The beginning wasn’t very bright… but this trip turned into one of the most memorable experiences I will ever encounter in my lifetime. I look back and embrace each event - good and bad, knowing whatever has happened, we have touched some lives, made a little difference, we have learned and we have grown.

Our journey consisted of 3 weeks jam packed with meeting those high up in the hierarchy and those who needed our support, dinners with the educated and those who were eager to learn, road trips, boat trips and plane trips, riding in a float for a parade and being a special guest in the Dinagyang festival, and of course relaxing in Boracay. With too many experiences to write about, I would like to share one small part of my journey which left a lasting impression on me.

Travelling 18 hours by mini-bus, my group of 7, made our way from Alabang to my mother’s home town Catarman, Northern Samar. I was joined by my mum, dad, sister, tita, family friend and our driver. We arrived in Samar in the middle of the night going straight to sleep after our tiring journey.

On our second day on the island we were planned to visit St. Michaels Academy. This was the school which my grandmother, mother and aunties studied. We arrived at a large stone wall with a small door at the base opened to us by the security. As we entered the quiet courtyard, we were greeted by Sister Anacleta Arnaiz, the principal of the school. She continued to lead us through the walkway when it dawned on me -this school wasn’t as quiet as I had first imagined.

Walking into the opening, voices echoed throughout the entire grounds. Students filled the balconies and walkways of the school all waiting for our arrival. The noise was intimidating, because I had never been greeted with such excitement and enthusiasm in my life. I waved politely at the students calling my name and they giggled with excitement at my acknowledgement of them. I was in complete bewilderment at the attention we received. As we made our way to the stage, I was met by a young boy who presented me with a bouquet of flowers. I thanked him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The school broke into cheers and laughter – the boy broke into a blush. We got through the introductions and formalities, but the highlight was the performances put on by each of the year levels.

Even though the school was not like my mother had described it, I could still see they were lacking in materials. Our donation of 4 computers, 2 printers and basic software was only a small step to delivering the materials necessary to sufficiently equip the entire school.

As we toured the school it was made even more evident that these students were lacking in proper equipment and materials, like an updated atlas and encyclopaedia, furniture, media equipment and of course computers. To the end of our tour students began to crowd around to try and get photographs, autographs or just shake my hand. Their voices could be heard calling as the doors closed behind us. The amount of attention and praise we received makes me embarrassed to think about how little we actually gave. It just goes to show how much they are in need of our support.

Our short trip to Samar has left a lasting impression on me and my family. The students and teacher’s gratefulness will never be forgotten, but there is still so much that can be done. Our support abroad is needed, with no lack of appreciation for even the smallest giving.