MANILA, Philippines—When I decided to apply for the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP), I knew there would be questions from my parents and friends about my decision to choose this path after graduation. I was moved during the JVP recruitment talk on volunteerism in our school. But I wanted to discern whether this mission was really meant for me.

Finally, there was a sign. So, I decided to apply and pursue my dream to join the volunteers who successfully shared their life with others. It was really a calling. I was a bit hesitant with this mission because I would be asked about my reason for pursuing volunteerism despite the demand for nurses abroad. But still, I followed the whisper in my heart.

It was a warm and humid day when I journeyed on June 2, 2008. Wearing our batch shirt and tubao (scarf) and carrying traveling and sling bags, I took a Victory Liner bus.

On the day I arrived in the far-flung place where I was assigned, I thought of quitting after I met some of my clients who looked at me as if they had seen an alien. My room had no cabinet for my clothes.

Days passed and I learned to love and appreciate the things that God had given for me to face: my area and the Aetas (they prefer to be called kulot). I loved the beautiful scenery of God’s creation in the area. It was surrounded by mountain ranges with green gigantic trees, fresh air and free-flowing water.

I was challenged to learn their dialect. I was dismayed because most of them use Tagalog and not their language, which was a shame. But it was to my advantage because I could easily get along with them: we could have good interaction.

In my first month, I was apprehensive about how the Aetas would allow me to be part of their community. I wasn’t sure of their reactions because I didn’t understand their dialect. I thought at first that they were backbiting me. But little by little, learning about their culture and beliefs helped overcome my apprehensions.

Good morning

Kuya Bonie, my area coordinator, oriented me about the life of Aetas. Soon, I felt at peace in my dwelling place. Later, I learned a little of the Zambal-Aeta dialect which the old ones taught me. I learned the usual Aeta greeting in the morning, Maganday mahambak! (Good morning!) and the elders would usually ask me, Kumustay kaena kana? (How are you, brother?) I would then reply, Mahampat (I’m fine).

I enjoyed trekking in the mountainous places, especially Phase 5 where I usually spent time with the Aetas. Here, most of the original kulot were housed in typical nipa houses made of bamboo and cogon. Phases 1 to 4 have mixed marriages between kulot and unat (non-Aeta).

I conduct home visits every Monday when Aeta students are around. Sunday is their market day. During weekdays, they usually go to their farm, gasak, where they plow the field, and plant vegetables and fruit-bearing trees.

Vital signs
I did nursing assessment and intervention, and took vital signs, especially blood pressure. I was tasked with managing the three community health workers who were trained by the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission Inc.

I regularly monitored the E-Pondo program, an emergency fund being managed by Ate Shisterly. I also regularly monitored the E-Coop Kalusugan store, managed by Rosalinda, and the health services at the satellite clinic of Ate Amorsola.

I assisted the mothers for the daily feeding program of their children. I taught daycare and Grade 1-6 students about health topics. I was so happy when I taught them how to properly wash their hands. They were so responsive and eager to learn this technique, which was something new to them.

Mother in labor

Once, I was called to attend to the needs of a mother in labor. I was nervous. My hands were trembling and my heart was beating fast while I ran to her house. I asked God’s grace and guidance as I handled the emergency case. I thoroughly assessed the patient. It was her first pregnancy and I found out that she had incomplete prenatal checkup.

I decided to refer the patient to a nearby hospital about 30 minutes away from the mountain. I really felt God’s presence at that time. That night I cried for the mission I chose.

It was really difficult to handle because nothing was on hand, especially for emergency cases that often happen in the community. I remembered what my clinical instructor had said about community health nursing—field work was the most challenging because one had to make first-aid interventions.

Empathy
I really felt God’s love as I deeply asked for his guidance, protection and forgiveness. I was comforted by his tremendous, constant, unconditional and boundless love. I am his instrument to be with these people, to give my first-aid-nursing interventions such as alleviating the pain of patients, giving comfort, treating the wounded and giving them empathy.

I know I am not alone in this journey. I have my batch mates who understand what I am going through. Together we experience volunteerism in different ways but our hearts are the same through sharing our service with God’s people.

I am about to end my mission. I will tremendously miss being a part of the kulot’s life. I will miss my students who are my playmates after their class, the parents who so generously share their vegetables and fruits when I conduct home visits, my co-staff in the foundation, and especially the JVP Foundation that has made a mark in my heart regarding the essence of volunteerism through charity work and being God’s servant to the people.

Life-changing

Indeed, it was a life-changing experience. But I know my journey will continue. I want to stress that even as I am geared to help the oppressed, the needy, the poor and the marginalized, serving the community as a nurse is a calling. I will face another chapter of my life. The memories gained from my volunteer year are priceless.

For interested men and women, the life of a volunteer may not be profitable but the life you will spend with others is a worthwhile experience. You will gain not only happiness for the fulfillment you give and share during the volunteer year but also moments to cherish. But remember that these unforgettable moments are milestones and that these are signs that you are loved by God.

(Tristan Rey Ebare is a member of JVP Batch 29. He was assigned as a health coordinator in the Aeta resettlement area in Subic, Zambales. He wrote this reflection while he was still a volunteer.)