After being sworn in as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer on the 10th of December 2025, I was scheduled for deployment on the 15th of December 2025. On that day, I woke up as early as 5:00 a.m. to head to the highway where I would be picked up to begin my journey to my community.
As I prepared and left home, I was filled with mixed emotions—both physical and emotional. I was leaving the comfort of my home to stay in a new environment and meet new people. Although my heart felt heavy, I reminded myself that growth takes place where comfort ends.
At the pickup point, I stood with fellow volunteers. We chatted and laughed, but deep down our feelings were different. We were all leaving home to live among people with different thoughts, cultures, and beliefs. When the vehicle arrived, the laughter continued, but only until we dropped the first volunteer in her community. At that moment, reality hit us, and our expressions changed.
The journey was long and tiring. I traveled the entire day before finally reaching my community, Sitahouma, around 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, I was shown my room. At that moment, I could not hold back my tears—I cried deeply. Thankfully, the amazing CorpsAfrica staff encouraged me and assured me that the entire office was with me. Their words gave me some relief.
My host family welcomed me warmly with smiling faces. My host father, who is the Alkalo, told me to feel at home and assured me that they would treat me as their own child. His words gave me strength and courage.
When it was time to sleep, I lay on my mattress but could not sleep. The door to my room was not secure, and fear crept in again. I sat up and cried once more. However, I reminded myself that growth only happens when we step out of our comfort zone.
That night, I truly understood that volunteerism is a noble act. It requires us to move beyond our comfort and panic zones into our growth zone. Only by leaving what is familiar can we grow, serve, and make a meaningful impact.
