THE FIRST 4 DAYS OF CAMP JOURNEY 2010

I went to participate at Camp Journey 2010 and it was really exciting. When I arrived there, medyo nag-settledown pa lang mga volunteers and campers. Pagod sa byahe. The athmosphere was a bit quiet since konti pa lang ang tao. We were nervous na baka walang dumating na local campers.

Fortunately, there were local SPED teachers (M'Julia, M'Teng, M'Sharon, M'Mema, and M'Precy) who really worked hard to get the local campers. There were more than 40 local campers alone from the town of Paete, Laguna before sundown. Thank God that we have exceeded our target for local campers!


In our desire to serve more local special children, we continued to announce that we are still open in accepting campers, and up to this day, there are some parents who are still coming and entrusting their children to us.

The people of Paete were a bit puzzled on what is happening in our camp. They come to the site to observe and to see the value of the activity in their community. Later, they will come back and bring little things that they can share (money, food, time, talents, etc.). Lots of people are volunteering to help... from school kids to radio groups... and with all praises to the volunteers! Nakakataba ng puso kasi alam ko na they appreciate what we are doing.


Yesterday, we attended the Holy Mass at their historic church and people were so receptive. They went to the camp to share their home for that day to our campers and volunteers... but unfortunately, we can't accommodate them all.

That night, we requested that the "Birit Journey" activity (singing presentation by our campers) be held at their town plaza. Our local volunteers coordinated the request to the local authorities and... it happened! There were more than a thousand local viewers and several local talents who went out to share their time with the special children. It was really a moving experience! The people were cheering!

Today, Camp Journey 2010 is on its 5th day... and I am back in my office! I received a message from Ate Lala, the Camp Director, telling me that the reception is overflowing! "There was magic in the air" she told me. She might be right... but, for sure, it's more than magic... it's Love.... love and understanding... for the special children! People opened their hearts and understand the needs of the special children... and it's a moving energy that you can physically feel... and that feeling is God's voice saying "well done my child!"

We are all instrument of God's love. God is using all of us now! Let us all be the best instrument that we can be!

To all the volunteers of Club Journey and other organizations who are doing the same activities in different parts of the Philippines (Kamp Pagkakaisa, Gabayan, Pedia Camp, and others)... Congratulations for a JOB WELL DONE! And to all the people who helped and support us to make our summer camp for special children a reality, God bless us all!