Gulliford's Travels: March 2009

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Goodbye interns

I just wanted to say goodbye to the interns. It has been a great 8 weeks! I have basically spent all my time with 8 other wonderful men and women. Natalie, Josh, Nate, Abegail, Linda, Paulo, Rod and Lima. We have grown together, laughed together, even cried together on occasion. I have learned so much and I am so grateful to be able to participate in the Timothy Internship 2009.

Leia Mais…

April Rose

This past week was the last week for the interns. Because of that, we paid one last visit to some places we had been over the past 10 weeks. One of the programs that we had the chance to participate in was the feeding program. The significance of this program to me is that we went there the first day that I was in the Philippines. Jet lagged and tired, I don’t remember much from that first day. However, when we went there this beautiful little girl ran up to me and gave me a huge hug! I have to admit that I did not remember her at first. We have been working with so many different kids and I had only met her once, over a month and half ago.

This gorgeous girl’s name is April. She did not only remember me…she remembered hand games that we played, she remembered my name and she even remembered my birthday! This child truly touched my heart. As we were talking she noticed something, told me to wait with a finger gesture, and ran away. I curiously sat there as I waited several minutes. She quickly ran back and began to put her brand new earrings into my ears.

These kids don’t have much, but give what little they do have. They are both an inspiration and a challenge to me. I pray that I can embrace life and give just like these children. After all, Jesus told us to become like them.

Leia Mais…

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Videos from preschool graduation

The first minute of the finale dance!!!

Some of the kid's speeches about what they want to do when they grow up.

Leia Mais…

pre-school graduation

After much anticipation, preparation and practices the pre-school students
at Sonshine Learning Center had their moving-up ceremony.

Each child spoke in front of everybody. They told the world what they wanted to be when they grew up. Some wanted to be doctors, some nurses, others teachers. Now they will actually have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, despite the situation that they were born into.

The students sang and danced to high school musical... they sang about “soaring” and “flying,” how “there’s not a star in heaven that we can’t reach.” It was so moving because they could actually believe what they were singing.

I'm honestly speechless when I try to describe how I feel about these children. As I watched them, prayed with them, got nervous for them and congratulated them so much pride welled up in my spirit along with the tears.

Each and every one have so much potential. I was honored to play a part in this exciting time of their lives. Because people obeyed God's calling to start the Sonshine Center and to sponsor these children, anything is made possible to them. And that's a beautiful thing.

Leia Mais…

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Medical Outreach

On Feb 28th we had a medical outreach at the Sonshine Center.

This outreach consisted of providing the children that we work with medical exams (ages 3-13). All of the nurses and doctors were volunteers.

The families lined up to see the doctors as soon as the gates opened.

We were able to see 75 families consisting of 165 kids in 4 hours.

I had the opportunity to play with the kids while they waited for their turn to see the doctor.

The event was so successful we were recognized by the Iloilo news channel!
The vice mayor of Iloilo came out to support the event as well.

We were able to give the children medicines and vitamins to meet the
specific need that they had, all which were donated.

We also gave the families educational brochures.
This way they could learn how to change their lifestyle which may have been
a direct result of some of these diseases/sicknesses in which the children suffered.

Most importantly, we got the chance to pray with the families.

The event was very successful, but it gave me a chance to realize all the sicknesses that affect the children that we work with everyday. Only 16% of the children were considered to be well.
The 5 top sicknesses were issues involving
respiratory, parasites, nutrition, sinus and pneumonia
52% of the children were referred to the Health Center for further treatment.
It was amazing to be able to be a part of the outreach,
to show these kids love by meeting some of their physical needs.

Leia Mais…

Friday, March 6, 2009

teaching in the pre-k

I mentioned before that I have been working in the pre-k. Just a recap…every afternoon from 130 until about 4, I am helping in the Kinder 2 class. Kinder 2 here consists of 6-7 year olds. Public education is not free here in the Philippines. Therefore, the students at Sonshine Learning Center are on scholarship. The scholarship provides them with their education, 1 meal and transportation to and from school. There are two classes. Ma'm Rose and Ma'm Diadem are the teachers.

I am helping in Diadem’s class. I love this opportunity because I am learning so much. If you know me, you know that I really love to teach. There is just something about using the talents that God has given you as a form of worship to Him. Teaching here gives me energy and I am really having so much fun. I love being able to work with Diadem because she is so good with the kids and I am learning a lot from her. It is also great that I am able to bring new and different ideas to assist in teaching the kids.

Working here really helps me to realize how blessed we are in the school systems in the US, especially Howard County (where I have had most of my teaching experience). We have so many supplies and resources to use in our schools. I really think that I took all of that for granted when I was teaching. The essential things in every U.S. classroom i.e. dry erase boards, computers, a reading corner, etc. the students in the Philippines do not have. The supplies that the kids do have were donated (a large majority from Ilchester Elementary school!). Despite the limitations, the kids are grateful and so eager to learn!

Another thing that is different is that the students don’t learn how to read or write in their own language. 80% of the class is taught in English. Can you imagine being explained fractions in a language that you do not primarily use? This also makes things like explaining the proper use of “me,” “mine,” “my,” “you,” “your,” and “yours” a little more difficult. (Can you tell that I had especially fun lessons to teach this week?) What I have noticed is that the students are very fast learners and they continue to impress me.

Overall, I am loving my time back in the classroom and I just wanted to share that with you. Thank you again for all that you have done to help get me here!