Are you looking for a unique family volunteering experience…say in the Philippines? Read about a volunteer, Jenny Trusa’s week-long volunteer experience in Nueva Ecija, with her family. From renovating classrooms and baking Filipino bread to cooking traditional meals at a local children’s home, here is her day-by-day reflection on how voluntourism with kids transformed her perspective on gratitude, community, and connection.
Good day!
My name is Jenny Trusa, and I am thrilled to share our incredible volunteer experience in Nueva Ecija last week. My family and I had the privilege of dedicating our time and efforts to a meaningful cause, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.
First and foremost, Don, our daughters, and I had an absolutely wonderful volunteer trip; it was enriching, inspiring, and filled with joy. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by our dedicated coordinator, Ge-ge, and her lovely family, who hosted us in their home. Their kindness and generosity made a lasting impression on us.
We cannot thank Ge-ge enough for her incredible hospitality and excellent coordination. She went above and beyond to ensure that our experience was seamless and enjoyable. Not only was she incredibly organized, but she also treated us with genuine warmth and kindness, making us feel at home every single day. Her family embraced us wholeheartedly, caring for our daughters as if they were their own, something Don and I deeply appreciated.
Throughout our stay, we were touched by the warmth and sincerity of the entire community. The people we met were kind, welcoming, and full of life. Their generosity and hospitality made us feel like family, and the bonds we formed will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Our time in Nueva Ecija was documented through a series of reflections and experiences, each of which deepened our appreciation for the power of kindness, gratitude, and connection.
Here’s a glimpse into our journey:
**DAY 1 – Gratitude Snapshot**
🗣 *Name one thing for which you are grateful.*
As a family, we are incredibly grateful for the better lifestyle we have and the opportunity to give back. Our children, ages 7 and 9, were especially thankful to meet our host family and be welcomed with open arms into the local community. They were overjoyed to make new friends, play traditional games, and experience the kindness and generosity of the local children. Seeing them laugh and play so freely reminded us how human connection transcends borders and backgrounds.
**Day 2 – Moments That Mattered**
🗣 *Describe a moment from today that made you smile or feel something deeply.*
Today, while working at a school project site, painting classrooms and constructing blackboards. We were struck by the reality of the school’s condition. The chairs were broken, the classroom was scorching hot despite having three electric fans, and yet the children were so happy, so full of joy. They didn’t complain. They embraced their circumstances with contentment, and that moved us deeply.
Our kids spent the day playing with local children, running around as if they had known each other forever. The pure and simple happiness on their faces made our hearts so full. It reminded us that joy isn’t about material things; it’s found in the connections we make and the love we share.
**Day 3 – Acts of Kindness**
🗣 *What’s one kind thing you saw someone do today or that you did for someone else?*
Today, we baked traditional Filipino bread and distributed it to the community. It was a small gesture, but seeing people’s faces light up as they received a warm piece of bread was deeply fulfilling. It reminded us that kindness doesn’t have to be grand it can be as simple as sharing food, offering a smile, or making someone feel valued.
What touched us even more was how the locals, even those with little to spare, shared their own small acts of kindness. Whether it was helping a neighbor carry groceries or offering a kind word, generosity flowed so naturally among them.
**Day 4 – Personal Growth Check-In**
🗣 *What challenged you today? How did you grow because of it?*
Visiting the orphanage was an eye-opening experience. We met 23 beautiful children, each full of hope and joy despite the hardships they face. We wanted to do something special for them, so we prepared lunch meals. The biggest challenge was cooking using the traditional *Kalan de Uling*, an earthenware stove where firewood or charcoal is used instead of gas. Getting the fire going and strong enough to cook was difficult, but with the guidance of our wonderful host family, we made it happen!
It turned into a fun bonding moment; we cooked as a team, laughed through the struggles, and finally served *adobong baboy* (pork adobo), the children’s favorite Filipino dish. Their excitement and gratitude made every effort worthwhile. Today, we learned that challenges can turn into beautiful memories when faced with patience, teamwork, and a shared purpose.
**Day 5 – Local Lens**
🗣 *What’s one thing you admired or learned from the local community today?*
One of the most beautiful things we witnessed in the local community was their unwavering kindness. Despite life’s challenges, they continuously show up for one another, offering support and warmth without hesitation.
From the very first day, we felt like family, even though we had just met. The people here genuinely care about each other’s well-being, creating a strong sense of togetherness. It’s a place where neighbors look after each other, where smiles and laughter are abundant, and where generosity flows effortlessly.
We also admired how safe and peaceful it felt, walking through the streets, we could feel the trust and love woven into the fabric of the community. It’s a powerful reminder that a strong and connected community is one of the greatest gifts in life.
**Day 6 – Beyond the Self**
🗣 *How did today’s experience shift your perspective about the world or your place in it?*
Our experiences over the past days have shifted our perspective in a way we never expected. We realize now how truly fortunate we are. Not just in what we have, but in the opportunities we’ve been given. Meeting people who live with so much joy despite having less has humbled us beyond words.
We’ve learned that happiness doesn’t come from material wealth but from a heart full of love, gratitude, and connection. The world feels bigger and yet more intimate now; we see it not as separate places but as one shared home, where kindness and generosity bridge all differences.
We leave this experience with hearts full and a renewed commitment to living with more compassion, gratitude, and openness.
**Day 7 – Forward Thinking**
🗣 *What’s one small change you’d like to bring into your life back home as a result of this experience?*
One change we want to bring into our lives is a deeper, daily appreciation for what we have. Seeing families who live with less, yet radiate happiness, reminded us that we should never take anything for granted.
We want to simplify our lives, spend more time together, give more freely, and build stronger connections in our own community. We also want to teach our children that kindness, gratitude, and human connection are far more important than possessions.
This experience has changed us, and we hope to carry this newfound perspective into our everyday lives, making small but meaningful changes that will last a lifetime. – Volunteer Jenny Trusa
Ready to head to the Philippines with family? Learn more here!
