Day Three: Crossroads Volunteer Program

We woke up to another warm and sunny day and started with a devotion time with the Crossroads team before being split up into different volunteer groups, working at various locations around the site. Some were fortunate enough to be located inside and with air conditioning. Others found themselves inside without air con and the very brave worked outside in the sun. Many water breaks were required. Volunteer activities included: electrical goods stock control (cleaning, testing and cataloging electrical goods); book stock control (sorting and cataloging books); painting and decorating of a toilet block; clothing accessories stock control (belts); and stock control of a large shipment of flat packed bunk bedding stored in containers in readiness for shipping.

Our team of staff and students worked remarkably well, many coping admirably with the very tough conditions of heat and humidity. The Crossroads team were very impressed with our commitment and energy.

Lunch was an opportunity to sit and replenish. The afternoon session included two simulations, the Blind Experience and the AIDS Experience. Both of these sessions challenged participants to walk in the feet of those who experience AIDS or blindness (river blindness) while also living in poverty. This was quite a sobering experience. 

After a busy day and some showers, our group ventured off in a double-decker bus to the Ladies Market, a night market in Kowloon. This is a general market place where we were able to enjoy dinner at a variety of eateries and some shopping, which included the challenge of bargaining for a good price. 

Our team are travelling remarkably well. The staff have been very impressed with their attitude of helpfulness, respect and care for each other. We are really looking forward to what the upcoming days are going to bring us, particularly tomorrow's challenge of packing a container of supplies to be sent to Zambia.