Return to Bukinda

By Amelia Lee

After a tremendously long journey to Uganda, we finally reached Bukinda. Everyone was extremely excited to see what our hardwork had formed. We were not disappointed. The Peace Centre had a lively and homely atmosphere with the sounds of children's laughter coming from every corner. The rooms were very comfortable and clean. It was special to realise that what we had helped to build was now a home to 20 children who had not had one before. I guess if you have enough determination and love, then nothing is impossible.

Once we arrived and got down from the bus, all of the orphans with big smiles on their faces excitedly ran to us and hugged us. The welcoming did not stop there, the children prepared a short song to welcome us. Every one of them sang with the utmost passion. The way they could create such powerful music with only their voices amazed me. I will remember that song for many years.

The rest of the day was spent playing games and bonding with the children. We ran, we chased, we danced, we sang, we duck-duck-goosed. Though we were exhausted at the end of the day, it was the best kind of exhaustion.

I'm so happy to finally be back here in Bukinda. It sounds clichéd but it's a dream come true to finally be getting to build relationships with the children. I'm so excited to see what the next few days have in store for us!