Road less travelled

I left for the Philippines with little expectations but came back feeling so enriched. Once again, learning to just appreciate every of the tiny wheeny things in life because there are many out there who do not even have the privilege to enjoy the very things that we often take for granted here.

As I was walking through a slum area on my 2nd day of the trip, I had to cross narrow paths and gingerly stepping on flimsy wooden planks that act as connecting bridges. The rocky road above was just one of the many paths that the villagers had to take daily. In Singapore, our roads and pathways are forever under going maintenance and we complain about it. Yet many out there do not even have the chance to walk on comfortable grounds.

For the 1st time, I had my hands in building of houses. Well we did not build a house from scratch. We painted, laid & passed bricks and mixed cement; all of which the locals could have very well completed without us. In fact, at some point of time, we felt we might have caused them to do more than they should! :) But I saw happy faces. They were just enjoying our being there and to me, that's enough. I did not go with the expectation of building a complete house but to just be able to bring a smile to someone's face during my stay there. God answered my prayer. I am just so thankful to have been able to touch some of these lives in my short time in Bacolod City. Needless to say, they have also touched me.

Tito John - our driver. A fatherly figure to us all.

He was always amused when I gave a big smile in front of the camera and I will always remember his laugher at that moment.When we left, he stroked my hair and said "just like my daughter's hair". Tears came down.

Tita Tina. Her childlikeness inspired me much.

I remember her for being the one who took the initiative to get to know each and everyone of our names. I wrote them down for her to keep and since then, we became friends. For 2 mornings, she walked around the village with me and led me to many houses. She loved us dearly. Always faithfully giving us meal calls and serving us.

These kids will always have a place in my heart. I may not be able to remember all of their faces and names but I will remember their smiles and laughters whenever I played with them. Its infectious! Just being with them makes one forget how tired, dirty or frustrated you are. Children are valuable and priceless!

People come and go but when meaningful relationships are forged, they become a part of us inevitably. We may have gone with our own agenda but as far as I'm concerned, I saw how each and everyone of us in the team have made a beautiful connection with various individuals and to me, that only has made the trip a success. As always, many years down the road when I recall about this trip, I may not remember every single thing we did but the faces I've met, will stay with me forever!

I'm privileged to have been accepted into a different kind of family and to take the less travelled road with them. At the least, they would know that they are never alone for there will always be someone who will come alongside them and journey together on the roads that are less travelled.