travel – Esoteric

I need to tell you about my day today. Today was such an amazing day, shared with amazing people, creating amazing cherished memories.

So today a group of us, me along with other exchange students, went to a city in the Philippines called Antipolo City to assist the FEED Philippines Organization. “Their work focuses in organizing feeding and nourishment programs in public schools and the poorest of poor communities in the country”. The community that we went to today was a former dump site in the city of Antipolo. Despite the unsanitary conditions and excess amount of garbage being on the location, families who could not afford different living conditions made this site their home.

Before going to this community, we were briefed by some of the members of the organization on what to expect; like what they do, living conditions of the families and also the amount of children that they help. It was so emotionally overwhelming having to take in all of that reality. It’s just sad to think, to know, to hear that there are people…..CHILDREN living under such unfortunate conditions. You know, it’s one of those things in life that you know happens, you see it happens, but its just not something you can get used to. But as they continued to tell us about the work that they do, it also formed a good feeling because you also hear the positive impact that they are having on the different communities and with all of the children. We were really educated today on the life in different parts of the Philippines. It’s was really good being able to hear the different insights of the life in the country.

Just in case you were wondering, it wasn’t only story time. Each of us were occupied by helping prepare the meal that the kids were gonna eat for the day. Some focused on the rice, some on the chicken and some on the eggs. So while our ears were occupied listening, our hands were just as occupied. We were so many that the cooking process took little to no time, so it didn’t take long before it was time to meet the kids!

As we entered the area walking the streets, we were immediately approached by many of the kids and greeted by so many people. It felt as though they were so amazed and happy to see us in the community, not knowing WE were the amazed and excited ones to be able to be there and share our love with them. It was so comforting being immediately hit by such kind and positive energy. All of the kids were so open, so friendly and soooooooooooooooooo energetic hahahahaha. Before we got into the church yard of the community, we were already fully engaged with the kids, playing random games and making jokes with them.

While in the streets we thought the kids that were already playing with us were all of the kids for the day, but as the gate for the church opened up we realized that we were wrong. There were so many more kids waiting, and joining in on the fun. There were kids everywhere; kids on both arms, on both legs, and your back, and yet more still wanted to jump on the kids that were already hanging on you hahahaha! Sadly, we had to tone the fun down a bit, just for a short bit. Just to formally start the day off we had an assembly where we prayed first, then the kids were informed why we were there, and then we each introduced ourselves to the kids so that they could be more familiar with who we are. The kids we so open to us, so happy to meet us, to hear us say hello, to say our names, just to have our company. Although they seem interested in us introducing ourselves, they seemed more interested in playing with us. So we made that introduction part short because who has time to talk all day when we can be outside playing right?! Hahahaha. During the remainder of the day we actively engaged with ALL of the kids. We set up different groups and played different games with them such as; duck duck goose, musical chairs, red light – green light – stop. These were just some of the games we played, and of course we joined in on the fun and participated in each game. It was so heartwarming to see the beautiful smiles on each of their faces. To have a day filled with laughter, joy and love, that is what I call a perfect day! But even perfect days come to an end, sadly that end came for us too quick. It took us so long to leave because we couldn’t stop saying goodbye and having fun with the kids, and they weren’t ready to let us go either. It was a bitter sweet ending of our day. The kids followed us as far as they could just smiling and waving while we did the same. Heavy goodbyes to kids who made our day and filled us with smiles!!!

These kids may be living a poor life according to the standards of society, but as living proof they prove that money isn’t the source of happiness. These are kids that don’t have the luxury of having guaranteed meals everyday but yet their stomachs isn’t all they’re looking to fill. These kids showed me today that LOVE is enough to keep you going, LOVE is meant to be shared. They are all hungry for love, and I am grateful that today we were able to fill not only their stomachs, but their hearts.

Everywhere you are in the world there will be children who are living a less fortunate life than you. Helping them out, making them happy doesn’t require anything more than showing that you care. If you can, I urge you to connect with an organization or someone who can take you to see kids who are hungry for love. By sharing love you will be amazed by how fulfilling you yourself will feel too.

Who would’ve thought that I would end up here??

Like seriously, I’m in the PHILIPPINES!!

It’s already been about 2 months that I’ve been in Asia, in the Philippines to be exact, and I can still feel the excitement each and every day. To be honest, before being presented with the opportunity to come to the Philippines, I never thought that I would ever end up here. Even when the opportunity presented itself I never thought that I would actually jump at it, but here I am! It’s crazy how life unfolds, crazy how life changes, crazy how unexpected life can be. Where I am right now, this feeling, this experience, it’s all so surreal. ~~Somebody pinch me~~, a matter fact please don’t, because if this is a dream then I don’t wanna ever wake up!

Question: Why the Philippines? “Why NOT? I’ve always wanted to take a trip to Asia, the Philippines just happened to be the place that the universe placed me”.

When I arrived in Manila I could already feel a change in the atmosphere. For me personally, someone’s look, facial expression and body language says a lot. While on the airport, walking through the terminal I could feel eyes following me everywhere, but these eyes weren’t ~~judgmental eyes~~, they were welcoming eyes. Friendly eyes accompanied by friendly smiles, which made me immediately feel that I made the right decision coming here. Luckily and happily, these eyes followed me throughout the entire Philippines.

My experience so far has been such a calming, relaxing and adventurous one. The FILIPINOS…….listen, these are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met in the world, and I’m saying this from both a subjective and objective stand point. I feel grateful that I can be surrounded by positive vibes and positive energy each and every day. The culture here is one that brings out the best in you. I know that most people have heard of the harsh and cruel acts of the President, but he doesn’t represent who the people are. While he may be hateful and cruel, the people are gentle, friendly and kind. I’ve been to different parts of the country and the friendliness remains consistent. Thinking about how friendly the culture is here and how friendly the people are, as refreshing as it is to experience, it’s sad to think that I can be surprised by this. The world has become such a negative place to live in that being surrounded by such positive and happy people feels like it’s all a dream. But I’m happy to see, to know and to experience that there’s still hope in this world.

Question: How is life in the Philippines? “Different, absolutely different. It’s hard for me to describe in words and translate my experience, I just wish you could one day experience it for yourself”.

Of all my experiences in the Philippines, creating new friendships is the most worthwhile one. I’ve met so many people since I’ve been here. From day 1 up until day TODAY I’ve been meeting new people on a constant. I’ve made new friends from Europe, America and of course from Asia, ranging from exchange students, to regular students, to locals. It’s been such a pleasure thus far creating memories that will stick with me forever. Learning about new cultures, new FOOOOOOOOOOOOD, being able to party in a new environment, being able to play VOLLEYBALL with a new team that welcomes me and makes me feel at home, learning a whole new lifestyle, seeing new places……WOW! I’m so happy and thankful for it all and for the people who are making this journey forever memorable! It’s been a great ride so far, I’m looking forward to every tomorrow!!!