I am writing this message from Puerto Princessa, Palawan in the Philippines which is the site of our most recent international service project. The trip has been spectacular. We had a large cohort of students from UH participate in the trip due to the generosity of the Nan Chul Shin Foundation and the Foundation of the Rotary Club of Honolulu. Many of the UH students described this project as a life changing experience. I couldn't agree more!
I was inspired and deeply moved watching the young people jump into the project with such enthusiasm. They formed deep connections with many of the students at the F. Ubay Memorial Elementary School where we were building three additional classrooms to partially alleviate the overcrowding at the school. The school has half as many classrooms as they need for their 2,500 students. They adapt to the challenge by teaching students in shifts. The morning shift runs from 6am-12:30pm. The afternoon shift runs 12:30-6:00pm.Projects like this are a core reason I am a member of RCOH. We are truly blessed to be able to financially support such projects of impact and to participate with the people as servants. Working side by side with our local Strike Force and within the community gives us a rare opportunity to learn from our hosts, to experience their culture and generosity in an intimate way, and to represent the US beyond the stereotypical tourists.I was particularly moved when three of the teachers joined our work one morning. The three women jumped right into the cement bucket brigade and worked all morning before going to their afternoon teaching shift. I was blessed to connect with Marites who told me she was inspired by seeing all the women working. In the Philippines the work is often segregated along gender lines. She wanted to experience the work and play a part in bringing the classrooms to reality. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we talked story about her life at home and work.The teachers and parents brought us homemade snacks twice a day for our "merienda" breaks. Sharing food with our hosts was a wonderful way to experience and celebrate their culture. Connecting over food is simple, yet powerful!I also am honored to build relationships with my fellow Rotarians. The opportunity to work, eat, play and even spending hours in a van together creates a unique bond of shared experience.Mahalo nui loa for your generous donations to our Service Above Self Campaign that make these projects possible. If you haven't been on an international service project, I encourage you to join us.
