When I was 11 years old, I visited India for the first time. I can recall landing in the country and
feeling like every sense of mine was overwhelmed. The smell of the city, the noise of local
traffic, the pollution that made my eyes sting, the taste of new spices, and the view of poverty.
Regardless of everything else I was going to experience during my trip, the view of poverty was
going to linger with me long after I left the country. Walking through India, I saw poverty that
was on a level far greater than anything I had ever experienced in Atlanta. Government aided
help for the poor is minimal. Seeing children who could barely walk, propped on their begging
mother’s hips, brought tears to my eyes. I decided at the age of 11 that this is not okay. From
there on, I have volunteered my time and efforts into fighting poverty through education and
empowerment.
Oasis of Life International has allowed me to travel to India multiple times and see all facets of
poverty, and the organization’s persistent efforts in aid. Recently, I visited an orphanage in
Thane where the organizations has implemented a medical and food program. The children
here are clearly malnourished with a dire need of medical attention. By volunteering with Oasis
of Life International, I was able to help deliver Christmas presents and bring holiday cheer to
the kids. I was able to see firsthand the meals the children are provided. While the organization
constantly invests financially into these projects, the best gift I saw the delivered that trip was
love.
-Vision Trip Participant