Coming to Manila has been one of the most intense, emotional, and draining trips of my life. It has also been one of the most wonderful trips in my life. I’m not sure what I expected to experience during my time here. Even though I was told that it would not be a vacation, the only times I’ve been to places near the equator have been for pleasure and fun. Maybe I still expected this trip to be the same as other trips. Instead I’m here writing the blog, half asleep, brain dead, but full of love and joy in my heart.
Before I share some of my stories, let me explain how the trip works. Although everyday is different, our team follows a basic pattern from morning to evening. We have eight works teams (A-H) and we are each given tasks for four rotations in our day. For example “A” team might get construction for their first rotation, feeding for their second rotation, swimming lessons for their third rotation and construction again for their forth rotation. All the teams are working at the same time and many of the teams will work together on one project or event. We also get a fair amount of free time to do whatever we please (ex. swimming and card games). Even though it sounds boring reading it, the times are a blast. Although physically tiring, every rotation is a new and wonderful experience. Working with Filipino kids is so amazing. Even though they live in poverty, they stay joyful and smile all the time. They embrace us no matter whom we are and love us even though we are foreigners. For example, I’ve been working with the Children from “Journey for Hope” and I’ve been amazed by their enthusiasm. When we play worship songs they sing with their heart. When we talk to them they give their full attention. They just want to love and be loved by others. To the outside world they’re unprivileged, unlucky, and poverty stricken. To me they are richer than all the people in the world. A few days ago, I decided to teach the kids how to play guitar and the ukulele. I expected only a few kids to be interested but in a few minutes, more than half a dozen children had crowded around trying to pay my instruments. It was amazing.
--Caleb
Before I share some of my stories, let me explain how the trip works. Although everyday is different, our team follows a basic pattern from morning to evening. We have eight works teams (A-H) and we are each given tasks for four rotations in our day. For example “A” team might get construction for their first rotation, feeding for their second rotation, swimming lessons for their third rotation and construction again for their forth rotation. All the teams are working at the same time and many of the teams will work together on one project or event. We also get a fair amount of free time to do whatever we please (ex. swimming and card games). Even though it sounds boring reading it, the times are a blast. Although physically tiring, every rotation is a new and wonderful experience. Working with Filipino kids is so amazing. Even though they live in poverty, they stay joyful and smile all the time. They embrace us no matter whom we are and love us even though we are foreigners. For example, I’ve been working with the Children from “Journey for Hope” and I’ve been amazed by their enthusiasm. When we play worship songs they sing with their heart. When we talk to them they give their full attention. They just want to love and be loved by others. To the outside world they’re unprivileged, unlucky, and poverty stricken. To me they are richer than all the people in the world. A few days ago, I decided to teach the kids how to play guitar and the ukulele. I expected only a few kids to be interested but in a few minutes, more than half a dozen children had crowded around trying to pay my instruments. It was amazing.
--Caleb