonds Rd
Punchbowl NSW Australia
Heart for Kids is a charity registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an income tax exempt charity. Heart for Kids is holder of ABN 77 612 163 265. For tax exemption in other countries please contact us.
