Volunteer Testimonials

"I showed up at Open Arms exhausted from days of travel and was immediately embraced by 30 new brothers and sisters. It took no time at all to adjust to my new family. As a volunteer, it's your job to make each child feel special. What you don't plan for is how special they make you feel. These kids have an incredible ability to love and I'm so grateful to be a part of their lives. 

Each and every child has a sad story to tell, but instead they reminded me every day of just how strong the human spirit can be. Hands down one of the best experiences I have been lucky enough to have. I can guarantee anyone who visits Open Arms will fall in love and won't want to leave."

 - Allison from California

 

"Open Arms is an amazing place. It was a life changing experience for me. There is not a day that I don't wake up thinking about the kids, the people at Open Arms or my friends in Komga. The kids taught me a lot. One of the main things that I learned from this experience is how much love there is when many people work hard for one goal. In this situation, it is to make the lives of these children easier. After this adventure, I feel that I truly have a second home in South Africa, I also feel like an uncle, friend, role model, and if necessary, momma to these 29 amazing children. I can't wait to go back soon!"

 - Luis from Texas

 

"My experience at Open Arms was a lot of fun, a lot of crazy and filled with a whole lot of love.  I spent my mornings with our younger children either in the nursery or just playing outside and my afternoons with the older children doing homework, reading, playing soccer or just having fun.  I also spent a lot of time drying tears and giving hugs when needed- and probably even when not needed. At home (my American home, that is,) I often find myself missing hearing the voices of children when I wake up.  I miss big hugs and kisses and songs after supper.  I miss Sunday walks and baking time and many other things about Open Arms. The children are beautiful and amazing. Open Arms will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time there."

- Sarah from Pennsylvania

 

"I spent 4 months at Open Arms and wouldn’t trade my experience here for the world. Everyday is different and while you can always expect big hugs, nothing else is predictable. Like any new experience, it took some adjusting at first. As a college student, I was not sure what to do with myself when everyone was in bed by 8 pm or how I could survive life for 4 months without a cell phone or high-speed Internet. I didn’t just survive it - I learned to love it. I’ll tell you the secret to being the best volunteer ever. Know the kids. Hug the kids. Love the kids. Really, that’s it. Also don’t come here if you intend on returning home with your heart. The kids took mine and I’m quite certain that they are keeping it for good."

- Kassie from Colorado

 

"I've travelled to many countries for both holiday and study. My stay at Open Arms was longer than any of my other travels, yet I realized near the end of my stay that I needed at least another month there. I understood why many previous volunteers come back, and for longer periods at a time. I found a family amongst 30 little brothers and sisters who loved me, unconditionally, before they even met me.

Through the constant din of children laughing, playing and screaming for attention, I found Hope. Every day I found Hope that valiantly conquers despair and destruction bred by hunger, poverty and disease."

- Brad from Texas