Extreme Joy
Philippines. Iloilo – 2016
Squeals of joy and laughter ushered in the 9th Philippines trip of Gathering Together. There was great excitement as old friends reunited once again after a long break. Adrenaline was high from start to end of the tightly packed trip. Team members representing US, Australia, Philippines, Zambia, Uganda, China, Taiwan and South Africa, along with local volunteers from the Philippines, worked hard to make it memorable and filled with fun and joy. Lively activities kept everyone on their toes. There seemed to be so much to do and so little time! It was the ‘happening’ place!
Gathering Together rose to the occasion upon hearing of the famine. Everyone from team members to volunteers helped in putting together supplies to be distributed to the affected areas.
Trip Highlights
- Concert performed by Darlow, an Australian band invited to join the team by Gathering Together. This was hosted in the Plaza in Dumangas as well as in Banate. The crowd enjoyed the music.
- Two English Camps with numbers attending over and above the expected.
– English Camp, Banate. 500 children expected, but 750 turned up!
– Dumangas English Camp had over 700 children. - Gathering Together’s basket ball team won 4 out of 5 games in the tournament organized by our local partner. We celebrated the victory. Four more ‘friendship games’ were held. Two for adults and two for the youth. There was laughter, joy, excitement and fun.
- Immediate response to famine in Barangay Lacturan and Barangay Balud. Food packets were distributed and medical camps conducted.
Photos
Videos
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750+ kids at our 1st annual English Camp in Banate, Philippines
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Games in Banate Camp
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Performing a song
Testimonials:
EJ
Hi Ma’am Lara! I was not able to wish you today, before leaving for home to Dumangas. Thank you for letting us helps you in Banate. Thank you for another year of happiness and joy, together with you, your family and the whole team. Thank you for another opportunity to teach so many kids. Thank you for allowing us to eat with you and ride with you. Ahaha! I’m so glad that I spent more time with all of you. THANK YOU is not enough to express how blessed we are to have all of you and for all of what you’ve done here in Dumangas and Banate. You all made a huge impact in all our hearts and lives.
Arvie
Today I was feeling very exhausted and sad, miles and miles away from home. But when I saw the latest pictures you shared, all my tiredness and sorrow vanished. Ms Lara, Thank you for serving the people of my town. The venue in Banate for the English Camp is the school from which I graduated. The school which helped me develop not just my academic knowledge but a value system of goodness and love.
Life in Banate is not easy. It fills me with joy to see the children from all walks of life enjoying themselves. You have given the children something to cherish and remember all their lives. They anticipate your coming, which is a highlight for them.
From the bottom of my heart thank you Gathering Together and team Shanghai for the life changing opportunities you have given to the children. Thank you so much for giving them hope and inspiration to bless others too.
I will make every effort to be at the camp next year the 10th year Gathering Together will be in the Philippines. I want to share the way you have changed my life and given me a hope and a future. Today I am able to work because of the investment you made in my studies. Thank you once again.
