HYC Cebu, Philippines: Steffi Cheong

If I had to sum up HYC Philippines in 5 words, it will be: Growth, Maturity, Spirituality, Gifts and Gratefulness.

This past youth corps has been an emotional roller coaster. I spent the first half of the year saving up for this trip and the other half, imagining its sights and scenes.

I went for my first youth corps when I was 17, in Chennai, India.
At that time, I was not very mature. Though I had much zeal, I was lacking in knowledge. I went there with a few of my best friends, expecting a good time, not expecting the way this trip would impact my life, more than I could imagine.

Moving on 2 years later, I thus decided to go on another youth corps. This time, alone. I was not with my best friends, and I made the choice to step out of my comfort zone. It was exciting to prepare for the trip, as I read the book of Luke, putting my heart through several rounds of hard questioning. I wanted to make sure my intentions were right and pure. I wanted to be able to give my 110% and leave Philippines without any regrets.

The first few days of the trip was tough as I battled insecurities of leading my own d-group, striving to be a servant as Jesus was, and being outwardly focused. I remember doing my quiet time on the first day about Jesus calming the storm in Luke 9:22, and I was reminded that on this boat through the stormy seas, Jesus is in it with me.

There are many things I have learnt on this trip but I would like to emphasize just one.

We were tasked to build a house in 3 days. Yes, a house.
It was cool to actually pick up a nail and a hammer and attempt to hold it all together. I say attempt, because half the time I was failing miserably, and needed to call for reinforcements. But Amen, God looks at the heart.

We had the privilege of spending three and a half days with Kuya (older brother in Tagalog) Renaldo, and his family (His wife, Ate Gazelle and his 3 children Jairo, Micky and Meljohn). We cooked with them, ate with them and set off for their home as early as 8.30 in the morning, leaving only when the sun had begun to set.

Kuya Renaldo’s family was one of the many families affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The typhoon had swept away their entire home. They had nowhere to go, living in the streets for a period of time, eventually settling at Renaldo’s mother in law’s place, already home to 5 other family members.

I spent a huge amount of my time playing with the kids and it was hard not to choose between favorites. The one kid that completely stole my heart was Ginny Rose.

Ginny, Ate Gazelle’s niece, is the most joyful 2 year old ever! She has the sweetest smile and I grew attached to her immediately. Her father was a cheat and had left her, her mother and her 3 month old brother for another woman.

I was drawn to her as I felt empathetic, instinctively desiring to protect her and making sure she grew up well. She would always run towards me when she saw me and fell asleep in my arms during lunch.

We had to say goodbye to Kuya Renaldo’s family on the 4th day, and we bought them presents because it was Christmas. We got all the children toys, a few clothing items as well as groceries for the rest of the family. I have never seen happier kids, literally screaming at the sight of their new toys, opening their eyes wide as they smiled from ear to ear.

The family was extremely grateful for the groceries and Ate Gazelle even cried when she received our gifts.

The most heartbreaking yet comforting thing to hear from Kuya Renaldo’s son, Micky, on the last day was “Ma, we have a house! Our house is so beautiful”

As I think about this experience, I feel extremely emotional. It was hard to say goodbye to this family, who trusted us with building their house and their children.

Going for this HYC was truly a stage of growth for me as I reevaluate my priorities and the things in my life that make me happy. So many times on the trip I caught myself being self-righteous and prideful. Back home I take my family for granted and complicate life.

It comforts me to know that as much as I do worry for Kuya Renaldo’s family, and love them to bits, God loves them more.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:32

I love that God’s grace renews for me daily because I know that I need his grace so badly. Through this HYC, my biggest take away is that it’s not the big steps that matter most but the baby steps that help you progress.

2016 is upon us, and I don’t know what God has in store for me. What I do know is that He loves me and will take care of me.
As I sit comfortably on my queen size bed and type all these things I am forced to remember that my journey is just about to begin. I want to live every day and do everything that will bring glory to God, where my treasures are stored in heaven. Even if these treasures in heaven do not exist, I will still seize the day, and make the days count! Carpe Diem!

I am still as imperfect as before. But I know that I’ll be living out the spirit of HYC daily, no matter where I am. I will love my family and do my best not to take them for granted, and I am back to be the change I want to see.