GHE Team Philippines Update #1
Greetings from Manilla!
In three days the team has managed to have some amazing experiences. After a long flight and arriving at 4:30 in the morning, the team immediately hit the ground running. We had the opportunity to drop off our belongings and then meet with many of the faculty members at University of San Tomas. Sleep was something that some of the girls did not get much of while on the plane so our first day in country was a rather long one. After orientation, and touring the campus we finally got to rest.
The last two days have been spent working alongside of the R.E.A.C.H Foundation (Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicaps). This is a community based rehabilitation program that offers free therapy services to lower income based families. They believe in catering to the most underprivileged sectors of the city. We’ve had the opportunity to observe and work with patients that are diagnosed with down syndrome and cerebral palsy. It has been a challenge as this is new territory for myself and the girls. The girls have been interacting with the student interns and patients very well. Yet at the same time they have been moved by the adjustments they’ve had to make in order to serve the people here. Its been quite an adjustment being the “people to watch”, working in the underprivileged sectors, and running on very limited sleep.
We have finished our time at the R.E.A.C.H Foundation and have been very moved by the workers and the patients. We are understanding the importance of serving others and how that can truthfully impact them and us.
The humidity is taking some getting used to, but the rain and thunderstorms are offering some sense of relief. We have experienced many different foods as well as unique transportation styles. We are troopers in trying new foods, and are quickly finding our favorites. We have rightfully earned a few days to rest before we head off to our next rehabilitation center.
Prayer Requests:
1) Team dynamics both on and off the field
2) Emotional, spiritual, and physical strength
3) Physical rest as we are yet trying to conquer jet lag.
Enjoy some pictures
