Here's the description of the Facebook photo album I posted a few months ago when my co-volunteers and I visited Northern Mindanao. Words are never enough to describe our affinity for that place, the bond that we have, and how we would always want to extend our lives to those who have touched ours.
UNICEF and other organizations were supporting the community at Upper Hinaplanon.
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In 2007, ten Filipinos became Global
Xchange (GX) volunteers of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). While half
of our hearts belong to the UK, half of it strongly identify with
Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and Iligan City -- both ravaged by typhoon Sendong in
December 2011.
In early January 2012, a few minutes before lunch break most of us were online. A few phone calls later, those in Luzon were booked for a weekend in February 2012 to meet co-volunteers based in CDO and Iligan City.
Tubod, Iligan City
What ensued that weekend was more than an exchange of mutual generosity. We visited most of our volunteer placements, met up with a few host parents, visited partner NGOs, and practically lived through the streets of two cities we once called home.
Visits and activities to three evacuation sites really do not suffice. But beyond the material gifts and the smiles the kids and parents displayed, time and commitment are true displays of love and care.
In early January 2012, a few minutes before lunch break most of us were online. A few phone calls later, those in Luzon were booked for a weekend in February 2012 to meet co-volunteers based in CDO and Iligan City.
What ensued that weekend was more than an exchange of mutual generosity. We visited most of our volunteer placements, met up with a few host parents, visited partner NGOs, and practically lived through the streets of two cities we once called home.
Visits and activities to three evacuation sites really do not suffice. But beyond the material gifts and the smiles the kids and parents displayed, time and commitment are true displays of love and care.
Half of the bridge, gone.
Mandulog Bridge, Iligan City
We ended
the weekend with a visit to one of the sites along the CDO river. We met
a kid who told us his unbearable story of loss and survival. 
The weekend gave invaluable realizations and lessons: less is more; more of what matters is enough; love need not cost much; when you love what you're doing, it's no longer a task; family and relationships matter, and you need not be related to feel close.
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