It was the second week in Naga, one of the most confronting things was when we went through the dump community of Balatas. We handed out tickets to each individual family, for many of us this was very overwhelming and confronting. After lunch, we packed food packages including the necessities being powdered milk, detergent and soap, noodles, sardines, crackers and canned veggies. Myself, Rachel alongside Will and Ethan had the pleasure of packing 650 PLASTIC BAGS in the chicken run including clothes, bags of rice and bags of food.

We go to the Philippines to make a difference to the lives there, but somehow along the way it clearly makes a difference to us and how we should interact with everyone.

The 12 days during which we were away were by far the most remarkable and inspirational and again, life changing, days of my life thus far and probably will always be. It is very hard for me, and I would imagine the other 13 missionaries, to explain the trip, the significance of it, how it has changed us, the joy that we felt whilst being with the brothers and the poorest of the poor, the emotions that overwhelmed us not only in the time leading up to the trip, the time throughout the trip and the time after the trip as well as the connection and spiritual growths we have experienced with God.

This endeavor was more than just an overseas trip- it was a life changing experience that I will never forget. This experience has broadened my awareness of the living conditions of the poor in third-world countries and to be immersed in these surroundings has made me more grateful for what I have. This trip gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and try things that I would never have imagined myself doing.