My CAA OUTREACH EXPERIENCES
Everytime I think I know or I’ve anticipated what to expect from CAA outreaches, I always get blown away my new experiences. I’m someone who is adventurous and likes to try new stuff so it’s easy for me to launch into something I’m convinced about.
For example, the first 2 summer outreaches I participated in were only similar in locations; the experiences and people were entirely different. I mean Different Good(lol).
Talking about my experiences can only make you thirsty but it won’t quench your taste. You need to launch into the deep and have your own encounter. My Favourite parts of CAA outreaches are usually the community service and prayers afterwards. I’ve seen so much that I cannot even finish talking about.
I saw Children who have never been to any school or even a proper school. I saw people who had never had jollof rice and were amazed by the process and taste that they struggled to get a taste. I saw ladies who didn’t know what sanitary pads were, had never used them and cannot even afford them. I saw a village that people didn’t know how pure water looked like until they encountered CAA, didn’t have a road or power plus they used stream water to cook, clean and bath and still they were joyful. I once wept when I saw an old woman whose slippers were worn out & was a write-off but she still managed to wear them about. I mean that slippers we called dunlop oooo. We had to give her a new one and the prayers we received was just heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
All the above experiences weren’t “show and tell” or “dem say, dem say”; Nope, they were firsthand experiences. I was there. I felt the ache, the Joy, the Love, the Thanks and everything in-between.
I’ve had so many FIRSTS with CAA. I first experienced hiking with my CAA Fam. I was the biggest in size at the time but that didn’t deter even with my fear of heights and after the hike from “erin-ijesha village” to the top of the mountain that housed “Obake Village”, people were Congratulating me that I didn’t faint 🤣😂🤣😂. It was shocking cause I never thought I could do it, not just because it was exhausting but because I’ve got the fear of heights. Now I’m almost a regular hiker with that fear of heights (lol), it’s ironic!
I also got my first real camping experience with CAA. Growing up, I used to go to church camps but because I am a preacher’s kid, I camped in comfort with hot water, special meals etc.; But CAA went the whole 9yards. I mean practically sleeping on the floor with mats/low foams, in a tent, beside the beach, open space etc. Lighting fire and the whole works. Omo, the feeling is indescribable to be honest.
I had my first beach experience with CAA. Never been to the beach and I hate sand but then as I said I love to try new things. I was so prepared that I took my swimsuit along for a photoshoot 🤣😂. The swimsuit looked like a short dress that people who saw it were just shocked & kept complimenting me. I also got to experience new places which was kinda like a mini vacation on a budget. Going to Ikogosi warm springs in Ekiti, Erin-ijesha waterfalls in Osun State, Gayon Remote Island in Lagos etc are few of the places I got to go.
Lastly, I got my first boat ride with CAA, My first Volunteer Leadership recognition too and many more I can’t even mention now.
As I said, I got to experience many FIRSTS with CAA that has shaped me today. I can’t even talk about being a volunteer and social worker without talking about CAA.
CAA is my Fam. The founder and manager are both my friends and brothers. I’ve made great connections and friendships there.
Many times I’ve had an out-of-body experience at the Outreaches and that’s why I’m so grateful for the gift of CAA truly and I’m elated that I get to Lead, Love, Save and Serve!
Long Live The Happy Volunteers
Long Live Influence
Long Live World Impact
Long Live CAA
I was able to find good advice from your content.