By Sita Burgess, Singapore

Nourishment is synonymous with consumption or self-justified greed. After stuffing my face with a sumptuous breakfast, I relaxed feeling well "nourished". I was not prepared for the reality of life outside of my own. 

The streets and buildings of garbage village were externally stable but crying out for help within; a reflection of its people. 

The pungent stench of ammonia pierced my nostrils while the dust-filled air clawed its way into my throat. My pampered body rejected garbage village within 5 seconds but garbage village had embraced me with open arms.

As I walked through the cramped, fly infested streets, men, women and children were clearing up the leftovers of consumption, of my consumption. There were piles of garbage everywhere, even in their homes. Sheep and chickens were eating the garbage and the children played among them.

They looked at me with pain in their eyes but love in their hearts. My team and I were given an overwhelming amount of love and affection. Children and women exchanged kisses and hugs. A tiny hand grabbed my finger and when I looked down amongst the garbage I saw a smile of pure joy. Another young girl hugged me and her hug was beyond class, race or religion. They gave what they had when they had nothing at all.

When we visited the center, I was overwhelmed because I love children. The children did not pity themselves but were just so thankful for everything they had. Even a few sweets made their day. A young disabled boy smiled when he saw me and I spent time drawing, writing and playing with him. He was so happy that he had someone who would spend time with him. 

At the end of the day, what I did is incomparable to what I was given. I merely distributed food parcels for their physical nourishment but what I received was phenomenally more. They gave me nourishment for my soul which can never be bought.

With all my heart, thank you garbage village.