Darius : My Trip to the Philippines

I am recently back in the US… and very cold! There is about a 70 degree temperature difference between Santo Domingo and here Portland, OR.

My time with Marc and the rest of the HODR volunteers was a great experience and since Marc had things well under control I got to take some time to get dirty and do some good ol’ work.

This project was a hard one for me, and not because I was there for Christmas and New Year, away from my family. But because of how poor the people are in the Bicol Region where we are set-up. While we are only a short term disaster relief organization, I feel good knowing that we will be making a lasting impact in a community and leaving behind means to better themselves for years to come.

Aside from my favourite thing in the Philippines (That being the very delicious Pan De Agua bread, baked daily by our neighbors.) I loved the locals. The kids there have amazingly big hearts and bright smiles. If you like kids, then this project would be the one for you. They are always around, and they are always being helpful. If you’re trying to carry it, tear it down, pick it up, shovel it, cut it, Etc... there is always a young boy or girl who is there to help you.

One of my first days getting dirty, there were two little boys who were only 4 or 5, who used a plastic rice bag to run piles of sand and dirt to a drop off point. They were working hard and running from here to there, but at the same time having a blast. They would crack-up laughing as they ran when one of them turned a way the other didn’t expect.

Being a tall, white, hairy, big nosed, curly haired, green eyed guy also provided never ending amusement for the kids. They liked to look at me and say things like “your nose is so long!” The kids have a playful curiosity and are very welcoming into their communities. I look forward to being back soon and getting to play and work with them again.

The work has just begun for us over in Santo Domingo and this project will require lots of creative hard work from our volunteers. While I was there I got to be a part of cleaning 2 schools and putting up the walls and roof on one just in time to see the kids in their classrooms on the first day of school. We also began our boating re-building project where were will assist the local fisherman in building their own boats and cooperating to rebuild the main livelihood of their villages.

Because the damage is wide spread and the villages were already hurting before the storms, volunteers who are willing to step up and lead mini-projects are hugely important. There are plenty of resources around and ways to help people rebuild... it just takes a lot of effort and organizing to make it happen.

As always it is great too see the willingness of those who take time out of their busy lives to help others. Thanks to all of you for helping us get another HODR volunteer project rolling!
Cheers,
-Darius