I first heard about Save a Child's Heart when my high school ran a charity event raising money for this organisation. Instantly, I was intrigued and amazed by the incredible concept and wanted to get involved in any way I could, which led me to inquire into how I could become a volunteer and work with the children at SACH firsthand. Through a five-month volunteering gap year program called Aardvark, I applied to work at SACH four days a week and started almost as soon as I arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, for the program. The connection I felt with the organisation and the children it worked to save was instant and extremely strong, as I formed bonds with the kids quickly through playing, dancing, drawing, running around, and laughing with them. These children absolutely inspired me with their lively personalities, creative and fun dispositions and the love and happiness they radiated despite having to go through such difficult pain and confusion at such young ages. Their passions for music, art and the outdoors inspired me to be grateful for the world around me, just as these children were.
As a volunteer in the Children's Home and hospital, I never expected to learn so much about what it means to be human and how to connect with others despite our differences. Through various methods of communication outside of talking, as most of the children did not speak English, I bonded with so many wonderful kids, whose perseverance and joy in the face of sickness and pain will stay with me for the rest of my life. I also felt incredibly welcomed and valued by all of the staff at SACH, all of whom carried so much love and commitment to the cause. I am extremely grateful for my time working with Save a Child's Heart, and I hope to one day reunite with this incredible organisation and watch it grow and save the lives of more children in need.
