Report

Before starting this internship I knew there was something special about Air Serv International. I learned that Air Serv flew humanitarian flights to my native Haiti when all other airlines stopped operating during the political unrest in the beginning of the year. I visited my family there in December and my sister returned in January to finish her contract with World Vision. Air Serv’s efforts touched many parts of my life.

Once I arrived in Uganda for this internship I was expecting the adventure of a lifetime. I got that and much more. Almost three months later I’m walking away with memories and a few life lessons that I’d like to share. In a world where it often seems that there is only pain and suffering there is an army of humanitarian workers trying to ease the suffering. I got the chills during my first UN-OCHA meeting with NGOs because I knew I was in the company of greatness. Most of these people will never receive acclaim, yet they get up every morning to give something to the world. A few of these great people could also be found around the Air Serv offices.

Fat is a compliment? I’m still not sold on that idea, but by the sixth time I received this compliment I got an even better sense of humor. There is no room for complexes or insecurities when living and working in Uganda. It is often taken for granted that everyone strives for excellence. I learned to celebrate those who do so in spite of everything. I saw children walking long distances to school early in the morning because they understood the value of an education. I met people who saw their families on the weekends because they worked in different cities, but never complained. I worked with someone who made good customer service her top priority. How great is the human spirit, especially when faced with adversity?

My favorite experience, by far, was attending my first Ugandan wedding. More than a dozen Air Serv staff came to celebrate the occasion. This summer I didn’t stand out until people heard my accent, which elicited many stares. But when in a different environment you can choose to blend in, stand out or be yourself. At the wedding I discovered that it was easier to be myself because on Monday, despite all of our differences, we would all have to go back to work for the same cause.

My sincere thanks to Air Serv for this opportunity to learn, laugh a lot, and contribute to their mission.