Reflections of a Samar Summer Volunteer

by Chessy Celedonio, Adamson University


In this busy world, it is so hard to recognize life’s unfairness. We are occupied with our egoistic aspirations for personal success, selfish goals and wild dreams.In our journey, our walk is always on the rush that sometimes we almost forget to look around and notice people passing by, walking before, after or together with us. Sometimes, we haven’t realized that there are people around us who need our help.

Sama-Sama Sa Samar Rurals Service Project made me see the reality that there’s still a lot of Yolanda Victims who cry out for help. As we landed in Tacloban Airport, I was able to picture out in my mind what happened there couple of months ago. And as we travelled from Tacloban to Samar, I was able to see the devastating remembrance that typhoon Yolanda has left them.

Upon arriving at Hernani, the warm welcome of the Gawad Kalinga Family made me smile. My excitement overflowed as if I could not wait for the next day to come. To be with these people for almost a week will always be a memorable part of my journey, because I know that we’ve touched their lives in our own little ways.

Most of the people there don’t have  expensive clothes to wear and delicious foods to eat, but they all have a big heart that welcome and love us as if we are really part of their family.

Countless realizations came into my life during and after our stay in Samar. The children in GK made me realize that life can be happy and meaningful if we only knew how to appreciate everything that we have. Whether small or big, everything is a blessing from God. Throughout the week, I was able to observe how strong the relationship of every family was. Despite of all the challenges they are facing, you can see that the love of the family for each other is the one that makes them physically and emotionally strong.

With this experience, I learned to open my heart and feel their sufferings. I also understood what generosity and compassion is.

As young people, we should be aware of the difficulties that persons, families and communities experience. Let us not be afraid to think of their situation. Let us be active! Let us be concerned and give attention to others.