Posted in Philippines on February 10, 2025
Day One
Day one at Caba-Asan Elementary School and the beautiful smiles we were greeted with were the perfect reminder of why we came and the impact we hope to have in the short week we are here. It was a hot but productive day spent painting, erecting scaffold, and leveling land in preparation to raise an emergency water tank in the coming days. There is much to do, but the effort will be well rewarded with the joyful enthusiasm & gratitude of these beautiful little humans. ❤🤍💙
Day Three
On day three, we are half way through our time here at Caba-Asan and already dreading the goodbyes that will soon follow. Each day we arrive to a hero’s welcome and are showered in praise and gratitude throughout our workday for coming all the way from Canada to help. But as much as the children appreciate the improvements we’re making to their school, they truly just want to get to know us and learn about our lives. Their curiosity is inspiring and they are so quick to want to help, whether it’s picking up a paint brush to lay a stroke or two, or carrying a bucket of sand up the hill…many hands make light work and these adorable kiddos don’t want to just be the recipients of our efforts, but rather part of our team.
Day Four
The day started off again with an enthusiastic greeting from all the children and then we quickly jumped into action finishing the exterior painting (including the dog that didn’t get the ‘wet paint’ memo) and completing the raised slab that is to hold the emergency water tank.
We were once again joined by the bucket brigade of boys to help with sand and water, which was a welcomed sight to our cranky, sore backs!
Once the slab was prepped, the concrete was mixed, poured, and finished, we branded the slab with ‘DWC’ so we could leave a little memento from our time at Caba-Asan behind. The rest of the afternoon was spent prepping the gutters that are to be mounted tomorrow and signing autographs for all our new friends. Another tiring yet rewarding in the books!
Day Five
The final day of our epic volunteer experience and we’re all feeling a little sad to leave. We successfully got a fresh coat of paint on all buildings, beautifying the exterior, and completed the enormous task of raising the secondary water system so the kids can now enjoy flushing toilets.
When the work was done for the day, we were able to watch the kids enjoy the little gifts of chalk, balls, jumping ropes, frisbees, etc we brought them…such small gestures that brought so much joy. And then as the day was ending, we were honoured with a beautiful ceremony of gratitude by the children and teachers, treating us to speeches and songs of thanks. As a final gift of gratitude, the children showered us in Valentine cards they made for each of us with personal notes of thanks, as well as hugs and tearful goodbyes.
Thank you Caba-Asan Elementary School for allowing us into your hearts and community, for brightening our days with your smiles & curiosity, for trusting us with your stories and for honouring us with your friendship. We will never forget you!!
Posted in Philippines on February 10, 2025
