Michael S. Campos — Traveling with students to the other side of the globe brings with it constant stress and worry for their safety and well-being. The way this group gelled, however, allayed these concerns early in the trip for me.
While I could talk at length about the way these students faced their fears swimming with whale sharks in the open ocean, jumping through canyons, hobbling along rickety boat planks, and navigating Manila’s and Cebu’s busy streets, I was most moved by their openness—to new foods, to trying out Tagalog and Cebuano words, dancing and karaoke-ing their way across the archipelago, and finally encountering their Sacred Heart siblings at Sophie’s Farm as one of their own.
My gratitude to President Krejcarek and Rena Franco for the vision and heart behind this pilgrimage. Cor unum, indeed.
Michelle Wong — I was most impressed by how students were able to dive into the experience with an open mind. They were not afraid to try different things. I admired how respectfully they interacted with local students at Sophie’s Farm.
I am grateful for having experienced this trip with the students and other faculty members. The Farm was so different from everything I imagined it to be. But most of all, I was so happy to have connected with these high school students in a way that my limited interactions with them at school would never have allowed.
Hector Flores — Visiting Sophie’s Farm the second time around gave me a different view of the trip. I was so happy to see Sr. Lydia and the Farm staff again and they were also excited to see me. A big moment for me was having been asked by Sr. Lydia to drive all over Catarman. I never thought that I would be able to drive like a local in the Philippines!
Like Ms. Wong, I don’t get the chance to interact with students a lot. But these kids welcomed, engaged with, and made me part of the group. By the end of the trip, we were comfortable with each other. They got to know me in a different way from the
Mr. Flores they know at the engineering department.
The most important part of this experience is the chance to spend this time with my son, Dylan. While we gave each other space, I was impressed by how he grew and opened himself to a different culture. I want to give a huge thanks to President Krejcarek for this opportunity.
Rena Franco — I really wanted to showcase the Philippines and have the kids experience working at Sophie’s Farm. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Sr. Lydia and the Farm community well. I wanted the kids to meet them.
I organized the itinerary of this trip in the same way that I plan trips for my own children. After this week, I now have 21 kids. My heart is full each time I see them having fun, filled with excitement, and moved to gratitude. And I count among my greatest achievements having gotten Ethan “agree” to a new do 🙂
I am grateful that we are returning without too many mishaps. We all return home exhausted, but having fulfilled our mission as a school of the Sacred Heart. We hope to do this again in two years.
Convent & Stuart Hall Travel 