It’s never easy to describe a life-changing experience to someone. I’ve been back from the Philippines for over a month and no matter how many times I tell the story, it never seems to capture what it truly meant to me to be there. But I’ll give it a try nonetheless.
    
When you first arrive, it’s total culture shock. No matter how prepared you thought you were, you can’t help but be dazzled by what a different environment you are in. Everywhere you look there is something new worth exploring and learning about, things you cant see back home, and can put a smile on your face (e.g. Jeepneys, pedicabs … etc.). The VFV staff were remarkable, after handling so many volunteers for such a long period of time, experience has taught them how to make new volunteers feel welcome. They take you out, show you the city, show you how to get to your placement, help you integrate into the culture and help you to get the most out of your experience there. They exceeded my expectations of what a volunteer organization is meant to do and if you decide to go, the staff are going to be one of many things that you will miss when you return.

My placement was at a medical clinic in the village of Dulag, about an hour commute. The experiences I gained there will always be with me. How many people can say that at the age of 19 they have seen a childbirth, preformed circumcisions, or bandaged wounds? The Mayor and Rural Health Doctor of Dulag made sure I felt welcome for every day of my placement, and the nurses became my friends.

My favorite part of the experience was the kids. You will always be smothered in children who look up to you as their role model. They befriend you instantly and every day when you return from your placement they are there to greet you. I will never forget the look of pure happiness on a child’s face when you pick them up or play a game with them; they alone are reason enough to take this trip.

I learned a great deal after my time in the Philippines. So many people back home live in a bubble and have no idea what the world has to offer and how it can change them. I grew more in one month in the Philippines than I did one year back home. If you decide to go, have an open mind, an open heart, and be ready to come out of it with a new perspective on life.