26 October 2026
Hi everyone :)
My name is Johanna, and I was blessed to spend 11 months at iKhaya.
For a very long time, I’d wanted to do volunteer work during a gap year and dedicate this year to serving God.
I never expected that one year could shape someone so deeply and enrich me personally so much. I was able to learn so much, get to know a country and a culture, and best of all: I found a second home. I came to iKhaya as a volunteer and left as part of a family.
I loved getting to know the kids on such a deep level. In the past year, I was able to watch how the kids grew, learned new things, and, above all, I was able to get to know their hearts. That’s the greatest gift I could have received, because I got so much love back from the kids.
The best part for me were the simple, everyday moments. Don’t get me wrong, I loved our outings. But the morning greetings, listening to music after school or the dinners where we were welcomed into their homes, those were the things that made the year special.
Not only did iKhaya welcome us with open arms, but Solid Ground also showed us a kind of natural hospitality that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. I’m grateful that God led me to meet so many wonderful people.
The past year has been incredibly beautiful, and I thank God that from now on, my heart will always beat a little bit South African.
Love you lots, Johanna