SHORT REPORTS
Steven
Community. Obedience. Love.
My time with Buhay in the Philippines was a grounding experience for me. I had gotten used to the daily grind of work, an adopted it as my “Normal”.
Within my first week in Philippines we worked with at a Kids Camp - wow! The kids had so much life, and energy. It was like a shock to my soul, bringing it back to life. It was powerful to see what happens when the global community comes together in servitude.
Later on, I joined the team to deliver food to some families in a city further away - Payatas. It was an honor to serve in such a simple and practical way. I learned a lot from the families that we served, and from the devotional from the Volunteers. I felt such a peace in knowing that God was being represented well in a simple way.
Ending my trip, I went on a retreat with some other volunteers. Here, We had some days to rest, hear God. He confirmed a lot of what he had been whispering through my time in the Philippines. We also got to bond more with the team, which was another blessing by itself.
I could talk about the 100% humidity, the sweat (constant), the rain and flooding, the new foods, or the joy in having my brother join me on this trip. The most impactful part of this trip was for me to find myself again, and to remember my purpose.
Ina
FREEDOM
I encountered buhay on my way to freedom.
FREEDOM from the restrictions that my family intentionally and, above all, unintentionally imposed on me.
FREEDOM from the lack that has arisen in me as a result.
FREEDOM from fear. Fear of man. Fear of failure. Fear of embarrassing myself.
FREEDOM from inappropriate restraint.
FREEDOM from unhealthy self-control. From not allowing myself to speak out when I have been hurt. From circumstances - from what God allows and especially from other people.
FREEDOM from what has been and will be placed on my back. From others. And from myself.
I know that Jesus wants to carry all these things for me.
FREEDOM for me means that this knowledge slips into my heart. I am on the way to seeing and grasping this FREEDOM more and more.
I met buhay on the path to FREEDOM. At exactly the right time.
For me, buhay means FREEDOM.
Jannik
Right in the middle
Looking forward to home, friends and family.
Fear of getting lost in everyday life again.
Looking forward to what God will put in your path.
Joana and I have just said goodbye and fortunately had a successful farewell with good input, food and first-class relaxation.
I will miss everything very much, not only because of the new friendships that have been made, but also because a new farewell is beginning and I am slowly realising that the stage I was so looking forward to is already over.
At this point, I also have to express my utmost respect, because by ‘being in the thick of it’, I was able to experience what an amazing job this unique woman does.
At times I didn't even realise that certain situations could be handled the way she does.
Pure inspiration, that's all I can say.
So my brief conclusion is this:
- I was inspired in many parts of my life and my way of thinking and was able to gain new perspectives that will give my life new momentum
- It was just so much fun