When we first arrived in South Africa I was blown away by the beautiful beaches and landscape, but I quickly learned that the real mission wasn’t about soaking up the landscape; it was about the kids we were there to help. And it really hit me hard.

We have spent most of our days at an orphanage for kids who have faced unimaginable hardships. Many of them have been abused or come from difficult family situations. I’ll be honest, I was nervous going in. I’m just an 18-year-old girl—what could I possibly offer to kids who have been through so much?

But as soon as I walked through the gate, everything changed. The kids were so welcoming, even if they were shy at first. It was heartbreaking to see them so happy yet so fearful, but I realized that sometimes, all they needed was a simple gesture of love.

One of the most powerful things I have learned during my time at the orphanage was how important physical touch can be. A hug, a hand to hold, or just sitting close to them made such a difference. One little girl, maybe 4 years old, clung to my side the moment I sat down. She looked in my eyes as though I had the world to offer her. I was heart broken because I know Jesus is all she needs but I can’t get her out of the situation she’s in right now. I have learned that it’s not about the situation now but it’s about eternity. I could feel her warmth as she squeezed my hand. It was as if she was saying, “I’m here; don’t leave me.”

We spent our afternoons playing games, reading stories, and just being present with them. It felt like God was moving through those moments. I could see their faces light up when we showed them love in such simple ways. It was a reminder that sometimes we don’t need to say much; our actions speak volumes.

Every day is a mix of joy and heartache. The laughter we share is so precious, but it is always accompanied by the weight of their stories. It pushed me to appreciate the little things in life—family, safety, love.

By the end of each day I have felt a bond with these kids that I can’t really put into words. They taught me about resilience and hope in the face of adversity. I came to give love, but I ended up receiving so much more.