News from the Philippines!

Hello everyone! I am sorry this is the first you have heard from the Philippines travelers in a long time. We have had some difficulty with the wifi connection at the hotel we are staying at. So, a lot has happened since you heard last.

Because of the established relationships between OPI and the community of Kapagena, Enactus has been able to spend time learning the ins and outs of this community. We have talked, laughed, and learned. But most importantly established relationships that developed the trust required for our project work.

Ethan, Becca, Chris, Andrea, and I, initially were split up and paired with the four different communities that make up Kapagena. Those being Pulong Visaya, KPK, Saganna, and Samanatayo. We were each paired with an OPI worker and went the the communities. The goal over the next few days was to form friendships, and learn of the needs and concerns of each communities. Our time was to be spent sharing meals, stories, and even sleeping in their homes one night. We were instructed that while doing this, we should attempt to identify and discuss their needs. Or rather, ask questions that would provoke them to recognize and vocalize these needs on their own. It is sometimes difficult to keep in mind just how different our cultures are. The way we think we would act in this poverty is not necessarily the right way. 

Over the next few days a variety of emotions were experienced. For some it was quite the rollercoaster from frustration, to joy, to many other feelings. Overall, we had an amazing time. We laughed until we cried, planted rice, rode water buffaloes, slept overnight in the community, and formed new bonds. Ethan received several marriage proposals. Becca sang Videoke (PhilippenoKaraoke.) Chris has eaten a variety of interesting food, from coagulated blood, to chicken intestine, to snake. And I have become painfully aware of just how tall and white I am. We each have describe many times where we were overcome by surreal "I can't believe I am right here and this is happening to me right now" feelings.

Along with all the fun, there have been some serious times. Sharing hardships, and simply witnessing poverty at an up close level. After this small glimpse of what life is like in Kapagena, and with the combined conversation results, we identified a lack of income sources as their greatest need.

Moving forward we plan to continue last years work of the L.O.V.E. project. This project was developed by the people of Kapagena with the guidance of SIFE last January. The project is simple enough, land ownership. Graceland Outreach Club has raised the funds to purchase the land. So now, we wait. Finding the right land is very difficult. Location, condition, and price all must be considered.

So today, after several days of communicating with each small community individually, Kapagena as a group met together. This meeting was facilitated by the Enactus Team. We organized their thoughts on what has been done and what needs to be done. And then sent them off with homework to create an action plan of the next necessary steps to accomplish their goals. The meeting went well and was even fun. Also some of our campfire songs were quite the hit.

The past few days have been very humbling. Everyone close to us has been truly kind. From the OPI staff, to the community members, to even the hotel staff. The generosity we all experienced is very inspiring, and something we could all learn from.