Life always offers new experiences. As for me, the shift from my city life to a miserable, flood-affected rural life was a unique experience indeed. Holding footwear in one hand and the register copy in another, wading through slush and muddy water was a different experience for me who was used to speeding on city roads.

After completing my volunteer training in “Responding during Disaster” organised by Caritas India, I was very keen to go the fieldwork. As being a Caritas India volunteer popularly known as “Caritas Samaritans”, I was offered an opportunity to support the flood interventions in Sitamarhi district by Caritas India. However, after reaching the spot, I was quite anxious because of the grim situation in the affected area. Floods appear to be beautiful in aerial pictures but in reality, it was a nightmare. There was a lack of proper drinking water and hygiene. Instead, there was a bad odour, human shit on roadsides and a large crowd of hungry people.

To begin with, I was given the task of verification of flood victims. I had to walk barefoot in unknown terrain. It the beginning I was very nervous but by sunset, I was able to cover 146 damaged houses.  Though the first day was very challenging yet it had a lot to offer. By the third day along with house verification, I also learned to fill up the master card. As the days passed, I began to feel comfortable in the village. I always had a strong and abled team to accompany me throughout my journey. As Steve Jobs says, ” Great things in business are never done by one person they are done by a team of people” I also felt the joy of being in a great team. It increased my knowledge and skill in interacting with people. During my seven days journey, I was immensely loved and respected by all villagers, I was so submerged into serving the community that never wanted to return. However, I had to return home due to personal reasons.

It was a self-revealing journey for me. It gave me the opportunity to know more about myself and my hidden abilities. It was very hard for me to labour in the scorching heat, but I made use of this chance to venture out of my comfort zone and be one with the suffering masses. I am indeed lucky to have such an experience in my life. I thank Caritas India for giving me this opportunity to join them as a Caritas Samaritan and enjoy the true meaning of the joy of service. I look forward to such opportunities in the future also.

Mr. Prince David

Caritas India Volunteer

Bihar, Patna