Hi my dears...
Hope you're enjoying the holidays! (Only 2 weeks left, so do remember to complete your homework soon!) Well, I'll be staying overnight in school for band camp and shall be sleeping alone in the staff lounge tonight... I should be fine, I hope :) Brought a book along in case I can't get to sleep... Ok, I'll be signing off here. Do take care and see you soon in 2010 :)
Service Learning Trip to the Philippines
Hi all, hope that you've been enjoying your holidays :)
As for me, I went to the Philippines with eleven other teachers and ten students on a service learning trip from the 28th of November to the 1st of December... We had great fun and got to know each other better and enjoy each others' company.
More importantly, we also achieved our mission of serving the lives of others while we were there... We went to an orphanage there and also visited the slums. Visiting the slums really taught me to appreciate what we have, but often take for granted... Things like food, water, shelter and security... The trip has been an enriching and fulfilling experience, and below are my post-trip reflections...
The service learning trip to Philippines was a real eye opener in so many ways. Apart from that, it also opened up our hearts. What we experienced was first hand, and it really is beyond what we hear, see and read about. Basic necessities, like food, water, shelter and sense of security were lacking in some of the areas we visited, yet the children were carefree and happy. How many times have I mentioned I NEEDED to have something, which in actual fact I don't? I feel more appreciative of what I DO have, rather than complain of what I don't. At times, we may complain of strained relationships with our parents, but there are children with none, no one who would hold them each time they feel fear or sadness. On the other hand, I also understood the meaning of humanity, what it means to live life by what we give. It is heart-warming to know that efforts are being made to ease the situation, and that there are people who commit their whole lives to serving others. It takes a little from each of us to make an impact. We may not be able to remove poverty, but we can each leave an indelible footprint in the hearts of those lives we have touched, be it through an outstretched hand to someone in need, or the simple gesture of a smile... It does not take much to make a difference, only the heart to want to help others. That spark is all it takes to light up a fire and warm the hearts and lives of others. This trip was a meaningful and enriching experience where bonds were forged as we strived together as a strong team to contribute as much as we could to the lives of the children we met. Everyone gave selflessly and supported each other and the best part is that it doesn't stop here...
