To all my loyal and beautiful followers

Firstly I would like to take this moment to say; I hope you had a fantastic Christmas with lots of sumptuous Food and beautiful presents from that extraordinary magical man. our one and only “Santa Claus.”

This year has been a very different Christmas from what I usually celebrate. Very out of the ordinary but possibly the most rewarding and the biggest lesson I have ever learnt in life.

On November the 8th of this year, in the early morning hours, Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda to the Philippine people, made landfall on the Philippines. It brought in its wake indescribable damage, destruction and desolation. More horrific than one could ever possibly imagine.

On reading the terrible reports and seeing the horrendous images coming through on the breaking news, I knew that I had to do something to help. Straight away, I consulted with my dear friend “Mr Google”, who pointed me in the direction of the organization “All Hands”, whose website stated that they were looking for volunteers in several areas, including the Philippines. On reading that they were a worldwide N.G.O. that worked in many of the disaster areas around the globe, I felt pretty confident that they would be a good organization. Consequently, I promptly filled in their application form and prepared myself to wait for a reply. On being pleasantly surprised by their rapid response and acceptance of my solicitation, and after a few formalities, I alias “Backpacker Granny” was on her way to Ormoc in Leyte island, where “All Hands” have one of their bases.

My journey started by flying to Manila, the capital of the Philippine Islands, where I spent a night catching up with other backpackers and checking out the scene. The city is a mixture of luxurious hotels and extreme poverty, but I didn’t have much time to explore with only one evening, so I can’t tell you much more. The next day I flew to Cebu and caught the fast ferry (NOT so fast as it was more than an hour delayed!!!) over to Leyte Island. I took a motor-taxi to my base situated on the outskirts of Ormoc city; I might mention that my sweet motor-taxi driver charged me 60 pesos when the standard fare is only 8 pesos, but that’s what happens when you are new to the place! On reflection, I have to admit that 60 pesos are only 0.82£, so no big deal! I doubt it will put my bank account in the red! And anyway, the poor little guy most probably needed a few extra pesos.

On arrival at the “All Hands” base, Katy, one of the managers on-site, was waiting for me. She kindly showed me around, filled me in on the rules and regulations and left me to choose which one of the dorms I wanted to occupy. So far, so good. In the evening, I met up and joined with the other volunteers for supper and then attended the daily meeting, where they informed everyone on what duties and work they had for the following day. It reminded me of those pretty boring timeshare meetings.

The first day with “All Hands”, I found myself on a team of six whose job was to help clear away rocks, half-destroyed walls, rubble and fallen trees from a massive piece of land at the back of our quarters! which seemingly would be designated to house tents for more volunteers. We worked on this land for several days. I started to ask myself what we were doing to help the poor starving people who had no homes? Especially as there was more than enough room at the base!

My doubts began to grow when another group of volunteers on a different project told me that they had been several days clearing the debris and waste from a huge mansion! Why would people who are wealthy enough to own an estate need volunteers to clear their rubble? Surely they would give the work to the local people that would help them earn a few coins to eat!

After the land clearing, I moved to housekeep! But as it was early days, I tried to keep an open mind! Oh whoopee, clean toilets, clean kitchen, living areas, now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind doing chores, and it is was a respite from the scorching sun and hefting rubble, rocks and trees. However, I still couldn’t see how I was of assistance to the needy Philippine people.

As with everything in life, there are always good days and bad days. The base is located directly in front of the Ormoc District Hospital. The locals call it the O.D.H., where the Canadian and Philippine Red Cross are collaborating. Two of the more enterprising volunteers decided to speak to them about our helping out at the hospital. With a few long faces from the A.H. management, but to my delight, I found myself joining the group, and together, we worked for several days clearing out the basement and the first floor, which the typhoon had ravaged. It was hard work washing, scrubbing, and disinfecting the floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Still, thanks to our efforts, we had the heartwarming moment of seeing the patients allocated into the sparkling clean wards. No longer would the pregnant women be giving birth along the hallways before of all and sundry, now they could have the very much-needed privacy to bring their babies into the world. For the first time since arriving in Leyte island, I truly felt I had made a slight difference.

I would have loved to have continued at the hospital, which desperately needed all the help they could get. But I wasn’t allowed.

The poignant words below I dedicate to the People of this incredible country.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

My next assignment was to go with the assessment team, which means visiting the villages and assessing the families’ needs and how we could help them. This organization does not rebuild as they do not have the materials or the know-how. They can only clear away the rubble and make the dwellings safer by removing any dangerous obstacles, knocking down walls, and eliminating hanging debris. Unfortunately, most people desperately need assistance in rebuilding their homes. Being a people’s person, I would have enjoyed this part of the volunteer program if I could have been of more help. Seeing the stark truth of the disaster and interacting with the locals touched my heart whilst at the same time, I felt so sad and frustrated that it wasn’t within my power to do very much for them.

Volunteering for a positive cause is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things anyone can do. Life is not about how much money, jewels, or properties you possess; it is about giving your heart and help to all the people you meet along the way. No matter where you are, there is always somebody who needs an outstretched hand, a warm smile and hope to carry on.

I would not recommend “All Hands”, but should you decide to volunteer with them, let me tell you that there are stringent codes of behaviour and conduct. They enforce Curfew hours, and they will firmly reprimand you if you do not abide by their rules. For most of the time I was there, we were without water, electricity or WI FI. The hours and days are long, and the work is hard. Sunday is the one day you have off. They rationed the food to tiny portions with no second helpings, and please don’t expect fruit or anything like that. Some of the staff are very pleasant and helpful, but others can be insufferable. Sadly, I witnessed the project manager dreadfully reprimanding a group of Volunteers, which I found unacceptable and was the deciding factor for me abandoning “All Hands”. Volunteers are not Scumbags; they are respectable, caring, and kind people who have given up their time to fly to the Philippines with one purpose in mind, and that is to give unpaid HELP! They merit the utmost respect and consideration at all times. Anyone who cannot treat Volunteers with the esteem they deserve should most certainly not be a staff member at any organization anywhere.

I will return to the Philippines later on in the year with a different company. In the meantime, it remains for me to say a huge and enormous “Thank You” to the Philippine people who welcomed me with open arms and have made me feel I was doing so much when it was very little.