A year ago I made the decision that in 2014 I would travel to the Philippines. This is practically unheard of for me as I am more a ‘pick up and go on a moments notice’ kind of girl. Also as you may have noticed my specialty is short stops, not a month long trip to the other side of the world. This time was different though, and it all started with a picture.
I had stumbled across a friends photo of a place called El Nido. Upon further interrogation of said friend, I become obsessed with the idea of visiting this beautiful country. I bundled my vacation days, enlisted a couple travel companions, and bought all the necessary reading material. Fast forward a couple months and a few things changed. An earthquake and shortly after, a typhoon hit the areas that I was planning on visiting. Suddenly my need to bask in the sun didn’t seem as important. I wanted to find a way to help.
As if on cue I met a co-worker who was just returning from the Philippines after volunteering with an organization called All Hands. I heard her amazing testimonial and then did some research of my own. For someone like me with zero experience and a pretty tight schedule it was the perfect fit. I applied and luckily they accepted.
I was officially signed up and was going to spend the beginning of my trip in Bohol helping with the destruction the earthquake left in it’s wake. Confirming my spot left me with mounds of excitement, but even more trepidation. A week of hard labour, communal campsite living, and in a country I have never been to. Would I be able to do this? An endless flow of questions ran through my mind. Would it matter that I had never even picked up a hammer? Could I sleep in a tent for a week? Did I pack too much? Too little? Would seven days even be enough to make a difference? Could I handle it emotionally? Bugs??????
The night before, I had yet to answer any of these questions but it started to feel like the beginning of a life changing experience. I just really hoped I could hack it.
Tune in to find out if I did!
Cheers from 30,000 feet
@elzzster