This trip had a massive impact in my life!

This Christmas, I had the opportunity to serve on a volunteer trip in Ormoc City, Philippines. This trip had a massive impact in my life, particularly in the ways I view contentment and sustainability.

I learned so much about contentment through the situations I was placed in. As we were constructing homes for the people in the village, I noticed that some houses there only had three walls, meaning that when it rained, the houses would flood. Despite this reality, the Filipino people were content. This inspires my heart; I don’t think I would be happy if I lived in a home that would flood often. I believe the Filipino people were so content because they understand the value of quality time. Everyone in their village knows one another, all the kids play outside with each other for hours, and when new faces arrive, the whole neighborhood comes out and throws a party to celebrate their visitors.

I don't know the people in my neighborhood, and it's hard for me to have this type of excitement during each day of my life. But, because of the hearts of the people in the Philippines, I am moved to be more content with the smaller things. These people made time to give even if they had nothing. I was challenged by how giving they were and how they served me. Serving is going out of your way in everyday life and doing what no one else would ever do. Serving is a radical way to practice contentment, but this is something we are called to live out as disciples. I am inspired to serve every day, not just until the next volunteer trip. When I help people I feel less entitled and more content!

My trip to the Philippines also taught me a lot about the reality of poverty and the power of sustainability. My view of poverty was changed after I watched the movie Poverty Inc. It is evident that those living in poverty do not want to be beggars for life. They want to be businessmen; they want to come home and buy their children shoes. They do not want to have random foreign people provide for their needs. This is where we must learn to unleash the power of sustainability! On HVC, as a part of sustainability, we extended and built a local business for a family. We created a store that extends from their house, making it look professional and welcoming. This store can be used as a sustainable way for this family to earn money. Another way we tried to continue our service work was offering a loan to a homeowner. A loan can provide optimism, as it can inspire people to dream bigger for the goals they can accomplish in life.

One simple way to practice sustainability is just to love people like Jesus did, as it offers hope and ambition. When we are loved by God, we have the motivation to never give up!

When I think about my time in Ormoc City, I think about three scriptures: Luke 10:37, Proverbs 31:8-9, and 1 John 4:11. This trip has inspired me to live in a developing country someday, and to share what I have been given in my life. I hope this inspires you to do a volunteer trip because this experience will humble you, open your eyes, and give you a heart check for the dreams you have for your own life."

For more information and to apply for a Volunteer Corps:

HYC and general Corps: https://www.hopeww.org/hyc

Singles Corps: https://www.hopeww.org/hsc