Philippines Solidarity Trip – Life in the GK Village

Wow – It’s so hard to keep track of the days now.  The trip has been an amazing experience so far.  Today we are with NASSA and in the diocese of Libaman.

Last night we stayed in a GAWAD KALINGA Village – What a moving experience!   When we entered the community hall after having shared a beautiful meal with the leaders, the children of the community came running to us and took our hands and touched them to their foreheads.  This is a sign of respect in the culture here in the Philippines to do this to people who are older then you.  The evening commenced like many others with speeches and warm welcomes, but then the solidarity truly began.  There was much music and dance, with people of every age.  The cultural numbers they had prepared were out of this world and the talent was like nothing I’ve seen before.  

The night ended with all participants going to host families to experience life with the locals. I stayed with a family whose father works with the vegetable garden as a part of his livelihood.  The welcoming feeling and hospitality was great, but it wasn’t until the next morning that I got a feeling that I never got before.  The father and I went for a walk through the community and he explained it all to me, from the beginning until the point they have currently reached.  He introduced me to every neighbor and told me the story of the community being built.  He told me about a line of a hundred people that passed the blocks to build the homes.  He also could not stop from continuing to thank me for honoring him and visiting his humble abode. 

He took me to the gardens where he works and makes his livelihood.  He explained that each family has a section of donated land that they each plant stuff in. He was especially proud pointing out his spot – so I made sure to capture the moment and the smile on his face.  We walked to where the pigs and chickens are kept.  He explained to me about the organic farming they do.  He showed me the chickens and explained that they are separated out and taken care of by groups.  Specifically divided into 5 groups of which he is in group three and he therefore takes his turn on Thursdays to maintain them. 

We walked in silence some of the way, but he kept turning back and smiling at me, sometimes continuing to say thank you so much for coming.  It was not long after that we had to prepare to leave the GK Village, but the memories they made for us with their wonderful welcoming hospitality is something that will last a lifetime.  The visit may have had to come to an end, but a future partnership of solidarity is sure to be shared for a lifetime!

Scotty Joe Smith