Over the holidays, we travelled with Ms Rastegorac to the Philippines for an immersion experience with the Good Samaritan Sisters in Bacolod, where we volunteered at the Kinder School along with students from other Good Samaritan Schools. Over the nine days we spent as a group, we experienced many highs and lows, from a 6.7 earthquake to making lifelong memories.  

In the city of smiles, there was never a dull day. We attended beautiful Filipino masses, rode in jeepneys, and toured around historical sites in Bacolod and Manila. 

But what we will treasure most of all are the people we met along the way. These people have virtually nothing – their homes without electricity and plumbing, their water undrinkable. At the boulevard, the most poverty-stricken area in Bacolod, we were provided with gumboots and gloves for safety, yet the residents travelled barefoot. However, not once were we greeted with a frown, but rather with the brightest smile and the warmest hug.  

These children are so grateful for what they have, they wear their uniforms with pride and never complain. We, who come from completely different walks of life, were so shocked by their resilience and kindness, even in the worst of times. We were caused to reflect on how much of what we have often flies over our head. Mark, a scholar we met, made us grateful for the ability to walk, because for a long time he couldn’t. Many students’ major goal was simply to graduate high school, yet that is something we rarely ever question. Having to brush our teeth with bottled water made us appreciate the ease of doing it here, without fear of illness.  

It was such an incredible experience, and we wouldn’t change anything for the world. Coming away, we learnt that there is always a reason to smile. That there is always something to be grateful for. These people will serve as a reminder that even when it feels like we have nothing, there is always something to give. Time. Presence. Joy.  

The Bacolod Parish Priest told us something that really stuck with us: “God blesses us so that we may be a blessing to others”. These children definitely blessed us, and we are now taking it as our responsibility to return the favour.  

So, as we continue about our daily lives, let’s consider how we can bless others with what we have.