[This report is posted by Kelvin on behalf of Olivia. Accompanying Photos to follow]
I came on this trip not knowing what to expect from it. I wasn’t even sure if I was looking forward to it. What I did know was that I wanted to dedicate the 10 days I had there entirely to God, and to do my best for Him in everything. I wanted to return from the trip knowing I had made the best possible use of my time there, and feeling that I have accomplished something.
What first struck me was the fact that conditions were not as poor as what I imagined from what was described to me, and so I didn’t find it too hard to adapt to them. Resolving not to complain about anything also made it easier, because I was both intentionally and unintentionally looking at things in a more positive light. I did realize, though, how much luckier we are in Singapore, because of the small things I always took for granted. But even so, I was learning to appreciate the kind of life the Filipinos lived there.
For one thing, the absence of street lights made the idea of ‘Night’ more real to me than it had ever been. At ‘Night’, you could see the millions of stars in the pitch-black sky. At ‘Night’, you walked home not being able to see beyond three feet. ‘Night’ was magical, yet frightening at the same time. And it was at ‘Night’ that I realized the true power and genius of God. It was at ‘Night’ that I realized how weak and in need of God’s guidance I am.
Cold bath water made bath times seem less inviting, but also made me thankful for even having water to bathe with at all. And after tasting ‘rusty’ water from the pumps, I shall never again complain about Newater.
The frequency of ‘brown-outs’ (our own term for black-outs) proved to be quite frustrating at times, but they made the nights with electricity that much more precious.
The trip also brought a lot of first experiences for me.
It was the first time I bathed in the open, squatting down throughout. I was so fearful of exposure at that time, but looking back now, it was probably too dark for anyone to see us.
It was the first time I hiked up waterfalls, rocky rivers and muddy slopes. I would never have thought it possible for me to get through all that, but I did - with the much-needed help of the Filipino children of course. It was quite humbling, having to depend on them for support, but if I can depend on them for help, what more God?
Through it all, what amazes me most is how the people took whatever happened in their stride. They’re just so filled with joy, especially the children, and I really love them for that. I love them for their warmth, kindness and generosity, but above all, their contentment. I never expected to develop such love for total strangers over 10 days, nor find that I envied them for their simple but happy lives.
I cannot describe how grateful I am for this trip. I met many wonderful people through it, I experienced nature at a whole new level, and I got to know myself a lot better as well. I’m also really, really thankful for all the youth who went for the trip with me, because it was the company that provided me with a lot of encouragement in everything I did. The entire experience would have been very different without each of them.
Most importantly, I feel that this trip has helped me know God on a more intimate level, and has got me started on a more two-way relationship with Him, for which I am most thankful. I believe we can all agree that this trip has changed a lot in us, and it is my prayer that whatever each of us has gained, we will never lose.