Work in India

On a practical level Joy is looking for volunteers – either students on gap years or professional people (teachers, nurses, artists, farmers, gardeners etc.) who would like to give some time to this unique and extraordinary project.

If you are wondering what it would be like to visit this amazing place, here is a little snippet of what life was like for 15 year old Chloe when she visited Joybells with her parents for the first time.

THE POWER OF ONE

What made you want to go to India?

Ages ago I saw a documentary about India and that really made me want to go.  When the opportunity came along for me to go I was totally up for it.

Had you done any short term mission before?

Yes.  I have been to South Africa where I helped with a kids club and also to Malaysia where we served in a church.

When you arrived in India, was it what you expected?

I am not really sure what I expected! It was a real shock just how different India was. The train station was really busy and hectic and getting through it was like a mission in itself.  When we arrived at Joybells I was really amazed…it is such a beautiful peaceful place.  As we went through the gate it felt so different, even compared to the road we had been travelling on.

What did you do at Joybells?

My main job was to teach a class, whch at first was quite scary. I had never done that before and am still at school myself…being the teacher instead of the puplil was fun.  The children were really great and SO good!

What was most challenging for you?

Hearing some of their stories and what they had been through was really sad.  It’s hard to put into words but it make you realise how much you actually have.

What was your most memorable moment?

It’s not easy to choose one…if  I had to, it would probablly be the time when we were all watching a movie.  A very quiet sad little boy really began really enjoy the film and then attempted to say something with his face all excited.  It sounds a really little thing but this boy had not spoken at all.

How did it feel to leave?

I didn’t want to go!  I said goodbye to the children the night before as we were leaving early the next morning.  It was hard not to cry in front of them so I waited until I was back in my room – But knowing how nice it is at Joybells made it easier.

Do you think you made a difference?

I really hope I did.  For the children to have someone show them love, by going all the way over to India and then spending time caring for them, I think says a lot.

Would you do it all again?

Yes definitely – I am hoping to go back next year after my exams. I would also like to do a gap year at Joybells in the future.

Would you like to add anything?

The food is delicious and if you are not keen on having curry for breakfast you can have toast and jam instead It really is the most amazing place I have ever been to and I would encourage anyone thnking about visiting Joybells to go and make a difference!