Hello, Kalinga staff and priests!
I am Le Chan Yu, from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños.
It’s my first time to be here (Big thanks to Ate Nirva).
Thank you, ate, for giving me the opportunity to serve and to share gifts to the people from these communities.
The approach is very different.
It takes “missionary-spirited” people (If there is such a term? Lol) to serve in the AJ Kalinga Center.
Second, you have to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong here.
Kung mahina ang loob, pangunawa, and pakikisama mo, baka malabong magtatagal tayo dito.
Third, is all about my hopes and aspirations for the community and the staff/volunteers.
I hope these people will see Christ in us, volunteers, and will feel and experience the love of Christ through us.
As Catholic Christians, we are all called to “love one another,” especially the poor.
Because in the poor, Jesus is present.
The phrase they read repeatedly on the wall, such as “Malinis na ako. Pahahalagahan ko ito. Magbabago ang buhay ko.” will be imprinted on their minds, hearts, bodies, and souls.
They will realize that they are not less of a person and knowing this will truly change them FOR THE BETTER.
So many things on my mind…
But I’ll just whisper these things in prayer.
Once again, thank you very much!
Love,
Chan