“I am grateful to have joined this team and met wonderful friends who inspire me to approach life with more positivity, courage, and empathy.”
I cannot believe our 14-day trip to Uganda ended in the blink of an eye. I used to think of Africa as distant and mysterious, shaped by documentaries and vlogs. I am grateful to have explored Uganda, finding it far more complex than expected.
The real reward was learning about positive thinking from Ugandans. When we arrived, we noticed their humour and love for jokes, singing, and dancing. Initially, I saw them as simple and cheerful, but as we met more people, I realized their behaviour hides the challenges they face. They deal with unemployment, gender discrimination, traffic jams, and corruption but choose positivity to improve their lives. They are full of dreams and plans for the future.
On our second day in Uganda, we visited a cultural center where they performed local dances and music. The host expressed gratitude for our visit, explaining that the performance helps preserve their cultural heritage for future generations. In Hong Kong, we rarely discuss dreams and the future, often feeling confused and scared to chase them, focusing on reality and money instead. I will remember what I learned in Uganda: choose what I love and stop overthinking, as they say, “Hakuna Matata.”
During the trip, I learned to love and care more. We visited single mothers and widows in Ugandan slums and a village built by Watoto. Women there face many challenges, like being told to be wives and dealing with period poverty, which forces girls to leave school. The most unforgettable visit was to two mothers living in slums. The poor conditions—trash-filled rivers and tiny, windowless rooms- shocked us. Many people there are HIV-positive and abandoned by their families.
Unlike those in Watoto’s village, mothers in the slums seemed to have lost hope. I felt grateful for their courage in sharing their stories, and I hugged them, realizing the power of physical touch in showing care and respect. This experience taught me the importance of expressing love through small acts, fostering a deep connection despite our different lives.
Looking back on my memories of Uganda, my reflections have deepened. We were lucky to see spectacular views on safari, but I cherish the interactions with Ugandans and my team even more. This trip was entirely of love and care. I am grateful to have joined this team and met wonderful friends who inspire me to approach life with more positivity, courage, and empathy. This journey has left a lasting mark on my heart and mind.
