16 volunteers from Hong Kong spent their Christmas in India with us. During this time they got the opportunity to learn about coffee making in Coorg. They visited a coffee estate and a coffee factory and they worked on the estate. Other than learning about coffee, they spent time with orphan children during Christmas and provided them with lots of good memories in and around Coorg. 

Here is what the Voltra volunteers have to say about their time at Coorg:

Annie: This happy moment made me think of a sentence that I learnt from my secondary school’s prayer book. “When the happiness is shared, that happiness is doubled. When the sorrow is shared, that sorrow is halved.” I trust we have just made the happiness amplify. The time with the kids in the orphanage is the most memorable part of the trip. Their smiles and kisses made my day.

Crystal Yee: Give and take. We gave joy and care to the kids. We took love and wonderful memories from them. This is what we feel at Christmas 2019.

Lika: “The only people who see the whole picture are the ones who step out of the frame.” – Salman Rushdie. The experience at the orphanage which was my first time and the best moment in this trip and December. Their big smile and trust which acts as a sunshine and made my day. I have heard lots of bad things about India and Indians before.  I do trust the best way to see the whole picture is : step out, come here and let’s feel it by yourself!

Maggie: Genuinely one of the most rewarding and warmest Christmas I’ve ever had – you will find the purest happiness in the smiles of the children and the beauty of simplicity in India.

Morning: We met as strangers and left as good friends. The moments shared with kids in the orphanage recalled my inner kid and awakened my deepest happiness.

Tiffany: India will forever hold a special place in my heart. In less than a week I got to indulge in all the love and energy everyone there has – it truly is the land of beautiful smiles.

Maya: There is a saying in Chinese. 施比受更有福. In English, that means it is more blessed to give than to receive. The moment we shared with the kids is the precious thing that I have received during the trip.

Charles: Life is simple but I could feel the happiness and joyfulness from them. This is life!!

Chingwun: Shared and received more. Let off boundaries, forget about race or language or anything that is differing from us. Those are artificial, but the joy we shared is true.

Raymond: Living together, eating together, learning together, we created such unique memories at the end of 2019.

Fai: I really enjoyed this meaningful trip, we played with the lovely kids, they gave us many pleasant memories, with smiles and happiness.

Kaling: Like an angel in this Christmas Day, the kids bring the happiness and joys for me.

Kay: Playing with kids, picking coffee beans, generous sharing from Nagoor… the trip was full of moments, which spark joy inside my heart. Truly grateful for all the good arrangements and nice people I met.  The best Christmas in my life! 

Erica Fu: 《Children in Orphanage》 Cheerful looks and innocent smiles on their faces. 《Local Farmers & Coffee Factory Workers》 Hard Work with Simple Life. 《Volunteers》 Good teamwork spirit and pure-hearted. Treasure every moment that you have.