Day 4

Belinda Figueira

I am so grateful to be on this trip and to be witnessing a culture that is so different from my own. The Marist Sisters and Fathers have opened their hearts to make us feel at home and I am so thankful for the time and preparation they have put in to make this trip a memorable one for us.

Being at the school and teaching has been an enjoyable experience for me, the children are so happy just to see us and whilst we are unable to communicate with them a smile tells a thousand words. These communities offer little for the children's future, most of them will grow up as their parents did surviving on a minimal income and resorting to begging when money runs out. However the small amount of education they receive from this school will go a long way in shaping these children's future particularly for those who choose to continue.

It was the mothers in the Bagdao community that have had the greatest impact on me, they are empowered and strong women who do their best to work for their families when often their husbands are away gambling. With a sense of pride they welcomed us into their homes to give us a sense of reality. The first home was approximately half the size of my bedroom, with one small sofa against a wall and a pan on the floor that marked the kitchen. It was during this tour that I found it the most difficult to hold back tears.

Whilst the first four days of this immersion have certainly challenged me I have learned so much already and look forward to each day and the opportunity to learn more.

 

Ann-Marie Law

Agdao

Today after visiting the children's school, we headed to visit some mothers involved with the Marist sisters in Agdao, on the costal region of Davao. It is an area of immense poverty and everyone is squatters. This area, along with the rest of Davao lack proper hygiene, however these houses are built over the river, and due to the lack of hygiene, there is waste throughout the area. This causing a foul smell and is as if they are living in their own filth.

However the mothers are so warm, welcoming and friendly. They are proud of the work they do in supporting their families as most of them are housewives and do beading to earn some extra income. However no matter how hard they try, it is impossible to break this cycle of poverty. They warmly welcomed us into their homes, some only consisting of one room; no bathroom, kitchen or even bedroom, others only having a bridge over their head, shared by hundreds of others. It is emotionally challenging to witness these images, and causes me to rethink how fortunate I, as well as all of us are to be living in a first world country and even causes me to feel sick at everything we complain about.

 

Carly La Rossa

For me personally, the greatest experience has come from spending time with the Mothers' Group in Agadoa. The women here are doing all they can to create a livelihood for themselves and their families. They are seeking to improve their lives and I think this is so admirable.

These women took us into their homes and were so proud to show us where they lived. The conditions were really quite confronting as the whole village lacks plumbing and there is no proper system for rubbish disposal and sanitation. And yet they continue to smile and remain hopeful.

I have been so moved by the openness of the Marist Sisters and Fathers who have embraced us as good friends and have been so giving of their own time and energy. We shared a meal with them all last night and had a really great time. They sang and prayed so beautifully and it was a humbling experience to be amongst so many people who work tirelessly for justice in ministries where others fail to go.

 

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